# Will in Dubai: A Complete Guide for Expats (2025)
Making a will in Dubai is one of the most practical steps an expat can take to protect family assets and avoid lengthy court delays. This guide covers registration options, costs, eligibility, and what to prepare, without recommending any specific legal choice for your situation.
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What Is a Will in Dubai and Why Does It Matter for Expats?
A will in Dubai is a legal document that records how you want your assets distributed after death and, where applicable, who should care for your minor children. Without a registered will, UAE courts may apply Sharia succession principles to an estate by default, regardless of the deceased's nationality or religion. For non-Muslim expats, this can produce outcomes that differ significantly from home-country expectations.
The UAE introduced dedicated expat will frameworks to address this gap. The most established of these is the system operated by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), which accepts non-Muslim wills from residents across the UAE, not only Abu Dhabi. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Wills Service Centre also operates a well-known registry, primarily for assets located in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
Understanding which registry applies to your specific assets, and under what rules each operates, is important groundwork before you begin drafting. This guide focuses on the ADJD system while noting where Dubai-specific considerations differ. Every expat's asset profile is different, so the information here is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice.
The key point is straightforward: if you have assets in the UAE and you are a non-Muslim expat, a registered will provides a clear legal instruction to UAE courts. Without one, the default rules apply, and those rules may not reflect your wishes. Courts have discretion in how they apply those rules, and outcomes can vary. Registering a will does not guarantee a particular outcome, but it does give the court a documented record of your intentions.
For the current legal framework governing wills and inheritance in the UAE, see the UAE Legislation portal and the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
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Who Can Register a Will in Dubai and the UAE?
Non-Muslim expats who hold a valid UAE residence visa or, in some cases, who own property in the UAE without being resident, are generally eligible to register a will under the ADJD Non-Muslim Wills system. Age requirements, residency conditions, and asset eligibility depend on the specific registry and the type of will being prepared.
The ADJD system requires the testator (the person making the will) to be non-Muslim and to be aged 21 or above at the time of registration. Both residents and non-residents who own UAE-based assets may apply. The system covers assets across all seven Emirates, which makes it particularly relevant for expats who hold property or bank accounts in Dubai while preferring the ADJD framework.
For married couples, it is possible to prepare separate wills that mirror each other's intentions. Joint wills are not available under UAE law. Each individual must register their own will, signed independently, and pay the applicable court fee separately.
Children's guardianship provisions can be included in a will. UAE courts retain discretion over guardianship decisions, and a will provision naming a guardian is considered by the court but is not automatically binding. This is an important distinction that many expats overlook: naming a guardian in a will is not the same as a court order appointing that guardian.
Dual nationals should consider how their nationality status may affect which legal framework applies to their estate. This is a point worth discussing with a qualified UAE lawyer before finalising a will. UAE Expat Will prepares documents; it does not provide legal advice or assess individual eligibility.
For eligibility criteria under the ADJD system, refer directly to adjd.gov.ae.
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Types of Will You Can Register in Dubai
Dubai and the wider UAE offer several routes for non-Muslim expats to register a will. Each route covers different assets and operates under different rules. Understanding the distinctions matters before you begin drafting.
ADJD Non-Muslim Wills
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department operates the most geographically comprehensive system. A will registered with the ADJD can cover assets across all seven Emirates, including property in Dubai, bank accounts, vehicles, business interests, and personal belongings. The ADJD template is bilingual (Arabic and English), which is a legal requirement. The official template reference is ADJD-NM0723-07-03.
UAE Expat Will maps customer answers onto this official bilingual template. Arabic is included as part of the document, not as a translation add-on. Customers then self-register at the ADJD using a checklist of required steps and documents.
DIFC Wills Service Centre
The DIFC Wills Service Centre is a separate registry operating under DIFC law. It is commonly used for assets located in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The DIFC system offers several will types, including property wills, business owner wills, and full estate wills. Fees and procedures differ from the ADJD system.
Comparing the Two Main Routes
| Feature | ADJD Non-Muslim Wills | DIFC Wills Service Centre | |---|---|---| | Geographic coverage | All seven Emirates | Dubai and Northern Emirates (primarily) | | Languages | Arabic and English (bilingual) | English | | Who can register | Non-Muslim expats and non-resident property owners | Non-Muslim individuals with UAE-based assets | | Court fee (single will) | AED 950 (paid direct to court) | Varies by will type; check DIFC website | | Template format | Official bilingual ADJD template | DIFC standard forms | | Registration location | ADJD courts | DIFC Wills Service Centre |
Note: Court fees are paid directly to the relevant authority. UAE Expat Will does not collect court fees.
Choosing between these systems depends on where your assets are located, your residency status, and other personal circumstances. This is a decision that benefits from independent legal advice if you are uncertain.
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How Much Does a Will in Dubai Cost?
The total cost of registering a will in Dubai has two components: the document preparation fee and the court registration fee. These are paid to different parties at different stages.
