Affidavit Of Cohabitant Template for the United Arab Emirates
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What is a Affidavit Of Cohabitant?
The Affidavit of Cohabitant has become increasingly relevant in the UAE following the 2020 legal reforms that modernized personal status laws and decriminalized unmarried cohabitation. This document is particularly important for expatriates living in the UAE who need to formally declare their living arrangements for various purposes such as visa applications, housing contracts, or employer requirements. The affidavit serves as an official record that can be used to demonstrate the nature of the relationship and shared living arrangement to authorities, employers, or other relevant parties. It typically includes detailed information about both parties, their relationship status, living arrangements, and may also cover financial arrangements or emergency contact authorizations. The document must be properly executed and notarized in accordance with UAE legal requirements to be considered valid.
About the Affidavit Of Cohabitant
An Affidavit of Cohabitant is a sworn legal declaration that formally documents your unmarried cohabitation arrangement in the United Arab Emirates. This document has gained significant importance since the 2020 legal reforms that modernized UAE personal status laws, making it a crucial tool for couples who need official recognition of their living arrangement without marriage.
When do you need this document?
You'll need an Affidavit of Cohabitant when applying for dependent visas, as many UAE employers and immigration authorities require proof of your relationship status for visa sponsorship purposes. Housing providers often request this documentation when couples apply for rental agreements, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi where landlords need to verify tenant relationships. Insurance companies may require the affidavit to add your partner to health or life insurance policies, and banks might request it for joint account applications or mortgage applications. The document is also essential if you're planning to purchase property together or need to establish legal authority for medical decisions during emergencies.
Key legal considerations
Your affidavit must include comprehensive personal information for both parties, including full legal names, nationalities, passport or Emirates ID details, and current UAE addresses. The document should clearly describe the nature and duration of your relationship, your shared living arrangements, and any financial responsibilities or arrangements between you. Consider including provisions for emergency decision-making authority, as this can be crucial if one partner faces a medical emergency. Be aware that false declarations in an affidavit constitute perjury under UAE law and can result in serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment. The affidavit should also specify how long the arrangement is intended to last and under what circumstances it might be terminated.
Legal requirements in United Arab Emirates
Under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 15 of 2020, cohabitation between unmarried couples is legal, but proper documentation remains important for administrative purposes. Your affidavit must be notarized by a UAE-licensed notary public or attested by the relevant UAE government authority to be legally valid. Both parties must sign the document in the presence of the notary, and you'll need to provide valid identification such as passports and Emirates IDs. The UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985) governs the legal framework for such declarations, requiring them to be clear, unambiguous, and made voluntarily without coercion. Some emirates may have additional requirements, so check with local authorities about specific procedures in your jurisdiction. Keep in mind that while cohabitation is decriminalized, certain cultural sensitivities remain, and the document should be drafted professionally and respectfully.
GOVERNING LAW
Applicable law
This Affidavit Of Cohabitant is drafted to comply with United Arab Emirates law. Key legislation includes:
UAE Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 (Civil Code): Governs civil transactions and provides framework for legal declarations and affidavits in the UAE
UAE Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 (Personal Status Law): Regulates family matters and personal status issues, which may impact cohabitation arrangements and rights
UAE Federal Law No. 6 of 1973 (Immigration Law): Relevant for visa and residency considerations of cohabiting partners, especially if one partner is sponsoring the other
UAE Penal Code (Federal Law No. 3 of 1987): Contains provisions related to public morality and behavior, which may still be relevant in the context of cohabitation
UAE Federal Law No. 4 of 2013 (Notary Public Law): Governs the authentication and notarization of legal documents including affidavits
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