If you’re an expat considering divorce, you might be tempted to return to your home country as you’re more familiar with the process and understand how it works. However, you should not overlook the benefits of divorce in the UAE – despite the cultural, religious, and legal differences between it and your home state, the chances are that you can still divorce in a timely manner and move on with your life. Below, we’ve put together some things to note…
The process is fast
If you’ve decided that you want to get divorced, it’s worthwhile considering doing so in your new country of residence. Indeed, getting divorced in the UAE is a relatively straightforward process, and both Emiratis and expats can expect a divorce certificate in less than a month. The process commonly involves counseling, settlement figures, and court appearances, but hiring a lawyer in Dubai can help you save time and avoid any unnecessary setbacks.
Deciding on a reason
One of the most important things you need to consider is why you’re initiating divorce proceedings – you’ll need to meet requirements set out in UAE law. There’s no period of separation required before divorcing, though you must have been a resident in the country for at least six months. It’s good to note that you can apply for a divorce whatever your religion or nationality. Some of the most common reasons for divorcing include adultery, abuse, and desertion – and there are other legal grounds for divorce such as mental incapacity, disability, and non-payment of dowry. Review your options with your lawyer.
Rules on visas depend
One reason why many couples fear getting divorced in the UAE is that they’ll lose their visa and have to return home, but the truth is that it isn’t always the case. The good news is that you won’t need to leave the country automatically, though if you have a spousal visa, the chances are that you’ll forfeit it as part of your divorce. It’s worth looking into the UAE’s new visa for female divorcees – it allows them to stay in the UAE for a year after the divorce, and it can be extended for two years, giving you time to secure a permanent visa on your own.
The cost
Finally, the big one: how much does a divorce cost in the UAE? Though it depends on your circumstances, it costs between 5,000 and 25,000 AED for an amicable divorce, and that figure can climb up to 100,000 AED if you run into problems. If you’re concerned about the cost, it’s worth speaking to your lawyer and discussing your options before you trigger the proceedings – if you’re both on the same terms, it can save you serious time and money.
Do you have any questions? Leave them in the comments and check back soon for more.
