Property Will
Deals specifically with UAE real estate, allowing you to nominate who inherits each property.
Wills
Wills for UAE Residents
A properly registered will removes uncertainty. It names your beneficiaries, appoints guardians for your children and specifies how your UAE assets are dealt with.
- DIFC and Abu Dhabi registered
- Guardianship provisions
- Property and business assets
Wills
Wills for UAE Residents
Without a registered will, the distribution of a non-Muslim expatriate's UAE assets can be subject to principles that may not reflect their wishes, and guardianship of minor children can be decided in ways families do not expect.
A properly registered will removes that uncertainty. It names your beneficiaries, appoints guardians for your children and specifies how your UAE assets should be dealt with. We prepare and register wills through the DIFC Wills Service and the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
We prepare and register wills through- the DIFC Wills Service
- the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department
What We Draft
Types of Will We Prepare
One will can cover everything, or you can register a focused will for a single class of asset.
Full Will
Covers all your UAE assets including property, bank accounts, company shares, vehicles and personal effects, plus guardianship provisions.
Financial Assets Will
Covers UAE bank accounts and investments, ensuring funds are released to your chosen beneficiaries.
Business Owners Will
Addresses shareholdings in UAE companies so that ownership passes as intended and the business continues to operate.
Vehicle Will
A straightforward registration dealing with UAE-registered vehicles.
Guardianship Will
Appoints both interim and permanent guardians for minor children, which is often the single most important provision for parents.
Personal effects sit inside the Full Will only, along with all your UAE assets.
Common Questions
Wills FAQs
Grouped by what is at stake: what happens if nothing is registered, and what a registered will gives you.
Without a registered will
02
accounts can be frozen
In the absence of a registered will, the treatment of a non-Muslim's UAE estate may be determined by principles that differ from those of their home country, and accounts can be frozen while matters are resolved. A registered will provides certainty and avoids that delay.
translation, attestation and court proceedings
A foreign will may be recognised, but enforcement typically requires translation, attestation and court proceedings, which take time and cost money. A locally registered will is directly enforceable through the relevant UAE courts.
With a registered will
04
available to non-Muslims
The DIFC Wills Service is available to non-Muslims with assets in the UAE. Registration is available to both residents and non-residents holding qualifying UAE assets.
Yes
Yes, and this is frequently the most important reason parents register. You can appoint both interim guardians, who act immediately, and permanent guardians for the longer term.
We quote before starting
Fees comprise the registration charge set by the DIFC or Abu Dhabi registry plus our drafting fee. Costs differ between will types and between single and mirror wills for couples. We quote before starting.
amended or replaced
Yes. Wills can be amended or replaced as your circumstances change. We recommend reviewing yours after any major life event such as marriage, a birth, a divorce or a significant asset purchase.
Next Step
Protect Your Family's Position
A registered will removes uncertainty for the people you leave behind. Speak to us about preparing yours.