For many UAE residents and investors, preparing a Will is an important part of protecting family interests, property, business interests, and succession plans.
However, one question often comes up next:
Where should you register it?
For eligible individuals, the UAE has several recognised routes, including Dubai Courts, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), the DIFC Courts Wills Service, and ADGM Courts.
Each route has its own eligibility requirements, registration process, scope, and legal framework. Therefore, choosing the right option requires a closer look at your personal and financial circumstances.
Elevate Accounting & Auditing provides Will registration facilitation and document-clearing support for non-Muslim individuals and families, with legal drafting and legal advice coordinated through licensed UAE legal partners.
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Four Recognised Routes to Consider
1.) Dubai Courts
Dubai Courts provides a local court route for registering Wills for non-Muslims under Dubai’s legal framework.
Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017 sets out requirements for registering a Will, including non-Muslim status, an appointed executor, the testator’s signature or seal in the presence of two witnesses, and payment of applicable fees.
This route can be relevant for individuals whose estate planning is closely connected to Dubai.
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2.) Abu Dhabi Judicial Department
ADJD operates a Civil Wills service for eligible individuals.
The ADJD states that a Civil Will must be registered to be legally recognised under its process. Applications are submitted through the Department, followed by review, payment, and the required appointment or certification process.
The current ADJD information lists the regular Will registration fee at AED 950, while a special Will registration is listed at AED 2,500.
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3.) DIFC Courts Wills Service
The DIFC Courts Wills Service provides a Common Law-based framework for eligible non-Muslims.
The service currently offers several Will types, including Full Wills, Guardianship Wills, Property Wills, Business Owners Wills, Financial Assets Wills, and Digital Assets Wills. Eligibility and asset limits vary by Will type.
A Full Will, for example, can cover movable and immovable assets and can include guardianship provisions for eligible minor children. The DIFC Courts currently list the registration fee at AED 10,000 for a Single Full Will and AED 15,000 for Mirror Wills, before any applicable additional costs.
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4.) ADGM Courts
ADGM Courts’ Notary Public and Wills Office provides a route for non-Muslim Wills.
The current ADGM guidance states that its Wills service is available to non-Muslim individuals aged 21 and above who own assets in the UAE. The service can cover disposition of an estate, guardianship of minor children, or both.
ADGM also states that its Notary Public can notarise a Will covering assets located elsewhere in the UAE and, subject to the relevant legal process, assets outside the UAE.
The published fee for notarisation of a non-Muslim Will is currently AED 950 plus USD 155, payable as separate ADJD and ADGM Courts fees.
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Which Will Registration Route Should You Choose?
There is no single route that is right for everyone.
The better question is:
Which registration framework fits your estate?
Consider:
- i) Your assets
Property, bank accounts, investments, business interests, and other assets may affect the appropriate route.
- ii) Your family circumstances
If you have minor children, guardianship provisions may be an important consideration.
iii) Your location
Your residence and the location of your assets can affect which registration options are available or practical.
- iv) Your succession objective
The type of Will and the applicable legal framework should match what you want the document to achieve.
- v) Your international assets
If your estate includes assets outside the UAE, obtain specific legal advice on how those assets should be addressed and where probate may be required.
Because these factors can overlap, professional legal advice should be obtained before choosing a registration route.
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Single Will or Mirror Wills?
A Single Will is prepared for one individual.
Mirror Wills generally refer to two separate Wills prepared for a couple with matching or substantially similar instructions.
The DIFC Courts specifically recognise Mirror Wills for married couples who register their Wills together. Each spouse still has a separate Will.
The exact structure should be determined with appropriate legal advice based on the couple’s assets and succession objectives.
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How Elevate Can Support the Process
Will preparation involves legal considerations, so drafting and legal advice should come from a suitably licensed legal professional.
Elevate can act as a facilitation and document-clearing support partner, coordinating the administrative side with licensed UAE legal partners.
Support may include:
- Initial consultation and needs assessment
- Document collection and review
- Coordination with a licensed legal partner
- Beneficiary and executor information
- Guardianship information for minor children
- Translation coordination where required
- Appointment scheduling support
- Registration coordination
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Planning to register a Will in the UAE? Speak with Elevate Accounting & Auditing for guidance on the available routes and the documentation involved.
Note: The appropriate route depends on your individual circumstances. A consultation can help identify the relevant registration options before you proceed.
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A Will Is a Planning Decision, Not Just a Document
The most suitable Will registration route depends on the details of your estate, family, assets, and succession objectives.
Therefore, do not choose a registration authority based only on price or location.
Review the available framework. Understand what the Will can cover. Then obtain appropriate legal advice before signing or registering it.
Need support with Will registration in the UAE? Contact Elevate Accounting & Auditing for facilitation and document-clearing support, coordinated with licensed UAE legal partners.
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Sources
- UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status
- Cabinet Resolution No. 122 of 2023, Executive Regulations
- Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017 on Non-Muslim Wills and Estates
- Abu Dhabi Judicial Department: Civil Wills and Inheritance
- DIFC Courts Wills FAQ
- DIFC Courts Wills Service and Fees
- ADGM Courts Notary Public and Wills Service
- ADGM Courts Notary Public Fees
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Who can register a Will in the UAE?
Eligibility depends on the registration authority and the individual’s circumstances. Non-Muslim residents and other eligible individuals may have Will registration options in the UAE.
- Can a UAE Will cover property and other assets?
It may cover UAE property and other eligible assets, depending on the registration route and the terms of the Will.
- Do I need a lawyer to prepare my Will?
Legal drafting and advice should be handled by a suitably licensed legal professional. An administrative provider can assist with coordination and registration support.
- Can I include guardianship wishes for my children?
Some Will registration routes allow eligible individuals to include guardianship provisions. The applicable requirements depend on the authority and your circumstances.
- Can I register a Will if I have assets outside the UAE?
Possibly. The treatment of overseas assets depends on the registration framework, the Will’s wording, and the laws of the countries where those assets are located. Professional legal advice is recommended.