If you are a non-Muslim expat, having a DIFC Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your assets and your family’s future. Without proper DIFC Will registration in Dubai, your estate could be distributed under local inheritance laws, which may not align with your wishes.
What is a DIFC Will?
A DIFC Will is a legal document registered with the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) Courts. These wills are drafted in English and follow the Common Law, making them a popular option for expats in the UAE.
What are the Requirements for Registering a DIFC Will?
This is the eligibility criteria for DIFC will registration in Dubai:
- You must be a Non-Muslim.
- You must be at least 21 years of age.
- You should have assets in the UAE (movable and/or immovable).
DIFC Wills can also be registered if you want to appoint guardians for your children.
Types of DIFC Wills
The DIFC Courts offers several types of wills for Non-Muslims:
- Full Will: This covers all movable and immovable assets in the UAE, along with guardianship provisions for minor children.
- Property Will: This option is restricted to real estate and allows you to cover up to five properties located in the UAE.
- Financial Assets Will: This type of will covers up to ten bank or brokerage accounts registered within the UAE.
- Business Owners Will: This is designed for shareholders and covers up to five separate shareholdings in UAE-based companies.
- Guardianship Will: This DIFC will type focuses solely on the appointment of interim and permanent guardians for your children.
- Digital Assets Will: This special type of will addresses your digital holdings and cryptocurrency. It is exclusive to the DIFC Courts.
Process of DIFC Will Registration in Dubai
This is how to register a DIFC Will in Dubai:
- Choose will type: DIFC Wills can be property wills, guardianship wills, digital assets wills, business owner wills, financial assets wills or full wills that cover everything you own. DIFC will registration allows both single and mirror will registration depending on your marital status.
- Hire a professional: Will writing services in Dubai can streamline the creation of your will and help you avoid mistakes and delay the application process.
- Prepare your documents: You need to submit your passport copy, Emirates ID, asset details, and your beneficiary information.
- Register your will: DIFC Wills can be registered either in-person or online. You can choose an in-person session at the Dubai Courts or a virtual appointment through the Virtual Registry.
You can pay the DIFC Will registration fees once your booking is confirmed. During the appointment, you will need two witnesses to sign the will. These witnesses cannot be your beneficiaries, spouse, or legal guardians. Once you receive your Non-Muslim will in Dubai, it can be updated at any time.
What is the DIFC Will Cost?
It costs around AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 to register a DIFC Will in Dubai. The actual cost depends on the type of will and whether it is registered as a single or mirror will. It’s recommended to consult a legal advisor to get an exact price.
DIFC Will vs Dubai Courts Will – Which is Better?
A DIFC Will is drafted in English while a Dubai Courts Will is first drafted in Arabic and can be later translated to English.
You should choose a DIFC will registration in Dubai if you want a premium service where everything is handled in English. It is more expensive upfront, but it makes the process much simpler and faster for your family to access your bank accounts and property later on.
If you want a legally valid will at the lowest possible price, go for a Dubai Courts Will. It offers the same basic protection against Sharia law for non-Muslims, but your family will need to deal with Arabic documents and court proceedings during the probate process.
Features | DIFC Wills | Dubai Courts Wills |
Language | English | Arabic (requires translation) |
Legal system | Western-style Common Law | UAE Civil Law |
Registration cost | High | Low |
Best for | Fast, English-only probate | Budget-conscious residents |
Choose Momentum for DIFC Will Registration
If you’re an entrepreneur or an investor with a business setup in Dubai, having a DIFC Will allows you to protect your UAE legacy. Momentum brings a decade of experience in facilitating will registration in Dubai and has worked with business owners all across the UAE. Get in touch for a free consultation!
