Creating a Last Will in the UAE is an important part of estate planning, particularly for expatriates, business owners, property owners, and families with children living in the UAE.
A properly prepared and registered Last Will and Testament can help establish your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets and, where the applicable legal framework permits, arrangements concerning guardianship of minor children.
For people living in Dubai, there are different legal and registration routes depending on individual circumstances. One well-known option is the DIFC Courts Wills Service, which provides eligible non-Muslims with a mechanism to register Wills covering UAE assets and, in certain circumstances, guardianship provisions.
The UAE also has federal personal-status legislation governing wills and inheritance. Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2024 contains provisions dealing with wills, including provisions concerning beneficiaries and wills involving differences in religion.
Because the correct approach depends on your circumstances, it is important to understand which type of Will is appropriate, where it should be registered, and what assets and family arrangements you want it to cover.
What Is a Last Will and Testament?
A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that sets out a person's wishes regarding what should happen to their estate after their death.
Depending on the applicable legal framework and the type of Will, it may address matters such as:
- Real estate
- Bank accounts
- Investments
- Company shares
- Vehicles
- Personal belongings
- Business interests
- Financial assets
- Digital assets
- Beneficiaries
- Executors
- Guardianship of minor children
- Distribution of the estate
A Will can therefore form an important part of a broader estate planning strategy in the UAE.
Why Is a Will Important in the UAE?
Many UAE residents own assets in the country while their family members may live in different jurisdictions.
Without appropriate estate planning, dealing with an estate after death can involve additional legal and administrative procedures.
A registered Will can provide clearer instructions regarding the testator's wishes and may help make the estate administration process more structured.
For eligible individuals using the DIFC Courts Wills Service, the registered Will can provide instructions concerning the distribution of UAE assets and, where applicable, the appointment of guardians for minor children.
A Will can help you:
1. Plan the distribution of your assets
You can identify the beneficiaries you want to benefit from your estate, subject to the applicable law.
2. Protect your family's interests
A well-drafted Will can provide clear instructions for your estate and reduce uncertainty for your family.
3. Address UAE property
If you own property in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE, estate planning should take the ownership structure and applicable succession rules into consideration.
4. Address business interests
Company owners may need to consider what happens to their shares or business interests after death.
5. Plan for minor children
Certain Will structures allow eligible testators to include guardianship provisions for minor children.
6. Reduce uncertainty
Clear and legally appropriate instructions can help reduce disputes and confusion among family members.
Who Should Consider Making a Will in the UAE?
A Will may be particularly important for:
- UAE expatriates
- Dubai residents
- Property owners
- Business owners
- Investors
- Parents of minor children
- Individuals with bank accounts in the UAE
- Individuals with investment portfolios
- Families with assets in multiple countries
- Married couples
- Individuals with complex family structures
If you have substantial assets in the UAE, preparing a Will should be considered as part of your overall estate and succession planning.
Can Expats Make a Will in the UAE?
Yes, eligible expatriates can make and register Wills in the UAE through applicable legal mechanisms.
For example, the DIFC Courts Wills Service states that an eligible person must be at least 18 years old, non-Muslim and must own assets in the UAE and/or have minor children residing with them in the UAE.
However, eligibility and the appropriate registration route depend on the individual's circumstances.
It is therefore important not to assume that one type of Will automatically applies to every UAE resident.
What Can a Will in the UAE Cover?
The assets covered depend on the type of Will and the applicable legal framework.
A comprehensive estate plan may consider:
1. UAE Real Estate
This may include:
- Apartments
- Villas
- Commercial properties
- Investment properties
- Land interests
2. Bank Accounts
A Will may address eligible bank and financial assets, depending on the Will structure.
3. Company Shares
Business owners should consider how their ownership interests will be dealt with after death.
4. Investments
Investment accounts and securities may form part of an individual's estate.
5. Vehicles and Personal Property
Vehicles, jewellery, artwork and other valuable personal assets may also need to be considered.
6. Digital Assets
Modern estate planning may also need to consider digital assets.
The DIFC Courts Full Will service, for example, provides for certain digital assets through its non-custodial wallet framework.
Types of DIFC Wills in the UAE
The DIFC Courts Wills Service provides several types of Wills for eligible testators.
According to the DIFC Courts, these include:
Full Will
A Full Will can cover movable and immovable property and may also include guardianship provisions for eligible minor children residing in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah.
This can be particularly relevant for individuals with multiple categories of assets.
Property Will
A Property Will is designed specifically for qualifying UAE real estate.
Business Owners Will
This type of Will can address qualifying business shareholdings.
