How to Register a Will in Dubai? Start by choosing the appropriate legal authority and preparing a compliant draft.
You then submit your application, pay the official fees, and attend a signing session. The exact requirements depend on where you register the document.
Where can you register a will as a Dubai resident?
If you live in Dubai, you have several choices. Eligible non-Muslims can use the DIFC Courts in English, either online or in person.
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) offers online civil will registration using Arabic and English forms. Its Civil Wills Office accepts non-UAE citizens regardless of religion.
Dubai Courts offers notary services for non-Muslim wills. Muslim wills use a separate attestation service, subject to the applicable personal status rules.
- DIFC Courts: Non-Muslims who have never been Muslim; 18 or over, with qualifying UAE assets or children. Language: English. Signing: Video call or in person.
- ADJD Civil Wills Office: Non-UAE citizens, regardless of religion. Language: Arabic and English. Signing: Online via video call.
- Dubai Courts non-Muslim wills: Eligible non-Muslims. Language: Arabic or legally translated. Signing: Notary public.
- Dubai Courts Muslim wills: Muslims, under the applicable personal status rules. Language: Arabic or legally translated. Signing: Separate Muslims will attest to the service.
For related guidance, see UAE inheritance law for expats.
How to Register a Will in Dubai
- Confirm the right legal path and will type.
- Name your beneficiaries, the executor, and guardians for minors.
- Prepare a clear legal draft and gather your documents.
- Submit the online application and pass the review process.
- Pay the official fees and book an appointment.
- Attend the identity check and signing session.
- Receive your registered will.
What documents and witnesses do you need?
The exact documents depend on the authority and your will type. For example, DIFC Courts do not require title deeds for all assets in a full will.
- Proof of identity: Passports and Emirates IDs. Upload the copies required by your chosen authority.
- Drafting details: Names of beneficiaries, executors, and guardians. Use specific legal wording.
- DIFC ownership documents: Property Will: title deeds or Oqood certificates. Business Owners Will: Share ownership documents. Requirements depend on the will type.
- DIFC guardianship documents: Signed statements from appointed interim and permanent guardians. Required for guardianship provisions, except where the appointed guardian is a parent.
- DIFC witnesses: Two witnesses aged 18 or over, with valid photo identification. They cannot be beneficiaries, guardians, or spouses of either.
For related guidance, see protecting children’s inheritance in the UAE.
Need Help Preparing Your Will?
Discuss the registration authority, beneficiaries, executors, guardianship provisions, and supporting documents with Faris Raian.
How much will registration cost
DIFC Courts
A single full will costs AED 10,000, and mirror wills cost AED 15,000. Limited wills for property or financial assets cost less.
ADJD
The standard fee is AED 950. A special transaction costs AED 2,500.
Dubai Courts
Confirm the exact amount with the notary public before registration. Government fees are separate from legal drafting and translation costs.
Choosing beneficiaries under the civil framework
Non-Muslims can leave their UAE assets to any chosen beneficiaries. This right is protected under Article 11 of Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022.
The will simply needs to meet the validity rules found in the executive regulations.
Distribution without a registered civil will
Without a will, half the estate goes to the spouse and the other half is split equally among the children. If the family structure is different, the law provides specific shares for parents and siblings.
Under Article 11(3), the heirs of a foreign citizen can also ask the court to apply a different inheritance law.
For related guidance, see children’s inheritance rights in the UAE.
Age and capacity requirements
You must be at least 21 years old and have full legal capacity to make a standard civil will. This requirement is in Article 28 of Cabinet Resolution No. 122 of 2023.
However, the DIFC Courts allow you to register a will if you are 18 or older.
Witness requirements for civil wills
Witness requirements depend on the registration authority and the applicable rules. Article 27 of Cabinet Resolution No. 122 of 2023 requires two witnesses for registration under that framework.
These registration requirements are separate from the validity conditions in Article 28. DIFC Courts follow their own registration rules, including two eligible witnesses.
Check the requirements of the authority handling your application.
Official legal sources
Book Your Consultation
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