Wills in the UAE for Residents: Complete Registration Guide

📋 Complete Guide | Wills in the UAE

Wills in the UAE for residents let you decide who inherits your assets in the country instead of leaving it to default rules. The framework depends on religion: a Muslim resident falls under the personal status law, while a non-Muslim resident falls under the civil personal status law and has wider registration options. This guide covers which bodies accept wills, the published government fees, the real steps and documents, usual timings and common reasons a request is returned. For documents issued abroad, see our guide to documents needed for power of attorney notarization.

Wills in the UAE for residents: the legal framework

Muslims are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 on Personal Status. Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status applies to non-Muslim citizens and foreign residents unless one of them asks for their own law to apply, and it took effect on 1 February 2023 according to the official UAE government portal.

Wills in the UAE for Muslim residents: the rules

Article 173 of Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 provides that a bequest is carried out from the estate within one third, after funeral costs and debts. Article 193 explains that anything above one third depends on the heirs’ approval, that it is valid where the testator has no heirs, and that it is valid beyond a spouse’s share where the spouse is the only heir.

• A bequest to an heir is valid only with the approval of the adult heirs, or where the court finds an overriding interest (Article 184).
• Grandchildren may receive an obligatory bequest in place of a parent who died before or together with the testator, within one third and on the conditions in Article 179. It does not apply where the grandchild is an heir or was given the equivalent by the grandparent.
• A bequest remains valid even if the testator and the beneficiary follow different religions (Article 182).
• Where a will has been documented before the competent authorities, it cannot be amended or withdrawn in whole or in part except by the same procedure (Article 177).

The DIFC Courts do not register wills of Muslims: the testator must be a non-Muslim who has never been a Muslim, according to the DIFC Courts wills FAQ. A Muslim resident therefore turns to the competent judicial authority in their emirate.

Wills in the UAE for non-Muslim residents: your options

Under Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 a non-Muslim can document a will that names beneficiaries within the civil framework. Dubai also has Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017 on the administration of non-Muslim estates, which reaffirmed the authority of the DIFC Courts Wills Service. In March 2025 Law No. 2 of 2025 on the DIFC Courts was issued, giving the courts jurisdiction over matters relating to non-Muslim wills, according to the DIFC Courts announcement.

The DIFC Courts explain that their orders, including probate orders, need to be enforced through the Dubai Courts as a standard formality, and that the new law clarified how the Dubai Courts do this. Do not assume enforcement happens with no step at all; confirm the details with the registrar before relying on it.

Where to register wills in the UAE for residents

The choice in wills in the UAE for residents depends on religion, the language the will needs, where the assets are and where any minor children live. Each body sets its own eligibility rules, so check them before booking.

Which assets does a resident’s will cover?

The DIFC Courts explain that a Full Will covers movable assets such as bank accounts, company shares, vehicles and jewellery, and immovable assets such as real estate, and that it extends to what the testator owns at death even if not named. A separate Digital Assets Will also exists; see the DIFC Courts fee schedule for its fee.

• Real estate in the UAE, with the Property Will covering up to five properties within the UAE.
• Shares in companies established in the UAE, with the Business Owners Will covering up to five shareholdings.
• Bank accounts and financial assets in the UAE, covered by the Full Will or the Financial Assets Will.
• Vehicles, jewellery and other movables under the Full Will.

Official government fees for registering a will

The fees below are current as of October 2026 according to the DIFC Courts and Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 72 of 2025, and may change — please verify with the official source. The DIFC Courts state that their will registration fees are not subject to 5% VAT.

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department publishes its fees through its e-services directory and the ADGM Courts through the Notary Public and Wills Office page, so we quote no figure for either here.

Steps to register a will with the DIFC Courts

The official FAQ describes registration as follows:

The service currently does not accept translators or proxies at the signing appointment, so the testator and witnesses need a basic command of English. Anyone registering with the Dubai Courts notary or the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department should confirm the language and certified translation requirements with that body; foreign documents may also need the embassy and MoFA attestation chain, depending on where they were issued (see document attestation requirements).

Documents required to register a will

• The testator’s valid passport, and the Emirates ID if held.
• Passports or other official photo ID for both witnesses; a witness must not be a beneficiary, guardian or the spouse of either.
• For the Property Will: a title deed or other proof of ownership.
• For the Business Owners Will: share certificates or another document proving ownership of the shares.
• For a Guardianship Will or a Full Will that appoints guardians: a statement from each temporary or permanent guardian.

Optional items such as an asset list or a letter of wishes can be added. If the process is before another body, ask it for its current document list, as each body sets its own.

Usual timings and what lengthens them

The DIFC Courts state that a registration appointment, in person or remote, takes about twenty minutes and can be rescheduled up to three times at no extra charge. After death, a grant of probate is normally issued within a few weeks where the case is straightforward and the executor’s information and documents are complete.

These are customary timings, not a delivery commitment. In practice, a missing document, an ineligible witness, a will that must be redrafted to meet the minimum requirements, offline payment that misses its deadline, or the need for certified translation and attestation with other bodies can all lengthen the process.