Financial Assets Will
A Financial Assets Will can cover qualifying bank and brokerage accounts. The DIFC Courts currently state that this type of Will can cover up to 10 separate accounts or shares in accounts meeting the specified requirements.
Guardianship Will
A Guardianship Will focuses on guardianship arrangements for eligible minor children rather than asset distribution.
What Is a Full Will?
A Full Will is generally the more comprehensive option where a person wants to address multiple categories of assets.
The DIFC Courts explain that a Full Will can cover movable and immovable assets owned by the testator at the time of death within the jurisdiction specified in the Will. It can therefore cover assets acquired after the Will is registered, rather than requiring every future asset to be individually listed.
This can make a Full Will useful for people whose assets may change over time.
For example, a person may currently own:
- One apartment in Dubai
- A UAE bank account
- Shares in a UAE company
and later acquire another property or investment.
A properly structured Full Will may be able to address the estate more broadly, subject to its terms and applicable law.
Mirror Wills for Married Couples
Married couples may consider preparing Mirror Wills.
Mirror Wills are separate Wills prepared for each spouse, generally designed so that the two Wills work together according to the couple's estate-planning intentions.
The DIFC Courts currently provide a Mirror Will registration option for married couples who both wish to register Full Wills at the same time.
For example, a married couple may wish to structure their Wills so that:
- The surviving spouse receives the estate, subject to applicable law; and
- If both spouses die, the estate passes to their children or other named beneficiaries.
The precise drafting should be based on the family's circumstances and the applicable legal framework.
What Is a Guardian in a Will?
Parents with minor children should consider guardianship as part of their estate planning.
A guardian may be appointed to assume responsibility for a minor child after the death of the parents, subject to the applicable legal requirements and the court's authority.
The DIFC Courts Wills Service allows eligible testators to include interim and permanent guardianship provisions for qualifying minor children residing in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah.
A Will can therefore be about more than simply dividing money and property.
For families with children, guardianship planning can be one of the most important elements of a Will.
Who Is an Executor?
An executor is the person appointed to administer the estate after the testator's death.
The executor may be responsible for tasks such as:
- Identifying estate assets
- Dealing with liabilities
- Communicating with relevant authorities
- Following the Will
- Administering the estate
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries
- Completing relevant legal procedures
The DIFC Courts explain that a Full Will requires consideration of the executor and allows a substitute executor to be appointed.
Choosing a reliable executor is therefore an important part of Will drafting.
How to Make a Last Will in the UAE
The process depends on the type of Will and registration authority.
Generally, the process involves the following steps:
Step 1: Identify Your Assets
Prepare a list of your major assets, including:
- Properties
- Bank accounts
- Investments
- Company shares
- Vehicles
- Personal valuables
- Digital assets
- Other significant interests
Step 2: Identify Your Beneficiaries
Determine who you want to benefit from your estate.
This may include:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Other relatives
- Charities
- Other permitted beneficiaries
Step 3: Decide on Guardianship
If you have minor children, consider who you would want to act as guardian, subject to the applicable legal framework.
Step 4: Choose an Executor
Select a person you trust to administer your estate.
Step 5: Draft the Will
The Will should be carefully drafted so that its provisions are clear and consistent with the requirements of the relevant registration authority.
Step 6: Register the Will
The Will should then be registered through the appropriate legal channel.
For DIFC Courts Wills, registration is conducted electronically, and eligible testators can complete the process virtually.
What Documents Are Required for a Will in Dubai?
The exact requirements depend on the Will and registration route.
For a DIFC Courts Full Will, the Wills Service states that the portal requires supporting information and documents, including a valid passport and Emirates ID where applicable, as well as valid passport copies for the witnesses. Guardianship arrangements may require signed Guardianship Statements from appointed guardians.
Depending on your circumstances, you may therefore need documents such as:
- Valid passport
- Emirates ID, if applicable
- Witness identification documents
- Information about beneficiaries
- Property information
- Company information
- Bank or investment information
- Children's information
- Guardian information
Additional documents may be required depending on the type of Will.
Can a Will Be Registered Online in the UAE?
Certain UAE Will services provide electronic registration.
For example, the DIFC Courts confirm that Wills can be registered through electronic signatures and that registration can be completed virtually from outside the UAE.
This can be particularly useful for UAE residents who are temporarily outside the country or for eligible individuals who cannot attend in person.
How Much Does a Will Cost in Dubai?
The cost depends on the type of Will, drafting requirements, registration authority and professional services involved.
For example, the DIFC Courts currently list the registration fee for a single Full Will at AED 10,000, while Mirror Wills for two spouses are listed at AED 15,000.
