Will Registration in UAE for Expats | 2025

If you are an expat living in the UAE, having a proper Will is very important. Without Will registration, your assets such as money, property, and personal belongings may be frozen upon your passing. The court will then decide how to divide your estate, often applying Sharia inheritance law. This may lead to outcomes that do not reflect your personal wishes.

For non-Muslim residents, UAE law allows a different option. You can register a Will and clearly state who should receive your assets. This also lets you choose guardians for your children and avoid the automatic application of Sharia rules.

This right is explained under Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, which outlines how inheritance and Wills are handled in the UAE. Article 17 of this law gives non-Muslims the choice to apply the inheritance laws of their home country. To use this option, you must register your Will with an official authority in the UAE.

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What Happens If You Don’t Have a Will?

Many expats assume their property will go to their spouse or children automatically. But in the UAE, this is not always the case. Without Will registration in Dubai, your estate may be handled under local laws, which can create serious issues for your family.

If You Do Not Register a Will:

If an expat passes away without a registered Will, UAE law applies the following steps:

Assets may be frozen: Bank accounts and property may be frozen until the court appoints someone to manage the estate.
The court decides who inherits: Inheritance is divided according to fixed shares under Sharia law, which may differ from your personal intentions.
Joint assets may not pass directly: Even if you co-own property or accounts, they might not automatically transfer to your spouse.
Guardianship of children is decided by the court: The court may assign guardianship based on local rules, not necessarily based on your family’s preference.

If You Register a Will in Dubai:

Will registration in Dubai for expats allows you to protect your family and maintain full control over your estate. Here’s how:

You choose who receives your assets: You can name specific individuals to inherit your UAE-based property, accounts, and valuables.
It speeds up the legal process: A registered Will helps avoid long court delays and makes asset transfer faster and easier.
You can set guardianship instructions: You decide who should care for your children, and the court will follow your wishes.
You avoid default inheritance rules: For non-Muslims, your Will can follow your home country’s inheritance laws instead of Sharia-based divisions.

Why a Will Matters for Expats:

For expats living in Dubai, Will registration is one of the most important legal steps to protect both your assets and your family. Without a registered Will, your estate, which includes everything you own, may be distributed according to Sharia law, even if you are not Muslim or from the region. This can result in outcomes that do not reflect your personal wishes, especially when it involves joint bank accounts, real estate, or overseas beneficiaries.

By registering a Will in Dubai, you remain in full control of your estate. You can decide who will receive your property, savings, business shares, or any other assets. It also helps prevent long legal delays or disputes among family members, making the process smoother and less emotionally taxing. A valid Will provides your loved ones with a clear legal path to follow, reducing confusion and uncertainty during a difficult time. Moreover, it gives you the power to appoint a trusted guardian for your minor children, rather than leaving this decision in the hands of the court.

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Types of Wills for Expats:

For expats in the UAE, Will registration requires choosing the right type of Will based on your assets, residency, and legal preferences. The options below are authentic, up-to-date, and sourced from trusted legal platforms.

1. DIFC Wills:

For non-Muslim expats, the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry offers a trusted way to manage Will registration in Dubai. Created by the Government of Dubai and the DIFC Courts, this system follows common law principles and gives you full control over how your estate is handled.

You can register a Will that reflects your exact wishes, including who inherits your assets and who should care for your children. All Wills are recorded in the DIFC Courts Wills Registry and supported by the Wills Service, which manages the entire process. Backed by Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017, this system is fast, cost-effective, and legally enforceable.

The DIFC Wills Service offers different types of Wills such as Full Wills, Property Wills, Financial Asset Wills, Guardianship Wills, Business Owners’ Wills, and Digital Asset Wills. This gives expats the flexibility to choose a Will that suits their personal and financial needs.

2. ADJD Wills (Abu Dhabi Judicial Department):

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) offers non-Muslim expats a secure way to register their Wills under the UAE’s civil law. Wills registered through ADJD are processed by a specialised registry overseen by the Abu Dhabi courts. This option is open to non-Muslim residents who want to distribute their estate without the application of Sharia law.

ADJD Wills are valid across all seven emirates, making them a flexible choice for expats with assets throughout the UAE. You can choose to apply either UAE federal law or your home country’s inheritance laws.

Registration is available online or by video call, with a standard government fee. This option offers legal clarity, national coverage, and flexibility in planning how your assets will be passed on.

3. Dubai Courts or Notary Wills:

Dubai residents, including expats, have the option to register their Wills through the Dubai Courts or an authorised public notary. This process follows the UAE Personal Status Law and is a recognised legal path for documenting how assets should be distributed.

Wills registered through this route must be written in Arabic or include an official translation. It is also important for non-Muslims to clearly state in the Will that they do not wish for Sharia law to apply. If this is not mentioned, the estate may still be divided according to Sharia inheritance rules.

This local option is suitable for those who prefer to complete Will registration in Dubai through the emirate’s own legal system. As with all types of Wills, following the proper procedures ensures the Will is valid and enforceable under UAE law.

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What a Valid Will Needs in the UAE

Writing a Will in the UAE is more than just listing your wishes. It must meet certain legal steps to be valid. These rules are set by UAE law and help make sure your Will is accepted when it is needed most. Whether you are planning Will registration in Dubai or anywhere else in the UAE, the following points are essential.

What Should Be in the Will:

Full Details of the Testator: This includes your full name, nationality, and any ID details that clearly show the Will belongs to you.
A Clear List of Assets: You should write down what you own, such as your house, car, bank accounts, and other valuable items.
Who Inherits What: You need to mention the people or organisations (called beneficiaries) that will receive your assets. Be clear so there is no confusion.
Who Will Handle Your Estate: This person is called an executor. You can name someone you trust to manage everything after your passing.
Guardianship for Children: If you have children under 21, the Will should state who you want to care for them if something happens to you.
Any Special Instructions: You can include extra notes, like when a person should receive something or how a property should be handled.

What Makes a Will Legally Valid?

For Will registration in Dubai or any Emirate to be accepted by the courts, certain rules must be followed:

The person writing the Will must be mentally fit and understand what they are doing
They must be at least 21 years old
The Will must be typed or handwritten, not spoken
It should be signed in front of two adult witnesses who are not listed in the Will
It must be registered with the right authority, such as Dubai Courts, DIFC Wills Centre, or ADJD

How to Register a Will in Dubai

Choose your registration route
– DIFC Wills Service (for non-Muslim expats)
– Dubai Courts or Notary Public
Prepare your Will
– List your assets and intended beneficiaries
– Get it drafted as per your requirements by a legal professional
– Ensure the format and translation meet local legal rules
Book your appointment
– Through the DIFC portal or relevant Dubai court/notary
Sign your Will
– In person or by video (depending on the route)
– With the required witnesses present
Pay the registration fee
– Fees depend on the type of Will and the registration body
Receive confirmation
– The Will is stored securely with the respective authority

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Writing a Will is not always simple. It involves understanding your assets, your family’s needs, and the legal rules that apply in the UAE. Many expats choose to get help from legal professionals to make sure their Will is written clearly and follows all the correct steps.

Having a well-drafted Will means fewer chances of confusion or disagreement later. It also gives your family peace of mind, knowing that everything has been taken care of properly.

At Raya Al Ameri Advocates, we help clients prepare, review, and register their Wills in line with UAE regulations. Whether you need help listing your assets, translating your Will, or making sure it meets court requirements, we support you through every step with care and clarity.

If you’re considering drafting your Will or need legal guidance tailored to your situation, we invite you to get in touch with us to begin the process with confidence.