How do I get a divorce certificate in Bahrain?

01Choose the certificate route that matches your case

Bahrain publishes separate services for a divorce by agreement, a divorce based on a final court judgment and proof that a divorce continues. Start with the reason you need the document, then open the matching service page.

The agreement service covers registration before the judge and a divorce that took place outside court when both parties agree. The judgment service is for issuing the document from a final court ruling. The proof service has a narrower purpose: it confirms continuation of the divorce on the issue date through witness testimony.

02Prepare an application when both parties agree

For the agreement route, prepare the original marriage contract and the original identity cards of both parties. Keep clear copies ready for the email attachment, but take the originals when the Ministry schedules attendance.

The official page says the service can register and declare the divorce before the judge or register an agreed divorce that occurred outside court. It lists a published process time of 8 working days.

1. Open the Ministry forms section and choose the relevant application form.
2. Print the form, complete it by hand and attach the required documents.
3. Email the form and documents to the Sharia Procedures Department.
4. Wait for the phone call that sets the court attendance date.
5. Attend with the original documents so the relevant judge can approve the process.

03Apply when you already have a final court judgment

Use the judgment route when a final court ruling is the basis for the certificate. The required file is different from the agreement route, so do not send only the identity cards and marriage contract.

Prepare the marriage contract, divorce ruling, certificate of non-appeal and completed application form. The service page states 8 working days as the process time.

04Use proof of divorce for confirmation of continuing status

The proof service is not described as a replacement for the original divorce document. Its official purpose is to prove that the divorce continues as of the certificate issue date, based on witness testimony.

Prepare a copy of the marriage contract and the original divorce certificate, or a copy approved by the judge. You also need two competent adult witnesses and identity card copies for the divorcees and witnesses. Add a Bahraini contact number so the department can communicate with you.

1. Combine the completed form and required documents into a PDF file.
2. Include the Bahraini contact number requested on the service page.
3. Send the file to the Sharia Procedures Department email.
4. Check for the email acknowledging receipt of a correctly submitted application.
5. Keep both witnesses available for the attendance stage.

05Prepare foreign documents before submission

Foreign documents must be certified by Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and translated into Arabic. Complete this step before assembling the application so the email contains the version the service requires.

Keep the certified document and Arabic translation together in the same application folder. Use simple filenames that state what each file contains, and keep the originals ready for attendance.

06Send the application and prepare for attendance

The official workflow tells applicants to choose the relevant form, print it, complete it by hand and attach the required documents. The form and documents go to [email protected].

After submission, the applicant is contacted by phone to set a court attendance date for approval by the relevant judge. Make sure the phone number in your application works and keep the originals together before that call arrives.

The Sharia Transactions Services Center lists working hours from 07:30 to 14:00. The contact number is 17513729. Use the number for an official clarification about the correct form or attendance arrangement.

1. Match your situation to the correct service.
2. Download and complete the relevant Ministry form by hand.
3. Prepare the documents listed for that route.
4. Certify and translate foreign documents where applicable.
5. Email the form and attachments to the official address.
6. Answer the scheduling call and attend with the original papers.

07What the official pages don't say

The agreement page states 8 working days. The court judgment page also states 8 working days. The proof page states 8 working days. The attendance date is set by phone. Plan around that call instead of choosing a travel date from the process-time line alone.

The pages explain the document route and attendance stage. They do not give advice about which divorce route a person should pursue. If your question concerns starting a divorce case rather than obtaining a certificate, ask the Ministry which court service applies to your circumstances.

08FAQs

How long does a Bahrain divorce certificate take?

The agreement service page states 8 working days. The court judgment page states 8 working days. The proof page states 8 working days. Court attendance is scheduled separately by phone.

Can I apply for a Bahrain divorce certificate by email?

Yes. The official workflow says to email the completed form and documents to [email protected].

Which documents are needed after a court judgment?

Prepare the marriage contract, divorce ruling, certificate of non-appeal and completed application form.

Do foreign divorce documents need Arabic translation?

Yes. Foreign documents must be certified by Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and translated into Arabic.

What is a proof of divorce certificate in Bahrain?

It confirms that the divorce continues as of the certificate issue date based on witness testimony.

What is the Sharia Transactions Services Center phone number?

The Ministry lists 17513729. It gives working hours from 07:30 to 14:00.

09Official sources

• Issuance of a divorce certificate by agreement
• Issuance of a divorce certificate based on a court judgment
• Proof of divorce certificate
• Family Courts services
• Ministry forms

Official details checked 16 October 2026.