Common reasons a will is returned, and how to avoid them

These are recurring patterns drawn from the body’s published requirements, not individual incidents:

• Minimum content not met: a will that does not meet the registrar’s mandatory requirements is not registered. Use the official template or a registered drafter.
• Ineligible witness: a witness who is a beneficiary, guardian or spouse of either, is under 18 or has no valid ID. Choose eligible witnesses in advance.
• Eligibility not met: for example a testator who is or ever was a Muslim, or who has no UAE assets and no minor children there.
• Earlier will under another regime: the service notes that a will drawn up under another system or jurisdiction usually does not fit the rules and needs redrafting.
• Missing document for the will type: such as the title deed, share certificate or guardian statement. Have them ready before booking.

Assets outside the UAE

A DIFC Full Will can include assets inside and outside the UAE, but enforcing it abroad depends on the law of the country where the assets sit and is not guaranteed by the service. The service also warns that another will made in a different country can affect the DIFC will if not drafted carefully. It is wise to take advice from a licensed professional in each country where you hold assets; documents may also need certified translation and attestation for use there.

Guardianship of minor children

The DIFC Courts allow a temporary and a permanent guardian to be appointed for minor children living in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah, in a Full Will or a Guardianship Will. Guardians cannot be appointed in the Property, Business Owners or Financial Assets Wills. The court issues temporary and permanent guardianship orders in line with the will, provided the guardian meets the requirements and the appointment does not contradict UAE public policy.

When to amend or review your will

The fee to modify a will registered with the DIFC Courts is AED 550 per will according to the official FAQ. Reviewing a will is the owner’s responsibility whenever circumstances change, since a will limited to certain assets covers only what it listed at registration.

• Marriage, divorce or the birth of a child, so check the effect with the registering body.
• The death of a beneficiary, executor or guardian named in the will.
• Buying property, shares or accounts not covered by a will limited to specific assets (Property, Financial Assets or Business Owners).
• A change in where your children or guardians live, or in the relevant laws.

Common mistakes with wills in the UAE for residents

• Relying on an unregistered draft or a generic template that ignores UAE law.
• Choosing a body that does not fit the testator’s religion or the location of the assets.
• Describing assets in general terms instead of matching the official documents.
• Leaving out lesser-known accounts or shareholdings in wills limited to specific assets.
• Naming an executor or guardian who cannot act in practice, with no substitutes.
• Not reviewing the will after major life changes.

Describing assets and beneficiaries exactly as they appear in official documents reduces the risk of objections and delay, and it is what the registrar normally checks.

How Instant POA helps in this process

Instant POA acts as a facilitator that helps prepare documents and coordinate the process, while notarisation and registration are carried out by the competent authority. If a testator needs an agent to handle paperwork, see our guide to personal legal services, our overview of power of attorney services in the UAE and the difference between a general and special power of attorney. None of this guarantees that a body will accept a document.

FAQ: wills in the UAE for residents

Can a resident register a will in the UAE?

Yes. Both Muslim and non-Muslim residents can have a formal will documented in the UAE, but the body and framework differ by religion. A non-Muslim can use options such as the DIFC Courts or the Dubai Courts notary, while a Muslim goes to the competent judicial authority in their emirate under Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024.

What are the limits of a Muslim resident’s will?

A Muslim’s will is carried out within one third of the estate after funeral costs and debts (Article 173). Anything above one third depends on the heirs’ approval, and a bequest to an heir needs the adult heirs’ approval or a court decision where there is an overriding interest. The excess is accepted where there is no heir.

Can a non-Muslim register a will remotely?

Yes. The DIFC Courts state that all their wills are registered and modified by video call, and that the testator and witnesses can attend from any country without visiting the UAE. Two adult witnesses are required, signing is electronic on a touch device, and the service does not accept translators or proxies at the appointment.

How much does a DIFC Full Will cost?

According to the Full Will page on the DIFC Courts website, one Full Will costs AED 10,000 and two mirror wills cost AED 15,000. Modifying a registered will costs AED 550. These fees cover DIFC Courts transactions only, are current as of October 2026 and may change, so check the official schedule before booking, and other bodies charge separately.

Does a will cover assets outside the UAE?

A DIFC Full Will may list assets outside the UAE, but enforcing it there depends on that country’s law and is not guaranteed by the service. Take advice from a licensed professional in each country concerned, and check that no other will made there conflicts with the one you register in the UAE.

Summary: wills in the UAE for residents

Wills in the UAE for residents are open to Muslims and non-Muslims alike, but the body, limits and fees depend on religion, the location of assets and where children live. Define your assets and beneficiaries precisely, choose the right registering body, and review the will whenever your circumstances change. Your next step is to confirm your eligibility with the body you plan to use, then gather your documents before booking.

💬 Chat with us on WhatsApp

Official sources

• Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 on Personal Status (uaelegislation.gov.ae): Articles 173, 177, 179, 182, 184 and 193
• Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status (uaelegislation.gov.ae): scope of application
• UAE Government portal (u.ae): date non-Muslim family law took effect
• DIFC Courts: Wills FAQ (eligibility, procedure, documents, timings)
• DIFC Courts: Wills Service and Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017
• DIFC Courts: Law No. 2 of 2025
• Dubai Legislation portal: Executive Council Resolution No. 72 of 2025 (attestation fee for a non-Muslim’s will)
• ADGM Courts: Notary Public and Wills Office