Marriage of Expatriates: A Complete Guide to Finding a Groom or Bride Safely, at Home and Abroad

The marriage of expatriate brothers and sisters is a social reality today. Because of living abroad for a long time, many do not have the time to come home and look for a bride or groom. And there are many cases of being cheated after meeting online. In this article, practical guidance is given for moving ahead in a safe and Shariah-compliant way.

First remember

O young people! Whoever among you has the means to marry should marry. — (Sahih al-Bukhari 5066; Sahih Muslim 1400)

Living alone abroad increases the risk of haram relationships. So, if you have the means, not delaying marriage needlessly is the teaching of the Sunnah. See Delayed marriage and how to avoid sin.

The path step by step

1. A trusted channel: look for a bride through family, a scholar or a trusted institution.
2. Verification: verify the bride's / groom's NID, education, family and previous marital history through independent sources (Choosing a groom, Choosing a bride).
3. Meeting in person: if possible, come home and meet in the Shariah way (Marriage proposals and meeting).
4. Istikhara and consultation: (Istikhara).
5. Nikah and registration: if the nikah is held at home, have the Kabinnama prepared; if abroad, first check how registration at home will be done (The Nikahnama and marriage registration).

Video calls and online contact

A limited and purposeful video call (in the presence of guardians) can in some cases be a means of verification. But be careful about private talk, late-night conversations and exchanging photos.

Nikah through a representative

In fiqh the ruling on completing a nikah by appointing a wakil (representative) is discussed. The presence of witnesses, confirmation of the parties' identity and a clear completion of ijab-qabul are essential. For a detailed fatwa on this, turn to a learned local mufti (Pillars and conditions of marriage).

Signs to avoid fraud

• Avoiding meeting in person or being introduced to the family.
• Asking for money, gifts or visa costs even before the marriage.
• Inconsistency about their marital status or profession.
• Unusual pressure to marry quickly.
• Avoiding legal paperwork.

Mahr and papers

Fix the mahr clearly (Mahr), preserve the Kabinnama, and if copies / translations are needed for use abroad, keep them ready in advance.

The rights of the wife of an expatriate husband

Even if the husband is abroad, it is the husband's responsibility to provide the wife's maintenance, safe housing, regular contact and to meet her emotional needs (The mutual rights of husband and wife). If the wife suffers because of a long absence, take the advice of scholars; if you think of a second marriage, first consider justice and the legal steps (Conditions of a second marriage).

Planning a marriage during an expatriate groom's leave

If you marry while home on leave, there is little time, so prepare in advance:

1. Complete the introduction and verification before the leave through the family.
2. Keep the papers in order — NID, passport, documents proving marital status abroad.
3. Set the dates of nikah and registration in the middle of the leave, so that unexpected delay can be absorbed.
4. Arrangements for the wife after marriage — fix the plan for housing, expenses and contact in advance.

Taking the wife abroad after marriage

Visa and accommodation rules vary by country. A registered proof of marriage, birth registration, medical and financial proof etc. may be needed. First check the instructions of the relevant embassy or immigration authority (Registration and papers).

Contact of an expatriate husband with his wife and family

• Fix the times of regular phone / video contact; keep the time-zone difference in mind.
• Send the monthly expense money regularly and as fixed.
• Make sure someone is by the wife's side for her health, safety and emotional needs.
• If the wife suffers because of a long absence, find a solution through discussion (Rights of husband and wife).

For expatriate women

Women living abroad (for study, work or with family) should be careful about the wali's role and safety in marriage. If a proposal comes from afar, verify the person's identity through a reliable relative or scholar (The role of the wali (guardian)).

Advice on choosing a platform

To understand which matrimony site is how good for expatriates, you may see our updated list. Remember, no list is final; verifying yourself is essential.

Our method

At IMB, for both local and expatriate applicants, at least one in-person visit to the office is required before membership is finalised; its purpose is verification and safety. To learn more, contact us.