If you live, work, invest or run a business in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE, your estate may include property, bank accounts, company shares, end-of-service benefits, personal belongings or digital assets. Without a registered Dubai will, your family can face court delays and frozen accounts.
For non-Muslim expats, a registered will gives you control. You can decide who receives your assets, who manages your estate, who looks after your children and how your UAE wealth should be handled.
What is the Inheritance Law in Dubai?
If you die without a registered will, UAE courts decide how your estate should be distributed. This means your assets may not automatically go to the people you would have chosen.
For non-Muslims, under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022, the default split is 50/50: half goes to your spouse, and the other half divides equally among your children, regardless of gender. That happens whether it matches your wishes or not.
If you are single or have no heirs the UAE can easily identify, Federal Decree-Law No. 51 of 2024 states that your assets can be frozen and eventually handed over to a state charitable fund, known as a Waqf, if no valid will exists.
Many expats also assume jointly owned assets automatically transfer to the surviving spouse. In practice, this is not always straightforward. Joint bank accounts, jointly owned property and other shared assets may still be frozen or reviewed until the court issues the relevant order.
This is why making a will in Dubai is so important. A properly registered will gives your family a clear legal document to rely on. It helps reduce delays, protects your beneficiaries and ensures your estate is handled according to your wishes.
Benefits of Will Registration in Dubai
Will registration in Dubai gives you control over what happens to your estate. It allows you to decide who inherits your assets, who looks after your children, and how to continue for business.
- Decide asset inheritance: A registered will allows you to name your chosen beneficiaries. This can include your spouse, children, parents, siblings, friends or charities.
- Appoint guardians for your children: If you have minor children, your will can name the people you trust to care for them. Without this, the court may need to decide.
- Protect UAE property and bank accounts: Property, savings, investments and jointly held accounts may be frozen after death. A will supports a smoother probate process.
- Protect your business: If you own company shares, your will can set out what should happen to them. This helps prevent disruption to your company, partners and employees.
What are the Types of Wills in UAE?
There are three main options for non-muslim wills in the UAE: ADJD Wills, DIFC Wills, and Dubai Courts Wills. Each option works differently and suits a different type of expat. Choosing the best will for expats in Dubai depends on your assets, where they are located, whether you have children, your budget and how much legal support you need.
ADJD Wills
ADJD Wills are registered through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. This option is popular with expats because it is usually more affordable than DIFC and can be completed through an online process.
An ADJD Will can be a strong option if you want a practical and cost-effective route for will registration in the UAE. It is often suitable for expats with straightforward estates, UAE bank accounts, property or family assets.
ADJD Wills usually require English and Arabic documentation, including a legal Arabic translation. The process can be completed remotely through the ADJD portal and a notary video call.
How to Register an ADJD Will in Dubai
Step 1: Draft your will
Start by preparing your will. You need to include your personal details, beneficiaries, executor, assets and guardianship wishes if you have children.
Step 2: Gather your documents
You usually need your passport copy, Emirates ID and details of any assets you want to include, such as property title deed numbers or bank account information.
Step 3: Arrange translation
ADJD wills usually require English and Arabic versions. You may need a licensed legal translation before submission.
Step 4: Submit through the ADJD portal
Upload the required documents and pay the government registration fee.
Step 5: Wait for approval
The authority reviews your application and confirms whether the documents are acceptable.
Step 6: Complete the notary video call
Once approved, you complete the notary process. After registration, your will becomes legally recognised.
DIFC Wills
DIFC Wills are registered through the DIFC Courts Wills Service in Dubai. They are designed for non-Muslims who want to register their wishes under a structured English-language system.
DIFC wills are often preferred by expats with Dubai-based assets, real estate, business shares, children in the UAE or digital assets. They also offer several specialist will types, including Full Wills, Property Wills, Business Owners Wills, Guardianship Wills and Digital Assets Wills.
Types of DIFC Wills
Full Will
A Full Will covers a wide range of assets, including property, bank accounts, investments, personal belongings, business shares and guardianship provisions. This is usually the most comprehensive DIFC will. It works well for families, property owners, business owners and expats with multiple UAE assets.
Property Will
A Property Will covers real estate assets. This can be suitable if your main UAE asset is property and you want a focused will for your Dubai or UAE real estate. This option is commonly used by property investors who want to make sure their property passes to chosen beneficiaries.
Financial Assets Will
A Financial Assets Will covers bank accounts and financial accounts. It can be useful if your main UAE assets are savings, investments or brokerage accounts. This will type helps your executor deal with financial institutions and distribute account balances according to your wishes.
Business Owners Will
A Business Owners Will covers company shares and business interests. This is important for entrepreneurs, shareholders and company owners in Dubai. If you own shares in a mainland company, free zone company or other UAE entity, your death can create uncertainty for the business. A Business Owners Will helps protect continuity and gives your partners and family a clear route forward.
Guardianship Will
A Guardianship Will allows parents to appoint guardians for their minor children. This can be one of the most important reasons to register a will in Dubai. If both parents pass away or one parent cannot care for the children, a registered guardianship provision helps the court understand your wishes.