These are registration fees and should not automatically be treated as the total cost of professional Will preparation.
Additional professional costs may apply where legal drafting, translation, consultation or other services are required.
Because fees and procedures can change, applicants should verify the current charges with the relevant authority before proceeding.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Make a Will in the UAE?
Legal assistance is not necessarily mandatory for every type of Will.
However, professional legal advice can be highly beneficial when the Will involves:
- Multiple properties
- Businesses
- Company shares
- International assets
- Minor children
- Complex family structures
- Multiple beneficiaries
- Different nationalities
- Different jurisdictions
- Special conditions
- Mirror Wills
The DIFC Courts strongly recommend considering legal advice when preparing a Full Will and maintain a register of approved Wills Draftsmen.
A professionally drafted Will can also help identify potential inconsistencies before the document is registered.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in the UAE?
Dying without a Will is generally referred to as intestacy.
When someone dies without appropriate estate-planning instructions, the administration and distribution of their estate may become more complicated.
The applicable rules can depend on factors such as:
- Religion
- Nationality
- Residence
- Location of assets
- Type of assets
- Applicable UAE legislation
- Registration jurisdiction
- Family circumstances
This is why expatriates with UAE assets should not assume that the inheritance rules of their home country will automatically determine what happens to every UAE asset.
The UAE's legal framework includes specific rules concerning wills and inheritance, and the correct legal analysis depends on the circumstances of each estate.
Will vs. Inheritance: What Is the Difference?
A Will is an estate-planning document containing instructions regarding what should happen to an estate.
Inheritance refers to the legal transfer of a deceased person's estate to beneficiaries or heirs under the applicable legal rules.
A Will does not operate independently of the law.
Its provisions must comply with the legal framework governing the Will and the assets concerned.
This is why professional advice is particularly important when preparing a Will involving UAE property, business interests or assets in multiple countries.
Can a Will Cover Assets Outside the UAE?
This depends on the type of Will and the relevant jurisdiction.
The DIFC Courts state that a Full Will can potentially specify a jurisdiction beyond the UAE, but enforcement outside the UAE is not guaranteed. Testators are advised to obtain appropriate legal advice regarding the relevant foreign jurisdiction.
If you have international assets, it may therefore be necessary to consider cross-border estate planning rather than relying on one document without reviewing the laws of each jurisdiction.
Should Married Couples Have Two Wills?
In many cases, married couples may benefit from preparing separate Wills.
For example, a husband and wife may each prepare an individual Will that reflects their respective ownership interests and estate-planning wishes.
For eligible DIFC Courts applicants, the Mirror Wills structure provides an option for two spouses to register Full Wills together.
The exact provisions should be carefully reviewed to ensure that the Wills work appropriately together.
Can I Change My Will Later?
Estate planning should be reviewed whenever there is a significant change in circumstances.
You may need to review your Will after:
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Birth of a child
- Death of a beneficiary
- Acquisition of property
- Sale of property
- Establishment of a company
- Change in business ownership
- Relocation
- Significant changes in your family circumstances
For certain DIFC Wills, amendments or a new Will may be required depending on the nature of the change. The DIFC Courts, for example, state that certain asset-specific Wills need modification when new assets are acquired that the testator wishes to protect through that Will.
Common Mistakes When Preparing a Will in the UAE
1. Using a generic Will template
A generic Will may not address the requirements of the UAE or the relevant registration authority.
2. Failing to identify all major assets
Important assets can easily be overlooked.
3. Ignoring company shares
Business owners should consider how their ownership interests will be dealt with.
4. Forgetting minor children
Parents should consider guardianship arrangements where applicable.
5. Naming inappropriate executors
The executor should be someone capable and trustworthy.
6. Ignoring international assets
Foreign assets may be subject to different laws.
7. Failing to update the Will
A Will should be reviewed after significant changes in family or financial circumstances.
8. Confusing a Will with a Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney generally operates during the principal's lifetime and authorizes another person to act on their behalf.
A Will, by contrast, primarily deals with arrangements taking effect after death.
These are separate legal instruments and should not be treated as substitutes for one another.
Last Will in UAE for Property Owners
Property owners in Dubai should pay particular attention to estate planning.
A property may represent one of the largest assets in an individual's estate.
A Will can help establish the intended succession arrangements, subject to the applicable legal framework.
Property owners should consider:
- Property ownership structure
- Mortgage obligations
- Joint ownership
- Beneficiaries
- Other estate liabilities
- Applicable succession rules
- Whether the property is covered by the selected Will
If you own multiple properties, a broader Full Will may be worth considering depending on your eligibility and objectives.
