How to Make a Will in the UAE: Complete Guide for Expats
Table of Contents
Making a Will is one of those tasks many people delay because it feels uncomfortable. No one wants to think about what happens after they are gone. But for expats living in the UAE, having a Will is not only about distributing money or property. It is about protecting your family from confusion, delays, and uncertainty at a difficult time.
If you have children, property, bank accounts, business interests, or other assets in the UAE, a registered Will gives your family clear instructions. It can name who should inherit your assets, who should act as executor, and who should care for your minor children.
This guide explains how to make a will in the UAE, the main registration options, the steps involved, and the cost of making a will in the UAE through different routes.
Why You Need a Will in the UAE
A Will gives your family clarity when they need it most. Without one, your loved ones may need to go through court processes to deal with your estate. Bank accounts, property, company shares, and other assets may not be immediately accessible or distributed according to your wishes, and guardianship decisions for minor children may be left to the applicable legal framework, such as Shariah law.
For expat families, this can be especially stressful. Your family may live in different countries, your assets may be spread across more than one jurisdiction, and the people you trust most may not be physically present in the UAE.
A UAE Will for expats helps by recording your wishes clearly. It allows you to:
- Name your beneficiaries
- Appoint executors
- Appoint guardians for minor children
- Decide how UAE assets should be distributed
- Include temporary and alternative guardians for your minor children
- Reduce uncertainty for your family
- Support smoother probate after death
A properly drafted UAE Will for expats is not just a legal document. It can offer your family security and certainty at an already stressful time.
Types of Wills in the UAE
There are different routes for registering wills in the UAE. The right option depends on your religion, residence, assets, budget, family situation, and whether you need guardianship provisions.
The three main routes are DIFC Wills, ADJD Wills and Dubai Courts Wills.
DIFC Wills
DIFC Wills are registered through the DIFC Courts Wills Service in Dubai. They are commonly used by non-Muslim expats who want an English-language registration route and a recognised probate framework.
DIFC offers different Will types, including Full Wills, Property Wills, Financial Assets Wills, Business Owners Wills and Guardianship Wills.
| Best suited for | Non-Muslim expats with UAE assets and/or minor children who prefer using a familiar English common-law framework. |
| Process and requirements | The Will is drafted, reviewed and registered through the DIFC Courts Wills Service. Registration is completed remotely, subject to DIFC requirements. |
| What it can cover | UAE assets, certain overseas assets, executors, beneficiaries and guardianship provisions, depending on the type of Will |
| Overseas assets | A DIFC Full Will may include assets outside the UAE, but enforcement abroad depends on the laws of the country where the asset is located |
| Cost | DIFC registration fees are generally AED 10,000 for a Single Full Will and AED 15,000 for Mirror Full Wills. Drafting and legal fees are separate. |
DIFC is often suitable where the estate is more complex or where the client wants an English-language route through the DIFC Courts system. It is usually not the cheapest option, but it can be a strong choice for certain expat families.
ADJD Wills
ADJD Wills are registered through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. This route is popular because it is practical and cost-effective.
ADJD Wills are not limited only to non-Muslims. ADJD allows Muslim and non-Muslim expats to register civil Wills. This gives expats a route to record how they want their assets distributed, rather than relying only on default inheritance rules.
| Best suited for | Muslim and non-Muslim expats looking for a cost-effective UAE Will registration route |
| Process and requirements | The application is submitted online, reviewed, approved or returned for amendment, paid for and then notarised by video call |
| What it can cover | UAE assets, executors, beneficiaries and, where appropriate, guardianship provisions |
| Overseas assets | ADJD allows assets outside the UAE to be included, but enforcement abroad depends on the law of the country where the asset is located |
| Cost | ADJD government registration fees are generally AED 950 for a Single Will and AED 1,900 for Mirror Wills. Drafting and legal fees are separate. |
ADJD is often best for clients who want a practical and affordable route. However, if you have major overseas assets, you should check whether a separate local Will is also needed in the country where those assets are located.
Dubai Courts Wills
Dubai Courts Wills are registered through the Dubai Courts route. This option is usually considered by non-Muslim expats who want a local Dubai Courts registration route.
| Best suited for | Non-Muslim expats with Dubai-based assets who prefer a Dubai Courts route |
| Process and requirements | The Will is prepared, translated into Arabic, notarised and registered through the relevant Dubai Courts process |
| What it can cover | A Will registered with the Dubai Courts Notary can cover assets located in all seven Emirates in the UAE. Executors, beneficiaries and, where suitable, guardianship provisions can be included. |
| Overseas assets | Overseas enforceability should be checked carefully before relying on this route for assets outside the UAE |
| Cost | Dubai Courts registration fees are AED 2,500 for a Single Will and AED 5,000 for Mirror Wills for physical registration. Online notarisation is subject to higher registration fees. Drafting, translation and professional fees are separate. |
Dubai Courts Wills may suit some clients with straightforward Dubai-based assets. The process is usually more Arabic-document focused than DIFC, so translation and local court requirements should be considered.