Digital Assets Will
A Digital Assets Will covers digital assets such as cryptocurrency and other eligible digital holdings. As more expats hold crypto, NFTs, wallets and other digital assets, this area has become more important. A Digital Assets Will helps your executor identify and deal with these assets correctly.
How to Register a DIFC Will in Dubai
Step 1: Choose your will type
Decide whether you need a Full Will, Property Will, Financial Assets Will, Business Owners Will, Guardianship Will or Digital Assets Will.
Step 2: Prepare your asset details
Gather details of your property, bank accounts, company shares, beneficiaries, executor and guardians.
Step 3: Draft the will in English
Your will must follow DIFC requirements. Using a will writing service in Dubai is strongly recommended, especially if you own property, have children or run a business.
Step 4: Review and finalize the document
Check every name, passport number, asset detail and beneficiary instruction. Small errors can cause major problems later.
Step 5: Book your DIFC registration appointment
You can register through DIFC Courts and pay the Dubai will cost.
Step 6: Sign with witnesses
You sign the will in line with DIFC requirements. At least 2 witnesses must also be present. They cannot be your beneficiaries.
Step 7: Receive confirmation
Once registered, DIFC Courts keep the will on record and you receive confirmation or a certified copy.
Dubai Courts Wills
Dubai Courts Wills are registered directly through Dubai Courts. This route may suit some expats with Dubai-based assets who prefer the local court system.
However, Dubai Courts Wills usually require Arabic documentation and may involve more formal local court procedures. For this reason, many expats compare ADJD and DIFC first before choosing Dubai Courts.
How to Register a DIFC Will in Dubai
Step 1: Draft your will
Prepare a clear will that names your beneficiaries, executor and guardians if you have children.
Step 2: Translate the will into Arabic
Dubai Courts usually require the will and supporting documents to be in Arabic or legally translated.
Step 3: Gather your documents
You may need your passport, Emirates ID, asset details, property documents, beneficiary details and guardian details.
Step 4: Submit the application to Dubai Courts
File the will through the approved Dubai Courts channel and pay the required registration fee.
Step 5: Attend the signing appointment
You may need to appear before the court or notary to verify your identity and sign the will.
Step 6: Receive confirmation of registration
Once accepted, your Dubai Courts will is registered and kept on record.
ADJD Wills vs DIFC Wills vs Dubai Courts Wills
The best will for expats in Dubai is the one that matches your assets, family needs, budget and long-term plans:
- Choose ADJD if you want a cost-effective will that can be completed online and you have a relatively straightforward estate.
- Choose DIFC if most of your assets are in Dubai, you own property, you have business shares, you hold digital assets or you want a more specialist will structure.
- Choose Dubai Courts if your adviser recommends a local Dubai Courts route based on your circumstances.
Feature | ADJD Wills | DIFC Wills | Dubai Courts Wills |
Government fee | AED 950 for a Single Will and AED 1,900 for Mirror Wills | AED 10,000 for a Single Full Will and AED 15,000 for Mirror Full Wills | Often around AED 2,167 for a Single Will and AED 4,334 for Mirror Wills, depending on applicable fees |
Process | Online registration through the ADJD portal, usually completed with a notary video call | Registration through DIFC Courts or the DIFC Virtual Registry | Registration through Dubai Courts or approved local court channels |
Timeline | Often completed within a few business days if documents are ready | Usually two to four weeks, depending on drafting and appointment availability | Varies depending on documentation, translation and appointment availability |
Coverage | Commonly used for UAE-wide assets | Strong route for Dubai-based assets and wider UAE estate planning | Dubai-focused |
Language | English and Arabic, with licensed Arabic translation required | English | Arabic documentation usually required |
Main advantage | Lower cost, online process and practical for many expats | English-language framework, specialist will types and strong fit for Dubai assets | Direct route through the local Dubai Courts system |
Who Needs a Will in Dubai?
Every non-Muslim with assets or family responsibilities in the UAE should consider making an expat will in Dubai. You need a will if:
- You own property in the UAE: If you own property in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE, a will lets you choose who inherits it. Without a registered will, your family may need to go through court procedures before the property can be transferred.
- You have children: Registering a will in Dubai allows you to name guardians for your children. This is especially important for expat families whose relatives may live overseas.
- You run a business or own company shares: Business shares can be frozen or delayed during probate. Dubai wills help your family, partners and company understand what should happen to your ownership interest.
- You have UAE bank accounts or investments: Bank accounts can be frozen after death. A will gives your executor a legal basis to deal with those accounts.
- You are single or have heirs abroad: If your family lives outside the UAE, the court may need extra documentation to identify beneficiaries. A will reduces uncertainty and provides clear instructions.
- You want to avoid disputes: A registered will reduces the risk of disagreements between family members. It records your wishes clearly and gives your executor authority to act.
What Assets are Covered in a Dubai Will?
Dubai wills usually focus on UAE assets. If you own assets in another country, you may need a separate will in that jurisdiction. Registering a will in Dubai can cover the following types of assets:
- Property: You can include apartments, villas, land and other real estate. This applies whether the property is held in your name or jointly owned.
