Estate Planning in the UAE
from AED 7 500
We provide high-quality estate planning services to ensure your assets are legally protected and properly recorded.
Foreign investors in the UAE are strongly advised to register a will to avoid automatic application of Sharia inheritance laws in case of death. Without a registered will, local laws may affect asset distribution and guardianship of children.
Why a Will is Essential in the UAE
- Guaranteed execution of your wishes: Registered wills override default intestacy rules, ensuring your estate is handled exactly as you’ve specified.
- Fewer disputes and delays: Clear instructions reduce family conflicts, frozen assets, and lengthy probate.
- Global asset coverage: You can include property and funds both inside and outside the UAE.
- Named executors & guardians: Appoint trusted individuals to manage your estate and care for minors.
- Opt-out from Sharia rules: Non-Muslims can bypass default Islamic succession provisions.
- Fast digital probate: DIFC-registered wills benefit from an online workflow for swift issuance of probate orders.
Consequences of Not Registering a Will
1 Assets are distributed under UAE law by default, the enforcement in UAE courts may be long and expensive process, some cases Sharia law may be applied by default.
2 Potential for family disputes and lengthy legal battles.
3 Possible guardianship issues for minor children.
4 Delays in the distribution of assets, causing financial strain for family members.
We Assist With Will Registration Through
Three Key Channels
Abu Dhabi Judicial Department
Best option for Muslim expats.
Allows registration of assets
across the UAE under civil law.
Dubai Courts Public Notary
Covers all Emirates. Requires Arabic
translation. Ideal for residents with
nationwide assets.
DIFC Wills Service Centre
For non-Muslims. English
documents accepted.
Coverage limited to Dubai.
Recommendations
Non-Muslims
DIFC Courts are recommended for convenience, fully remote registration process, and applicability of English common law.
Muslims & Non-Muslims
ADJD offers comprehensive, cost-effective options with online and in-person methods.
Dubai Courts
Suitable for residents in Dubai preferring traditional in-person methods and local law applications.
FAQs
Without a registered will, enforcement through UAE courts can be a lengthy and expensive process. In some cases, Sharia law may be applied by default to the distribution of assets and guardianship, which may not align with your personal wishes — especially for Muslim expatriates.
Non-Muslim residents (and in some cases, non-residents) can register wills to govern the distribution of their UAE-based assets and the guardianship of minors.
A common law-based registry governed by DIFC Law No. 1 of 2019. It allows non-Muslims to register wills for assets in the UAE and globally (via full will).
Full Will – covers all assets and guardianship worldwide.
Property Will – for real estate in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah.
Guardianship Will – for minors.
Free Zone Company Will – for shares in free zone companies.
Financial Assets Will – for bank accounts, shares, etc.
No application of Sharia law.
Common law structure with enforceable judgments.
Online registration and virtual witnessing available.
Fast and enforceable probate process.
Yes, especially for RAK, and possibly beyond depending on the structure and the asset. DIFC Courts can issue probate orders, which can be recognized by UAE courts.
Established under Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021, it allows non-Muslims (residents and non-residents) to register a civil-law will for assets and guardianship in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
Available to non-Muslims of any nationality.
Covers assets across the UAE.
Low registration fees.
Online registration available.
Recognized under UAE Federal Law.
Passport & Emirates ID
Title deeds or asset ownership docs
Guardian details (if applicable)
Legal will draft (prepared under the UAE Civil Law framework)
Yes. Since 2020, Dubai Courts allow non-Muslim expats to register civil law wills under Personal Status Law No. 41 of 2022 (formerly Decree Law No. 29 of 2020).
Yes. The government fee is much lower than DIFC.
Yes. You can register a general will for all UAE assets and guardianship of children.
Not if the will is registered and recognized under the civil law system.
Yes, any registered will can be revoked or amended. In DIFC, this can be done online. For ADJD and Dubai Courts, physical appearance or Power of Attorney may be needed.
UAE law will be applied to asset distribution and child guardianship, regardless of the deceased’s nationality or wishes, unless overridden by a registered will under a recognized system.
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