Last Will in UAE for Business Owners
Business owners should consider succession planning for:
- LLC shares
- Free zone company shares
- Partnership interests
- Investment holdings
- Intellectual property
- Business bank accounts
- Other ownership interests
A Will can form one component of a broader business succession plan.
However, the Will should be coordinated with the company's constitutional documents, shareholder arrangements and applicable corporate regulations.
Last Will in UAE for Families With Children
For families with children, estate planning should address more than asset distribution.
Parents may want to consider:
- Who should care for their children
- Who should manage assets for minor beneficiaries
- Who should administer the estate
- What happens if both parents die
- Whether substitute guardians should be named
- How assets should ultimately pass to children
The DIFC Courts Wills Service specifically provides mechanisms for eligible testators to include guardianship provisions for qualifying minor children.
Will Registration in Dubai
The appropriate registration process depends on the type of Will and the legal route selected.
The DIFC Courts Wills Service is one established option for eligible non-Muslims. It provides different Will structures, including Full Wills, Property Wills, Business Owners Wills, Financial Assets Wills and Guardianship Wills.
The UAE Government also recognizes official services for establishing and documenting Wills through competent judicial/notarial authorities.
Therefore, before preparing a Will, it is important to determine which registration route is appropriate for your circumstances.
What Should a UAE Will Include?
A properly structured Will may include provisions addressing:
- Identification of the Testator
- Revocation of previous Wills
- Appointment of Executor
- Appointment of substitute Executor
- Identification of Beneficiaries
- Distribution of Assets
- Real Estate
- Bank and Financial Assets
- Company Shares
- Personal Property
- Digital Assets, where applicable
- Guardianship Provisions
- Substitute Guardians
- Administrative Powers
- Applicable Jurisdiction
- Additional Special Provisions
The final structure should be tailored to the applicable legal framework rather than copied from another person's Will.
How Quick Link Can Help With Your UAE Will
Preparing a Will requires more than simply translating a document or completing a standard form.
At Quick Link, we assist clients in Dubai and the UAE with legal document services related to Wills, legal translation, notarization and document processing.
Our services can include assistance with:
- Will document preparation
- Last Will and Testament documentation
- Will translation
- Arabic-English legal translation
- Supporting document preparation
- Notarization-related procedures
- Document coordination
- UAE legal document services
- Assistance with estate-planning documentation
Where specialist legal advice is required, clients should obtain advice from a qualified legal professional or the relevant Will registration authority.
Frequently Asked Questions About Last Wills in the UAE
Is a Will necessary in the UAE?
A Will can be an important estate-planning document, particularly for expatriates, property owners, business owners and parents with minor children.
Can foreigners make a Will in Dubai?
Eligible foreigners can make and register Wills in Dubai through applicable legal mechanisms. DIFC Courts, for example, provide Will registration services for eligible non-Muslims.
Can a Will cover Dubai property?
Yes, depending on the applicable Will structure and legal framework. Certain DIFC Will types specifically address UAE real estate.
Can I make a Will for my children?
A Will may include provisions relating to children, including guardianship provisions where the applicable legal framework permits.
Can married couples make Wills?
Yes. Married couples may prepare separate Wills, and eligible DIFC applicants can use a Mirror Will structure.
Can I register a Will remotely?
Certain Will services allow remote electronic registration. DIFC Courts state that eligible Will registrations can be completed virtually.
Can I change my Will?
A Will can generally be reviewed and updated when circumstances change, subject to the rules applicable to the relevant Will.
Does a Will cover assets outside the UAE?
It depends on the Will and the jurisdiction. Foreign enforcement is not automatically guaranteed and should be reviewed under the law of the relevant country.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Plan Your Will Early
A Last Will in the UAE is an important part of responsible estate planning.
Whether you own a Dubai property, operate a company, maintain UAE bank accounts, have investments, or have children living in the UAE, preparing appropriate estate-planning documents can provide greater clarity about your wishes.
The most important step is to choose the correct Will structure and registration route for your circumstances.
A Will should be carefully prepared, legally compliant and reviewed whenever your family, assets or circumstances change.
If you are considering preparing a Last Will and Testament in Dubai, professional assistance can help you understand the available options and prepare the necessary documentation.
Quick Link – Legal Translation & Document Services in Dubai can assist with Will-related documentation, legal translation and document processing in the UAE.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and SEO purposes and does not constitute legal advice. UAE laws, regulations, procedures and fees may change. The appropriate Will structure depends on individual circumstances, including religion, nationality, residence, assets, family circumstances and the jurisdiction involved. Obtain professional legal advice before relying on this information or preparing a Will.
