Prenup: Cyprus + UAE

Cyprus: A contract regulating the consequences of a future divorce is void: an agreement in restraint of marriage is contrary to public policy (Contract Law Cap. 149, s. 26A). UAE: Under the civil regime for non-Muslims the agreement attaches to marriage registration (Art. 6 of Federal Decree-Law 41/2022; in Abu Dhabi — Emirate Law 14/2021); for Muslims the personal-status framework and mahr apply. Several legal systems are involved — one document will not cover them all. The working construction: an anchor contract in the principal jurisdiction plus mirror texts where the key assets sit, backed by local counsel opinions.

In the EU, fix the choice of law inside the contract (Regulation 2016/1103): the law of either spouse’s citizenship or habitual residence. Without a choice, the regime follows the first common residence — and migrates with you unpredictably.

Cyprus: The division under Law 232/1991 (share in the increase, a rebuttable one-third contribution presumption — s. 14(2), two-year limitation) is mandatory and cannot be contracted out; only a settlement concluded after separation is recognised. UAE: Property and the financial terms of the marriage; maintenance arrangements remain subject to court control.

Full asset disclosure annexed to the contract — the main anchor against future challenge. Independent counsel for each side; one adviser for both is the classic line of attack. Translations and legalisation: every version with a notarised translation and apostille for its jurisdiction of use.

Cyprus: Void just like a prenup; couples with a Cyprus nexus anchor the contract in another involved jurisdiction. UAE: The civil regime does not expressly provide for postnups — their status is uncertain; that is exactly why the anchor contract is made in an established jurisdiction.