By Kompani Setup advisers · Updated 15 October 2026
- Non-Muslims aged 21 and over can register a will with the DIFC Courts or the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
- Without a will, default rules decide who inherits, bank accounts can be frozen and a court chooses guardians.
- A good will names beneficiaries, executors and guardians, and lists your main assets.
- Fees and coverage differ between registries, so choose based on where your assets are.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Will rules and fees change, so check your situation with an adviser.
Why expats need a UAE will
Without a registered will, your UAE assets are handled under default rules. For non-Muslims, federal civil law generally gives half the estate to a surviving spouse and splits the rest equally between the children. Bank accounts, even joint ones, can be frozen until a court confirms the heirs, and a court decides who looks after children who are minors. A will lets you decide instead.
Who can make a will in the UAE?
Non-Muslims aged 21 and over can register a will with the DIFC Courts Wills Service or the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. Muslim residents’ estates are generally distributed under Sharia rules, and a will can only change part of that, so they should take specific advice.
Your registry options
- DIFC wills: the UAE’s first registry for non-Muslims, often chosen by people with property in Dubai. Fees are higher and vary by will type.
- Abu Dhabi (ADJD) wills: a largely online process with UAE Pass, with the will in English and Arabic. Often the lower-cost option.
Sources differ on how far each will reaches into other emirates, especially for Dubai property, so choose based on where your assets are. Our DIFC vs Abu Dhabi comparison goes into the details.
What to include in your will
- Beneficiaries: who inherits, and in what shares.
- Executors: who will carry out your wishes.
- Guardians: who looks after your children if they’re minors. See guardianship wills.
- Assets: property, bank accounts, investments and company shares.
Step by step
- List your assets and family details, including anything outside the UAE.
- Choose the registry and type of will that suit where your assets are.
- Prepare the will and check the names, shares and guardians carefully.
- Sign and register it at the registry appointment, in person or by video where available.
- Keep it up to date after marriage, children, or buying or selling property.
Documents you’ll usually need
- Passport, and Emirates ID if you’re a UAE resident
- Details of your main assets, with proof of ownership for some registries
- Full names of beneficiaries, executors and guardians
- An official Arabic translation for an Abu Dhabi will
How much does a will cost in the UAE?
Costs depend on the registry and the type of will. The Abu Dhabi government fee has been reported at AED 950 for a single will, while DIFC registration fees are higher. Drafting and translation are extra. We confirm every cost before you start.
Ready to start? Begin your will application and an adviser will talk you through the options.
