Service Directory
Marriage in the Kingdom of Bahrain (non-Bahrainis)
This service involves the finalizing of a marriage contract in the Kingdom of Bahrain whether one or both of the parties are non-Bahraini.
Service Conditions
- Foreign documents must be certified by the Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs and translated into Arabic.
Required Attachments
- Proof of the relevant country’s approval for a non-Bahraini to perform a marriage contract (particularly for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Turkey, and the Philippines)
- A premarital examination certificate for both parties (if one of the parties is Bahraini)
- Proof from the country of the foreign fiancée concerning their marital status
- The presence of the betrothed, the guardian of the fiancée and two witnesses
- Copies of the personal identifications of the betrothed, the guardian of the fiancée and two witnesses
- Copies of the passports of the betrothed
- The residency of one of the betrothed in the Kingdom of Bahrain
- If married previously, the relevant party is required to submit documents confirming marital status
- Original work approval for Bahrain Defence Force or other security service personnel
Legal Regulations
- Ministerial Resolution No. (1) of 2016 regarding the bylaw of marriage officers and the provisions of the attestation of documents related to personal status affairs
- Decision No. (3) of 2004 issued by the Minister of Health regarding the rules, controls and procedures for the medical examination of those who are about to marry of both sexes
- Family Law
- Article (17) of the Judicial Authority Law issued in October 2002
- Decree-Law No. (14) of 1971 regarding notarization
Process Time
- 8 Working Days
Service Provider
Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf
Service Processes
- Go to the website of the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf https://www.moj.gov.bh and access the service entitled “forms”. Choose the relevant application form. Print the application form, fill it out by hand, and attach the required documents. Send the form and documents to the email of the Sharia Procedures Department (Obligations): shareya.prosedures@MOJ.GOV.BH
- Fill out the application form by visiting the official website of the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Awqaf – under the Forms section.
- Complete the form manually and attach the required documents in a single PDF file.
- Send the completed form via email to the Department of Sharia Procedures, including a Bahraini phone number for contact.
- After verifying the application and ensuring all required documents are submitted, an appointment will be scheduled to process and receive the requested service via SMS notifications.
- The request is presented to the competent judge and upon approval, an appointment is set to come to complete the marriage at the Sharia Procedures Department in the Sharia Judicial Building in Riffa - Al Hunainiya.