- Bank accounts and investments: You can include current accounts, savings accounts, fixed deposits, brokerage accounts and investment portfolios.
- End-of-service gratuity: Your end-of-service gratuity can form part of your estate. Many expats forget to include this in their planning, but it can be a valuable asset.
- Business shares: You can include shares in mainland companies, free zone companies and other UAE entities, depending on the structure and applicable rules.
- Personal belongings: A will can cover jewellery, watches, vehicles, artwork and other personal items.
- Cryptocurrency and digital assets: If you hold crypto, wallets, tokens or other digital assets, you should plan carefully so your executor can access and manage them.
Who can Make a Will in Dubai?
Both Muslims and Non-Muslims can make a will in Dubai. Muslims are expected to follow the Sharia law. For Non-Muslims, this is the eligibility criteria:
- Over 18 years old
- Are of sound mind
- Are non-Muslim
- Own UAE assets or have children in the UAE
- Can provide identity documents
- Can name beneficiaries and executors
- Can complete the required registration process
Single vs Mirror Wills
A single will covers one person. Mirror wills cover two people, usually spouses or partners. Each person has a separate will, but both documents usually contain similar instructions. Mirror wills are common when a couple wants to leave everything to each other first, then to their children or other beneficiaries.
For example, a husband and wife may each state that their assets should pass to the surviving spouse. If they both pass away, the assets then pass to their children in equal shares. Most will writing services in Dubai offer both single and mirror will registration.
Will Cost in Dubai
Will cost in Dubai usually starts from AED 950 for basic will registration, with total costs increasing depending on whether you choose ADJD, Dubai Courts or DIFC. ADJD Wills typically range from around AED 1,749 to AED 12,000, Dubai Courts Wills can start from AED 950, and DIFC Wills range between AED 13,000 to AED 23,000+ when registration and drafting are included.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Will?
An ADJD Will takes under a week due to a fully digitized portal and quick remote notary video appointments. A DIFC Will takes 2 to 4 weeks to accommodate legal drafting, asset type selection, and registry bookings, while Dubai Courts timelines vary widely based on Arabic translation and appointment queues.
Documents Required for Dubai Wills
You will generally need your personal identification documents, marriage certificate (if relevant), asset details, and your beneficiaries and executor details to make a will in Dubai.
What You Need for ADJD Will Registration
You may need:
- Passport copy
- Emirates ID copy
- UAE address
- Details of beneficiaries
- Executor details
- Guardian details, if you have children
- Property title deed details, if relevant
- Bank or asset information
- English will
- Arabic legal translation
What You Need for DIFC Will Registration
You may need:
- Passport copy
- Emirates ID
- UAE address and contact details
- English will
- Beneficiary details
- Executor details
- Witnesses
- Property details, if using a Property Will
- Bank details, if using a Financial Assets Will
- Trade licence and shareholding documents, if using a Business Owners Will
- Children’s details and guardian details, if including guardianship
- Marriage details, if registering Mirror Wills
Estate Planning in Dubai
A registered will is the foundation of estate planning in Dubai, but it may not be the only step you need. Good estate planning means making sure your will, business documents, property records, insurance policies and family arrangements all work together.
For example, if you own a business, your will should align with your shareholder agreement and company documents. If these documents conflict, your family and business partners may face delays.
Estate planning in Dubai may include:
- A registered UAE will
- Separate overseas wills
- Shareholder agreements
- Powers of attorney
- Company succession planning
- Life insurance
- Guardianship planning
- Foundations
- Bank mandate reviews
- Digital asset planning
For business owners, estate planning is especially important. Without a clear plan, company shares may freeze during probate and business operations may suffer. A strong estate plan protects both your family and your business.
Wills vs Foundations
Most Dubai expats need a will. Some may also need a foundation. A will explains what should happen to your assets after death. It only takes effect when you pass away.
A foundation is different. It is a legal structure that can hold and manage assets during your lifetime and after death. It can help with long-term succession planning, privacy and asset management.
Feature | Will | Foundation |
Purpose | Distributes your assets after death | Holds and manages assets during and after your lifetime |
Best for | Most expats with UAE assets, children or business interests | High-net-worth individuals, business owners or complex estates |
Control | Lets you choose beneficiaries, executors and guardians | Lets you set long-term rules for asset management |
Timing | Takes effect after death | Works during your lifetime and after death |
Cost/complexity | Lower cost and simpler to set up | Higher cost and more complex to manage |
Will Writing Services in Dubai: How Momentum Can Help
Momentum helps expats, entrepreneurs and business owners make informed decisions about will writing services in Dubai.
Whether you need an ADJD Will, DIFC Will, Dubai Courts Will or a wider estate planning structure, our team can guide you through the options and help you choose the route that fits your situation.
We oversee:
- Choosing the right will registration option
- Comparing DIFC vs ADJD Wills
- Understanding Dubai will cost
- Coordinating drafting and translation
- Overseeing online will registration in UAE
- Helping entrepreneurs protect company shares
- Connecting your will with wider UAE corporate services
