Register a DIFC Will in Dubai, UAE
As a non-Muslim expat in the UAE, a DIFC Will is the most legally robust way to control how your estate is distributed. Without a registered DIFC Will, UAE default inheritance laws apply to your estate.
What Is DIFC Will Registration and Why Do You Need It?
A DIFC Will is a legally registered last will and testament recorded with the DIFC Courts Wills Service, a dedicated registry established under UAE law to handle estate and probate matters for non-Muslims.
Once registered, your DIFC Will covers all moveable and immoveable assets across all seven Emirates and ensures UAE Shariah inheritance law does not apply to your estate.
For non-Muslim expats living or owning assets in the UAE, this is not optional. Without a registered DIFC Will, UAE courts distribute your estate according to Shariah principles, regardless of your wishes or your familyтАЩs circumstances. A registered DIFC Will puts you back in control.
Our Pricing Packages
Standalone Will
For individuals with significant Dubai assets- For individuals with significant Dubai assets
- DIFC Will enforced under English common law
- Covers Dubai property, business equity and UAE assets
- English-language probate via DIFC Courts
- UAE LLC share succession
- Drafting and registration support
Protection Pack
For business owners and Dubai-based professionals- For business owners and Dubai-based professionals
- DIFC Will enforced under English common law
- Covers Dubai property, business equity and UAE assets
- Living POA for financial and legal authority
- UAE and offshore business succession
- Banking authority via POA
- English-language probate via DIFC Courts
- Drafting and registration support
Comprehensive Pack
For HNWIs and expats with multi-jurisdiction assets- For HNWIs and expats with multi-jurisdiction assets
- DIFC Will enforced under English common law
- Covers Dubai property, business equity and UAE assets
- Living POA for financial and legal authority
- Home country Will for overseas assets
- Cross-border business and equity succession
- UAE and international banking mandates
- English-language probate via DIFC Courts
- Drafting, registration and international legal liaison
Standalone Will
For individuals with significant Dubai assets- For individuals with significant Dubai assets
- DIFC Will enforced under English common law
- Covers Dubai property, business equity and UAE assets
- English-language probate via DIFC Courts
- UAE LLC share succession
- Drafting and registration support
Protection Pack
For business owners and Dubai-based professionals- For business owners and Dubai-based professionals
- DIFC Will enforced under English common law
- Covers Dubai property, business equity and UAE assets
- Living POA for financial and legal authority
- UAE and offshore business succession
- Banking authority via POA
- English-language probate via DIFC Courts
- Drafting and registration support
Comprehensive Pack
For HNWIs and expats with multi-jurisdiction assets- For HNWIs and expats with multi-jurisdiction assets
- DIFC Will enforced under English common law
- Covers Dubai property, business equity and UAE assets
- Living POA for financial and legal authority
- Home country Will for overseas assets
- Cross-border business and equity succession
- UAE and international banking mandates
- English-language probate via DIFC Courts
- Drafting, registration and international legal liaison
*T&C Applied
Final pricing may vary depending on structure and jurisdiction
What Assets Does a DIFC Will Cover?
Real estate & property
Any residential or commercial property you own across all seven Emirates
Bank accounts & savings
Individual or joint accounts held with any UAE-based bank
Investments & brokerage accounts
Stocks, bonds, and financial instruments held in your name
Business shareholdings
Up to five shareholdings in free zone or mainland UAE companies
Joint assets
Assets held with another person, provided your ownership share is clear
Assets outside the UAE
Overseas assets can be included subject to legal advice
Will Options
Types Of DIFC Wills
The DIFC Wills registry offers five types of wills, each designed for specific asset categories.
DIFC Full Will
The DIFC Full Will covers all your movable and immovable assets in the UAE, including property, bank accounts, investments, and jewelry, and allows you to appoint guardians for your minor children. Assets outside the UAE can also be included, though enforcement depends on the laws of that country.
DIFC Financial Assets Will
The DIFC Financial Assets Will covers your cash assets, investments, and savings held within the UAE. You can list up to 10 bank or brokerage accounts, provided they are held in your name or jointly with another person and that you have full ownership of the funds within them.
DIFC Guardianship Will
The DIFC Guardianship Will lets you appoint permanent and interim guardians for your minor children in the UAE. Interim guardians cover the period before a permanent guardian arrives. For parents who want guardianship decisions to reflect their own wishes, this will is essential.
DIFC Property Will
The DIFC Property Will covers up to five real estate properties you solely own within the UAE. It is a practical option if you are an overseas investor with UAE property but no other local assets. If you acquire new property after registration, a new Property Will needs to be signed and registered.
DIFC Business Owners Will
The DIFC Business Owners Will is designed for business owners in the UAE who want to control what happens to their shares after they pass away. It covers up to five separate shareholdings across jurisdictions. Any new business acquired after registration will need a separate will.
Why It Matters
Benefits of DIFC Wills
As a Non-Muslim expat in the UAE, a DIFC Will gives you rights and protections that default UAE inheritance law does not.
Autonomy Over Assets
A DIFC Will puts you in full control of what happens to your estate. You decide who receives your assets, in what proportion, and under what conditions, without Shariah distribution rules overriding your wishes.
Peace of Mind
Knowing your assets and family are protected brings real peace of mind. A clearly registered DIFC Will removes ambiguity. Once granted, a DIFC probate order is enforceable across the UAE without the need for further legal action.
Easy and Efficient Process
The DIFC Will's registry is designed to be straightforward. Once your DIFC Will is registered, your beneficiaries can manage and access your estate without lengthy delays. The probate process typically takes between 1-3 weeks.
Control Asset Distribution
DIFC Wills allow you to make specific bequests to named individuals. Whether you want to leave a particular asset, a sum of money, or a personal item to someone, you can clearly outline the details in your will.
Get Started
Requirements for a DIFC Will
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a Non-Muslim
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Must own assets or have minor children in UAE
Documents Required
- Valid passport for testator and witnesses
- Emirates ID for UAE residents
- Proof of Asset (Financial Assets, Property, Business Owner Will)
- Guardianship Statements (Guardianship Will)
The DIFC Will Registration Process
Choose Momentum for Wills in Dubai
Registering a DIFC Will involves specific documentation and compliance requirements that are easy to get wrong without the right guidance. A small error can cause significant delays when your family needs certainty the most.
Our team brings a decade of experience in helping individuals and families across the UAE protect their legacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I draft my own Will?
You can, but it is not recommended. A DIFC Will must meet specific requirements set by the DIFC Courts Wills Service Centre, and any mistakes can make it invalid. Having it drafted by qualified legal professionals ensures that it is correctly structured.
Do I need to be a UAE resident to get a DIFC Will?
Any non-Muslim over the age of 21 can register a DIFC Will, regardless of whether they are a UAE resident. If you own assets or have minor children in the UAE, you are eligible to register a DIFC will even if you live outside the country.
Can I update my DIFC Will after registering it?
Your DIFC Will can be amended at any point after registration. This is particularly important if your personal circumstances change, such as acquiring new assets, having additional children, or changing your chosen beneficiaries or guardians.
Do I need to witness to register a DIFC Will?
You need two witnesses to sign and register your DIFC Will. Witnesses must be over 18 years of age and cannot be beneficiaries, guardians, or spouses of either, as named in the will. They can be present in person at the DIFC Courts Wills Service Centre or join remotely via video call.
What does it cost to register a DIFC Will?
The DIFC Courts Wills Service Centre charges a government registration fee of AED 10,000 for a single will and AED 15,000 for mirror wills. These fees are payable directly to the DIFC and are separate from any professional fees for drafting and advisory services.
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