Making a will enables you to distribute property at your discretion.
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Secure Your Family's Future with a Will in the UAE
Professional Will Registration in Dubai & UAE Starting from AED 3,500
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Special inheritance laws will apply depending on whether a testator is a Muslim or a non-Muslim person.
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No residency requirement to make a will in the UAE.
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Remote notarization of a will, there is no need to come to the UAE to make a will.
Inheritance without a will for non-Muslims generally divides assets between a spouse and children or among parents and siblings.
As a general rule, in the absence of a will the inheritance estate will be distributed as follows:
When a testator has a spouse and children - half of the estate is inherited by the spouse and the other half is divided equally amongst the testator’s children.
If the deceased had no CHILDREN — the inheritance will be distributed to his parents (if they are alive it will be distributed equally).
Or, if one of the parents is deceased, one half of the inheritance will be distributed to the surviving parent and the other half to the deceased’s siblings (if any).
If the deceased had a spouse but no children — half of the estate is inherited by the spouse and the other half is divided equally amongst the testator’s alive parents or a parent and to the deceased’s siblings (if any).
In the absence of the above-mentioned heirs of the first "order", the property passes to the testator’s brothers and sisters (if any).
Where a testator has multiple nationalities, the applicable law will be decided based on the nationality specified by him upon registration of their will.
Without a will the guardianship will be determined by the court according to the UAE law and guardianship may go to the local government.
In the event of a death without a will both individual and joint accounts of the deceased will be frozen.
Trusted expertise in UAE estate planning and will registration
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Qualified Legal Experts Your will is drafted and reviewed by lawyers authorized to practice in the UAE, USA, and UK, with deep expertise in UAE inheritance law, DIFC regulations, and Sharia compliance. We ensure your will is legally valid and enforceable across all UAE jurisdictions. |
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Direct Access to Authorities We work directly with DIFC Wills & Probate Registry, UAE notaries, and government departments without intermediaries. This direct relationship ensures faster processing, lower costs, and seamless registration of your will. |
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Personalized Long-Term Partnership The same dedicated legal team handles your will from initial consultation through registration and future amendments. We build lasting relationships, providing continuous support for all your estate planning needs as your circumstances evolve. |
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Proven Track Record With hundreds of successfully registered wills for UAE residents and international clients, we deliver efficient results: DIFC will registration in 10-14 days, UAE notary wills in 7-10 days. Our expertise solves complex multi-jurisdictional estate planning challenges. |
As authorized partners of major UAE legal institutions and direct contacts with all notaries and courts, we provide seamless will registration services tailored to expats, UAE residents, and international clients seeking to protect their families and assets.
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The procedure is slightly cheaper than registering your will in DIFC.
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Remote participation in a videoconference with a notary without witnesses is sufficient.
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Could be drafted in English will require an Arabic translation.
Should be in English language only.
Remote — participation in a videoconference with 2 witnesses is sufficient.
Choose the right type of will for your specific circumstances and legal requirements.
For non-Muslims who want to distribute UAE assets under common law principles.
Key Features:
Who should choose this: Non-Muslim expats and residents with property, bank accounts, or investments in Dubai and the UAE.
A more cost-effective alternative for registration through Emirati notaries.
Key Features:
Who should choose this: Expats seeking an affordable, legally valid will registration option with flexibility in language and faster processing.
Specialized wills for Muslim expats that comply with Sharia principles.
Key Features:
Who should choose this: Muslim expats living in the UAE who want to ensure Sharia-compliant distribution while appointing guardians and managing up to one-third of their estate freely.
Coordinate estate planning for assets outside the UAE.
Key Features:
Who should choose this: International clients with property, investments, or business interests in multiple countries who need coordinated multi-jurisdictional estate planning.
Registering your will in the UAE is straightforward with our expert guidance. Complete the entire process remotely without visiting the UAE.
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Step 1: Free Consultation (1-2 days) Understanding Your Needs We discuss your assets, family situation, and estate planning goals. Our qualified lawyers (licensed in UAE, USA & UK) analyze your circumstances and recommend the optimal type of will. What you'll get:
No obligation. Completely confidential. |
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Step 2: Will Drafting (3-5 days) Professional Legal Preparation Our experienced legal team prepares your will according to UAE laws, DIFC regulations, or Sharia requirements. Every clause is carefully crafted to ensure your wishes are legally enforceable. What we include:
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Step 3: Review & Amendments (2-3 days) Perfecting Your Will You receive the draft will for thorough review. We make unlimited revisions until the document perfectly reflects your intentions. Our commitment:
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Step 4: Remote Registration (1-3 days) Secure Video Notarization Final registration is completed via secure video conference with the DIFC Registry or UAE notary. No need to visit the UAE in person. What happens:
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Many expats living in the UAE don’t realize the serious consequences of dying without a registered will. Under UAE law, if you die intestate (without a will), Sharia law governs the distribution of your estate-regardless of your nationality or religion.
Your family loses access to funds when they need them most.
All bank accounts-including joint accounts-are immediately frozen for 6-12 months during probate. Your family cannot access money for living expenses, children’s education, mortgage payments, or other urgent needs. This financial freeze causes severe hardship during an already difficult time.
