When a UAE resident dies without a registered will, local authorities immediately freeze all personal bank accounts, corporate shareholdings, and real estate investments. Assets are then distributed using default inheritance laws.
The best way to register a will in Dubai depends on your religion, budget and how complex your assets are. The three primary jurisdictions to make a will are DIFC, Dubai Courts, and ADJD.
DIFC Wills
A DIFC Will is registered under the independent laws of the Dubai International Financial Centre. It bypasses UAE civil codes completely and uses an English Common Law framework. Only available to non-Muslims, it allows individuals to decide exactly who inherits your wealth without any local court intervention.
Types of DIFC Wills
These are the main types of DIFC Wills in Dubai:
- Full Will: Protects your entire estate, including real estate, corporate equity, bank accounts, global investments, and permanent child guardianship.
- Property Will: Covers your ownership stakes in up to five real estate properties across the UAE.
- Business Owners Will: Secures your corporate shares, company equity, and freezone successions so your business never grinds to a halt.
- Financial/Digital Assets Will: Safeguards your cash accounts, liquid investments, and cryptocurrency portfolios secured on the blockchain.
- Guardianship Will: Appoints permanent and interim legal guardians for your minor children under 18 years old.
What is the Cost of a DIFC Will?
The cost of making a DIFC Will starts at AED 10,000 for a single will and AED 15,000 for a mirror will. The exact DIFC will cost depends on your assets and whether you work with a professional.
Dubai Courts Wills
A Dubai Courts Will is governed by UAE federal Civil Law. It covers assets across all seven emirates. Both Muslim and non-Muslim residents use this jurisdiction to register a will.
Types of Dubai Courts Wills
These are the main types of Dubai Courts Wills:
- Standard Will: Covers personal assets, bank accounts, and real estate located across all seven emirates under UAE Civil Law.
- Mirror Will: Allows two spouses to register reciprocal wills simultaneously, ensuring assets pass to the surviving partner and then to designated heirs.
- Muslim Will: Allows Muslim residents to assign up to one-third of their estate to non-heirs. The remaining two-thirds must follow Sharia inheritance principles.
What is the Cost of a Dubai Courts Will?
The cost of making a Dubai Courts Will starts at AED 2,167 for single will and AED 4,334 for a mirror will. All your documents have to be translated into Arabic which will affect the final cost.
DIFC Wills vs Dubai Courts Wills
The main difference between a DIFC Will vs a Dubai Courts Will is the legal framework they operate in. DIFC follows the Common Law while Dubai Courts follow the local Civil Law. DIFC is also only available to non-Muslims while Dubai Courts register both Muslim and non-Muslim wills. DIFC’s entire will registration process is conducted in English, while Dubai Courts requires all documents to be translated into Arabic.
Feature | DIFC Wills | Dubai Courts Wills |
Eligibility | Only non-Muslims | Both Muslims and non-Muslims |
Legal framework | Common Law | UAE Civil Law |
Main language | English | Arabic |
Registration time | 2-4 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
ADJD Wills
An ADJD Will is registered through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. Both Muslims and non-Muslims can register an ADJD Will. For non-Muslims, the registration process can be completed online.
Types of ADJD Wills
These are the main types of ADJD Wills:
- Standard Will: Covers personal assets, real estate, and financial accounts for both Muslim and non-Muslim residents under Abu Dhabi jurisdiction.
- Mirror Will: Allows couples to register simultaneous wills that mirror each other, ensuring seamless asset transfer between spouses.
- Online Will: A fully digital registration process for non-Muslim expats. No in-person appointment is required.
What is the Cost of ADJD Will?
The cost of making a ADJD Will starts at AED 950 for a single will and AED 1,900 for a mirror will. This is the most affordable will registration option in the UAE.
DIFC Wills vs Dubai Courts Wills vs ADJD Wills
If you are choosing between a DIFC Will vs a Dubai Courts Will vs an ADJD Will, the choice depends on your religion, budget, and assets.
- ADJD Wills are the most affordable option at AED 950 for a single will. Non-Muslims can register entirely online. It is the fastest and cheapest route to a legally registered will in the UAE.
- Dubai Courts Wills start at AED 2,167 and are available to both Muslims and non-Muslims. They are the default choice for Muslim residents in Dubai and offer solid legal coverage across all seven emirates. All documents must be translated into Arabic.
- DIFC Wills start at AED 10,000 and are exclusively for non-Muslims. They offer the strongest protection for complex estates, especially for business owners, investors, and expats with significant assets across the UAE.
What is the Best Way to Register a Will in Dubai?
The best way to register a will is by using professional will writing services in Dubai. Drafting a will without any legal guidance increases the risk of errors, which can lead to long probates. A qualified professional can assess your assets, recommend the right jurisdiction, and manage the entire registration process on your behalf.
Momentum’s team of experts bring a decade of experience managing will registration in Dubai and across the UAE.
Register a Will in Dubai With Momentum
Momentum streamlines the will registration process by overseeing the preparation and drafting process. We assist entrepreneurs, investors, and families with wills in Dubai and the UAE. Every client consultation is treated as a conversation where we first try to understand your requirements before suggesting the best jurisdiction for your will. Get in touch for a free consultation!