Step-by-Step Process to Make a UAE Will
Making a Will becomes easier when the process is broken down into clear steps.
| Step | What you need to do |
| List your assets | Include UAE property, bank accounts, business shares, investments, vehicles, personal assets and overseas assets. |
| Choose your beneficiaries | Decide who should inherit your assets and what share each person should receive. |
| Appoint executors | Choose someone you trust to carry out the instructions in your Will. You should also name alternate executors. |
| Appoint guardians | If you have minor children, decide who should care for them if something happens to you. Consider interim, permanent and alternate guardians. |
| Choose your jurisdiction | Decide whether DIFC, ADJD or Dubai Courts is most suitable for your situation. |
| Gather your documents | Prepare the documents required by the relevant registry. These may include your passport, Emirates ID if applicable, proof of address, marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates, asset details and identification documents for executors, guardians or beneficiaries. |
| Draft the Will | A qualified legal professional should draft the Will clearly and in line with the relevant registration requirements. |
| Review the Will | Check names, passport details, beneficiaries, executors, guardians and asset descriptions carefully. |
| Registration and Attestation | The Will is signed and registered through the chosen authority. Depending on the registry, this may take place in person or through an online will registration appointment, subject to the relevant rules and verification requirements. |
A UAE Will for expats should be drafted with your actual family and asset position in mind. A basic template may miss important points such as alternate beneficiaries, overseas assets, guardianship, executor powers, or probate requirements.
How Long Does It Take to Make a Will in the UAE?
The timeline depends on the route you choose and how quickly your documents are ready.
In many cases, a straightforward Will can be drafted within a few working days. Registration timing depends on appointment availability, review requirements, and whether translation is needed.
A simple UAE Will for expats may be completed faster than a Will involving multiple properties, overseas assets, business shares, or detailed guardianship arrangements. If the Will needs Arabic translation or amendments before registration, this may add extra time.
The safest approach is to start early rather than waiting until there is an urgent need.
What Is the Cost of Making a Will in the UAE?
The cost of making a will in the UAE depends mainly on three things:
- The registration authority
- Whether the Will is single or mirror
- Whether drafting, translation, or legal advice is required
As a general guide:
| DIFC Full Will | AED 10,000 for Single Full Will and AED 15,000 for Mirror Full Wills |
| ADJD Will | AED 950 for Single Will and AED 1,900 for Mirror Wills |
| Dubai Courts Will | AED 2,500 for Single Will and AED 5,000 for Mirror Wills |
Professional fees, translation fees and amendment fees are separate. The cost of making a will in the UAE should not be judged by the registration fee alone. A cheaper route may not be the right route if it does not match your assets, family situation or long-term needs.
Why Choose Legal Inz for Your UAE Will
Legal Inz helps families prepare and register Wills with the support of qualified legal experts. Your Will is handled by professionals who understand UAE registration routes, guardianship, beneficiaries, executors, probate and asset distribution.
Legal Inz has over 12 years of industry experience and has completed more than 15,000 Wills. The team supports clients with drafting, translation, review and registration through DIFC, ADJD and Dubai Courts. Our role is not just to prepare a document. We help you choose the right route, understand the cost of making a will in the UAE, and prepare a Will that reflects your family, your assets, and your wishes.
If you are making a UAE Will for expats, Legal Inz can guide you from the first consultation to final registration.
Key Takeaways
- A registered Will helps protect your family by clearly recording your wishes for assets, executors, beneficiaries, and guardianship.
- The main routes for wills in the UAE are DIFC, ADJD, and Dubai Courts, and the right option depends on your assets, family situation, religion, budget, and registration needs.
- A lawyer-drafted UAE Will for expats reduces the risk of unclear wording, missing beneficiaries, wrong registration route, or probate issues later.
FAQs
Do expats need a Will in the UAE?
It is strongly recommended for expats who have assets in the UAE. A Will helps expats record who should inherit their assets, who should act as executor, and who should care for minor children. Without a Will, the family may need to rely on court processes and the applicable inheritance rules.
Which Will registration route is best in the UAE?
The best route depends on your circumstances. DIFC is often suitable for non-Muslims who want an English-language Dubai route. ADJD is often suitable for Muslim and non-Muslim expats looking for a cost-effective route. Dubai Courts may suit some non-Muslim expats with Dubai-based assets.
Can a UAE Will include overseas assets, such as assets in the UK?
Yes, in some cases. DIFC Full Wills and ADJD Wills may include overseas assets, but enforcement abroad depends on the laws of the country where the asset is located. If you have significant overseas property, bank accounts or investments, you may need a separate local Will in that country.
Can I appoint guardians for my children in a UAE Will?
Yes. A Will can appoint guardians for minor children. Parents should consider interim guardians in the UAE, permanent guardians, and alternate guardians in case the first choice cannot act.
How much does it cost to make a Will in the UAE?
The cost depends on the registration route and whether you need a Single Will or Mirror Wills. Government registration fees are generally AED 10,000 for a DIFC Single Full Will, AED 950 for an ADJD Single Will, and AED 2,500 for a Dubai Courts Single Will for physical registration. Different registration fees apply for online notarisation. Drafting, translation, and professional fees are separate.
What is the difference between a Will and a Last Will and Testament, and do I need a lawyer?
In most cases, a “Will” and a “Last Will and Testament” refer to the same type of document. Both record how you want your assets to be distributed after death and who should carry out your wishes. In the UAE, the wording, structure and registration route matter. A lawyer is strongly recommended because a UAE Will must be drafted clearly and registered through the correct authority. A lawyer-drafted Will reduces the risk of unclear wording, missing beneficiaries, weak guardianship provisions, choosing the wrong registration route or creating probate issues later.
Can I draft a will without a lawyer, and what pitfalls should I avoid?
You may be able to draft a Will yourself, but it is not recommended. A Will is only useful if it is clear, valid, and registered through the right route. Common mistakes include using vague wording, choosing the wrong Will registration route, missing beneficiaries, failing to appoint backup executors or guardians, not dealing with overseas assets properly, and using a document that does not meet UAE registration requirements. A lawyer-drafted Will reduces these risks. This is especially important for expats with children, UAE property, business interests, bank accounts, or assets in more than one country.
verified reviews