The court registration fee for an ADJD will is AED 950 per will, paid directly to the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department at the time of registration. This fee is set by the court and is not collected by UAE Expat Will. Always verify the current fee directly with adjd.gov.ae before attending, as fees can change.
The document preparation fee is what you pay to prepare a compliant, will document before you go to the registry. UAE Expat Will charges the following for document preparation:
| Package | List Price | Current Price (to 30 Sep 2026) | |---|---|---| | Single Will | AED 1,199 | AED 999 | | Couple Wills (two separate wills) | AED 1,799 | AED 1,499 |
These prices cover preparation of the official bilingual ADJD template populated with your answers, along with a self-registration checklist to help you complete the court registration step independently.
Total Estimated Cost (ADJD Route)
| Item | Single Will | Couple Wills | |---|---|---| | Document preparation (UAE Expat Will) | AED 999 | AED 1,499 | | Court registration fee (paid to ADJD) | AED 950 | AED 1,900 (two wills x AED 950) | | Estimated total | AED 1,949 | AED 3,399 |
These figures are estimates based on current pricing. Court fees and document preparation prices may change. Check adjd.gov.ae for the current registration fee before your appointment.
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What Assets Can a Will in Dubai Cover?
A will in Dubai can cover a wide range of assets, but it is important to understand that not all assets pass through a will. Some assets, such as jointly held accounts with a right of survivorship or life insurance policies with named beneficiaries, may transfer outside of the will entirely, depending on how they are structured.
Assets that are commonly included in an ADJD non-Muslim will include:
- UAE real estate and property, including property in Dubai freehold areas
- UAE bank accounts held in your sole name
- Vehicles registered in the UAE
- Personal possessions and household contents
- Shareholdings in UAE companies (subject to company structure)
- Business interests, depending on the type of entity
Assets located outside the UAE are generally not covered by a UAE will. For overseas assets, you may need a will in the jurisdiction where those assets are located. Having wills in multiple jurisdictions is common for internationally mobile expats, but the interaction between different wills requires careful planning, ideally with legal advice in each relevant country.
Assets held in joint names, pension funds with named beneficiaries, and certain insurance products may fall outside the scope of a will regardless of what the will states. Understanding how your specific assets are titled and structured is part of the estate planning process.
UAE Expat Will documents your wishes for UAE-based assets using the ADJD template. The service does not review your asset structure, advise on how to hold assets, or assess whether specific assets will be captured by the will.
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The Registration Process: Step by Step
Registering a will with the ADJD involves several steps. UAE Expat Will handles the document preparation stage. The registration itself is completed by you, the customer, directly with the court.
Step 1: Prepare Your Information
Before starting the document preparation process, gather the following:
- Full legal name as it appears on your passport
- Passport number and nationality
- UAE residence visa details (if applicable)
- Details of your assets in the UAE (property addresses, bank names, vehicle details)
- Names, dates of birth, and relationship details of your beneficiaries
- Name and contact details of your chosen executor
- If including guardianship provisions: details of the proposed guardian
Step 2: Complete the Document Preparation
Use the UAE Expat Will online application at uaeexpatwill.com/app. The platform maps your answers onto the official ADJD bilingual template (ADJD-NM0723-07-03). You will receive a completed document.
Step 3: Review Your Document
Read your completed will carefully before attending the registry. Ensure all names, asset descriptions, and beneficiary details are accurate. Errors in the document may require amendments, which can involve additional court fees or delays.
Step 4: Book an Appointment at the ADJD
Contact the ADJD to schedule your registration appointment. The ADJD requires the testator to appear in person. Check adjd.gov.ae for current appointment booking procedures, required supporting documents, and location details.
Step 5: Attend the Registration Appointment
Bring your completed will document, original passport, and any other documents specified by the ADJD. Pay the court registration fee of AED 950 at the time of registration. The court will register the will and issue a registration certificate.
Step 6: Store Your Will Safely
Keep your original registered will and registration certificate in a secure location. Inform your executor where the documents are held.
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Common Mistakes Expats Make with Dubai Wills
Many expats delay making a will, assume a will from another country covers UAE assets, or overlook the bilingual requirement for ADJD registration. Understanding these common errors can save significant time and cost.
Assuming a home-country will covers UAE assets. A will made in the UK, Australia, or another country may not be automatically recognised in UAE courts without additional legal steps. Even if recognised, it may not address UAE-specific asset types or comply with local registration requirements.
Leaving it too long. Wills must be made while the testator has legal capacity. A will made during a period of illness or incapacity may be challenged. The practical advice from every legal source is consistent: do not leave it until a crisis prompts you to act.
Not updating the will after major life events. Marriage, divorce, the birth of children, acquisition of new property, or changes in beneficiary circumstances are all events that may warrant a review of an existing will. A will is not a permanent document; it can be revoked or updated.