The court decides who raises your children-not you.
Without a will specifying guardians, UAE courts appoint guardians according to Sharia law. This may not align with your wishes. In some cases, guardianship can go to government authorities or family members you wouldn’t have chosen. Your children’s upbringing, education, and care could be determined by people who don’t share your values.
Your assets won’t go where you intended.
Sharia inheritance rules apply to all UAE assets for non-Muslims without a registered will. This means:
12–24 months of legal battles and high costs.
Without a will, estate administration becomes extremely complicated:
Protect your family with a properly registered UAE will. A registered will (DIFC or UAE Notary) prevents all these problems:
Don’t leave your family’s future to chance.
Transparent pricing based on your specific needs. The cost of making a will in Dubai and the UAE depends on several factors to ensure you receive the appropriate level of service.
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Registration Jurisdiction Different registration bodies have different fee structures: DIFC Wills: AED 5,000-8,000
UAE Notary Wills: AED 3,500-6,000
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Estate Complexity The complexity of your estate affects the legal work required: Simple Will (Lower pricing tier):
Complex Will (Higher pricing tier):
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Processing Speed Choose the timeline that fits your needs: Standard Processing (Included in base price):
Expedited Service (+20-30% fee):
Emergency Processing (+40-50% fee):
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Additional Services Optional services that may increase cost:
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No hidden costs. Everything you need is included:
Every situation is unique. Contact us for an accurate quote based on:
No obligation. Transparent pricing. No surprises.
We make it easy to protect your family:
Do I need to be a UAE resident to register a will?
No, there is no residency requirement to register a will in the UAE. Both UAE residents and non-residents can create and register wills for their UAE-based assets. This makes it convenient for property owners, investors, and business owners who may not live in the UAE full-time but have assets here.
What is the difference between DIFC Wills and UAE notary wills?
DIFC Wills are registered with the Dubai International Financial Centre and follow common law principles, making them ideal for non-Muslims and international expats. They must be in English and require 2 witnesses. UAE notary wills are registered with local notaries, are typically more cost-effective, can be in Arabic or English (with translation), and don't require witnesses for remote notarization. Both options allow remote registration via video conference.
Can I register my will remotely without visiting the UAE?
Yes, both DIFC and UAE notary registration options fully support remote procedures. You can complete the entire process via secure video conference from anywhere in the world. For DIFC wills, you'll need 2 witnesses present during the video call. For UAE notary wills, witnesses are not required. No physical presence in the UAE is necessary.
What happens to my UAE assets if I die without a will?
Without a will, UAE Sharia law governs the distribution of your estate, regardless of your nationality or religion. This means:
A properly registered will prevents all these complications.
How long does the will registration process take?
The timeline depends on the registration type:
The process includes: initial consultation (1-2 days), draft preparation (3-5 days), client review and amendments (2-3 days), and final registration with video notarization (1-3 days).
Can I update or amend my will after registration?
Yes, you can update your will at any time. We recommend reviewing your will every 3-5 years or after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, property acquisition, or relocation. Amendments follow the same registration process as the original will. Some changes may require drafting a new will, while minor updates can be handled through codicils.
Do I need separate wills for UAE and overseas assets?
Yes, it's strongly recommended to have jurisdiction-specific wills:
This prevents legal conflicts between jurisdictions and ensures smooth estate administration. We can coordinate with your overseas lawyers to ensure all wills work together harmoniously.
How much does it cost to make a will in Dubai and the UAE?
Will registration costs vary based on several factors:
Our fees include: free initial consultation, professional legal drafting by qualified lawyers, unlimited draft revisions, registration assistance, and remote notarization support. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your specific needs.
What assets can I include in my UAE will?
Your UAE will can cover all assets located in the UAE, including:
Note: Assets located outside the UAE should be covered by separate wills in those jurisdictions.
Can I appoint guardians for my children in my UAE will?
Yes, appointing guardians for minor children is one of the most important benefits of having a will in the UAE. Without a will, UAE courts determine guardianship according to Sharia law, and guardianship may go to government authorities rather than your chosen family members or friends.
In your will, you can:
This ensures your children are cared for by people you trust and according to your values.
Are Muslim wills different from non-Muslim wills in UAE?
Yes, there are important differences:
Non-Muslim Wills: Can be registered with DIFC or UAE notary, follow common law or civil law principles, allow complete freedom in asset distribution (subject to some restrictions), and can override Sharia inheritance rules.
Muslim Wills: Must comply with Sharia inheritance principles, can be registered through ADJD (Abu Dhabi Judicial Department), allow testamentary freedom for up to 1/3 of the estate, and the remaining 2/3 is distributed according to Sharia law. Muslims can also appoint guardians and specify burial wishes.
We provide specialized guidance for both Muslim and non-Muslim clients to ensure your will complies with applicable laws while maximizing your testamentary freedom.
Is my UAE will automatically valid in my home country?
No, a UAE will typically only governs assets located within the UAE. For comprehensive global estate planning:
We recommend a coordinated approach: register a will in each jurisdiction where you hold significant assets. This prevents conflicts between legal systems and ensures efficient estate administration worldwide. Our team can work with your international legal advisors to create complementary wills that don't contradict each other.
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