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Important Procedures for Marriage and Divorce of Foreigners, Expats, and Residents in Jordan
In a rapidly changing world, where the internet and social media have shortened distances between peoples, international relationships and marriages between different nationalities have become common and impactful on family and social life. With the increasing cases of marriages and divorces between Arabs and foreigners, and between expats and residents in Jordan, there is an urgent need for clear and precise understanding of the legal and Sharia procedures governing these relationships.
Completing a marriage or divorce contract without knowing the correct procedures may lead to rejection of the application or complex legal issues, while adhering to Jordanian laws and Islamic Sharia guarantees the rights of both parties and ensures the contract is officially recognized inside and outside Jordan.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive and clear guide to everything you need to know to complete marriage and divorce procedures for foreigners, expats, and residents in Jordan, step by step, with a focus on legal and Sharia details often overlooked by many parties.
- Differentiating Between Legal Cases
a. If both parties are foreigners:
Both parties must have physically entered Jordan.
Each must have a personal number issued by the Residency and Borders Department.
Marriage cannot be arranged through power of attorney only if neither has entered Jordan previously.
⚠️ Submitting the application without fulfilling this requirement often leads to rejection, even if a personal number has been issued, as having the number does not necessarily guarantee approval for the marriage contract.
b. If one party is Jordanian:
Marriage procedures can proceed even if the foreign party has not entered Jordan, provided:
A personal number is obtained for the foreign party.
This number is used when applying for Ministry of Interior approval and completing other procedures.
⚠️ However, approval is not always guaranteed, as rejection may occur due to special instructions or security considerations.
Special approvals may be required, such as in cases of a large age difference, where marriage cannot proceed if the groom is more than twenty years older than the bride without judicial verification of her consent. - Required Documents for Marriage
a. Legal Power of Attorney:
If the bride is a virgin and has never been married:
A power of attorney from her and her legal guardian is required.
Marriage cannot proceed by her individual will.
If the bride has been previously married:
The father’s presence in the power of attorney is not required.
She has the right to marry herself, with consideration of age differences and judicial approval after verifying her consent.
The power of attorney must explicitly include:
Deferred and prompt dowry amounts.
Statement of dowry receipt or non-receipt.
Any other conditions agreed upon by both parties.
b. Medical Examination:
Can be conducted in the country where both parties reside.
The report is sent to Jordan for validation and transcription at a government health center.
Once officially stamped, it becomes valid and recognized by Jordanian Sharia courts.
c. Certificate of No Impediment:
A document proving the bride is not married.
If divorced, the official divorce certificate must be attached after completing all authentication stages.
d. Social Status Documents:
Such as a single status certificate or proof of unmarried status.
Previous divorce or marriage documents, authenticated according to official procedures. - Approvals Required by Some Countries for Marrying a Foreigner
a. Countries Requiring Pre-Approval (Marriage Permit):
These countries require official state approval before marrying a foreigner:
Saudi Arabia
Qatar
Kuwait
Yemen
Bahrain
Oman
Malaysia
Philippines
France
United Arab Emirates
Approval is usually required in specific cases, often concerning the marriage of a female citizen to a foreigner, in accordance with local personal status laws and regulations.
b. Countries Requiring Approval Only for Subsequent Marriages:
These countries do not require prior approval for a first marriage but do for subsequent marriages, polygamous arrangements, or in special cases:
Morocco
Algeria
Tunisia
Egypt
Legal Note:
Pre-approval requirements vary depending on marital status (first marriage or subsequent), the nationality of the other party, and the administrative instructions in each country.
Failure to obtain the required approvals may result in:
Rejection of marriage registration in the foreigner’s home country.
Non-recognition of the contract despite its legal validity in Jordan.
Complications in residence, civil status, or nationality procedures. - Competent Court
If one party resides in Jordan: the competent court is based on the bride’s place of residence.
If both parties are foreigners: the competent court is the Amman Sharia Court – Authentication Department (Judicial Council). - Can a Marriage Contract Be Rejected?
Yes, marriage may be rejected in cases such as:
Security restrictions or considerations.
Unclear reasons for choosing Jordan as the marriage location.
Missing or incorrect documents.
⚠️ Note: Security review or inquiry does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing. - Authentication of Marriage Contract and International Recognition
The Jordanian marriage contract is legally recognized in most Arab and foreign countries.
Steps for authentication:
Authentication by the Judicial Council.
Authentication by the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
After authentication, the contract is officially recognized domestically and internationally. - Civil Status and Passports Department
Changing social status is done through a separate application at the Civil Status Department.
If one spouse is Jordanian, a family book must be issued to register children later. - Important Legal Advice
Begin marriage procedures at least two months before the planned date.
Prepare documents accurately from the start to save time and avoid delays.
Reviewing the Ministry of Interior or relevant authorities is a standard procedure.
It is preferable for the person to be present in Jordan, as a power of attorney does not authorize the agent to handle security departments.
Conclusion
Most challenges faced by foreigners and expats in marriage or divorce in Jordan stem from lack of information, missing authenticated documents, or misunderstanding of procedures, which can be avoided with specialized legal consultation from the start.
📍 Website: https://aljarrahlawyer.com
📞 Phone & WhatsApp: 00962792101164