Naming an executor who cannot serve. An executor should be someone who can practically carry out the role, is willing to do so, and understands what is involved. Naming a close family member who lives abroad and has never been to the UAE may create practical difficulties.
Not understanding what falls outside the will. As noted above, certain assets transfer outside the will entirely. A will that refers to an asset that actually passes by other means may create confusion rather than clarity.
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Updating or Revoking a Will in Dubai
A registered will can be updated or revoked, but there are procedures that must be followed for changes to be legally effective. Simply writing a new document without formally revoking the previous one can create ambiguity.
To update a will registered with the ADJD, you generally have two options: make a codicil (a formal amendment) or register a new will that expressly revokes the previous one. Either approach requires returning to the ADJD for registration. A new registration fee applies.
Marriage and divorce may affect the validity of existing will provisions in some legal systems, but this is not automatically the case in the UAE. It is advisable to review your will after any major change in personal circumstances and seek legal advice if you are uncertain about the effect of a life event on your existing will.
UAE Expat Will can prepare an updated document if your circumstances change. A new document preparation fee applies for a substantially revised will. Customers return to the ADJD independently to register the updated document.
For current procedures on amending or revoking a registered will, refer to adjd.gov.ae.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wills in Dubai
Do I need a will if I already have one from my home country?
A will from your home country may not be automatically enforceable for UAE-based assets without additional legal steps. UAE courts generally prefer locally registered wills for UAE-situated assets. Having a UAE-registered will alongside a home-country will is a common arrangement for expats with assets in multiple jurisdictions.
Can Muslims make a will under the ADJD non-Muslim system?
No. The ADJD Non-Muslim Wills system is available only to non-Muslims. Muslims in the UAE are subject to Sharia inheritance rules, which are applied by default. There are specific legal provisions that may allow for some testamentary flexibility in limited circumstances, but this is a matter for a qualified lawyer.
Is Arabic required in my will?
Yes. Wills registered with the ADJD must be in both Arabic and English. The ADJD template (ADJD-NM0723-07-03) is a bilingual document. UAE Expat Will produces a document that includes Arabic as standard, not as a separately purchased add-on.
How long does registration take?
The ADJD appointment itself is typically completed in one sitting once you have your documents ready. Waiting times for appointments may vary. Check adjd.gov.ae for current booking timelines.
Can I include assets outside the UAE in my Dubai will?
An ADJD-registered will covers UAE-based assets. Whether it has any legal effect on overseas assets depends on the law of the country where those assets are located. For assets in other countries, local legal advice is recommended.
What happens to my will if I leave the UAE?
A registered ADJD will remains registered even if you no longer reside in the UAE. However, it is worth reviewing the will if your circumstances change significantly, including a change of country of residence. The will continues to govern your UAE-based assets regardless of where you live at the time of death.
Does UAE Expat Will register my will for me?
No. UAE Expat Will is a document preparation service. It prepares your will document using the official ADJD bilingual template and provides a checklist to guide your self-registration at the court. The registration appointment is completed by you, directly with the ADJD. UAE Expat Will does not file, register, or represent customers in any court proceeding.
What is the court fee for registering a will in Dubai?
The ADJD court registration fee is AED 950 per will, paid directly to the court. This is separate from the document preparation fee and is not collected by UAE Expat Will. Verify the current fee at adjd.gov.ae before your appointment.
Can I name a guardian for my children in my will?
Yes, you can name a proposed guardian for minor children in your will. UAE courts take this into account but retain discretion over guardianship decisions. A will provision is not a court order. If guardianship is a primary concern, legal advice from a UAE family law practitioner is recommended.
What is the difference between an executor and a beneficiary?
A beneficiary is a person who receives assets from your estate. An executor is the person responsible for administering your estate, carrying out the instructions in your will, and dealing with the relevant authorities. These can be the same person or different people.
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Document Preparation Disclaimer
UAE Expat Will is a document preparation service, not a law firm. The service prepares will documents by mapping customer-provided information onto the official ADJD bilingual template (ADJD-NM0723-07-03). UAE Expat Will does not provide legal advice, assess individual eligibility, advise on asset structuring, or assist with court registration. Nothing in this guide constitutes legal advice. Laws, fees, and court procedures change; always verify current requirements directly with adjd.gov.ae and uaelegislation.gov.ae before proceeding. If you are uncertain about any legal question relating to your will or estate, consult a qualified UAE lawyer.
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Start Your Will Today
If you have UAE-based assets and you have not yet registered a will, the document preparation process is straightforward. UAE Expat Will prepares your official bilingual ADJD will document online, at a fixed price, with no appointment required for the preparation stage.
Single will: AED 999 (list price AED 1,199) until 30 September 2026.
Couple wills (two separate wills): AED 1,499 (list price AED 1,799) until 30 September 2026.
Court registration fee: AED 950 per will, paid directly to the ADJD at your registration appointment.
Ready to begin?