Will Registration for Expats
in the UAE
Protect your assets and secure your family's future with a legally registered Will recognised by UAE courts. We assist foreign residents and investors in preparing and registering Wills under UAE law, ensuring clarity, control, and legal protection.
Why Every Expat in the UAE Should Register a Will
Without a registered Will, the distribution of your assets in the UAE may be decided under Sharia law, which can differ greatly from your home country's inheritance rules.
Registering a Will allows you to define how your assets, property, and guardianship of your children will be managed according to your wishes. It also simplifies the process for your family, avoiding unnecessary delays or disputes during an already difficult time.
At IBA, we work with legal experts to ensure your Will complies with UAE regulations and is properly registered with the relevant authority.
Understand the Different Will Options Available to Expats
Expats in the UAE can register their Wills through several official authorities. The right option depends on your residency, religion, and where your assets are located. IBA guides you in choosing the most suitable authority and manages the full registration process from start to finish.
DIFC Will (Dubai International Financial Centre)
English-language system following common law principles
Allows non-Muslim expats to register Wills covering assets, property, and guardianship
Recognised by Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah authorities
Conducted entirely in English
Fast registration with digital options available
Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Will
Nationwide protection for non-Muslims across all Emirates
Available in both Arabic and English, recognised nationwide
Cost-effective compared to DIFC
Covers assets across the UAE
Registration at Abu Dhabi Judicial Department
Dubai Courts Will
Sharia-compliant option for Muslim residents
Registered through the Dubai Courts Notary Public
Ideal for residents with property or business in Dubai
Offers formal legal validity within Dubai
RAK and Sharjah Wills
Local registration options through emirate courts
Available for those owning property specifically in these Emirates
Less common for foreign residents but suitable for specific emirate-based assets
Fast registration with digital options available
Single or Married? Choose the Will That Fits Your Circumstances
The structure of your Will depends on whether you are registering as an individual or as part of a couple. Below is a simple overview of both options and how they work in the UAE.
Category
Best For
Location
Who it's for
Individuals who want to register a Will independently.
Married couples who wish to create two Wills with mirrored instructions.
Who it's for
Best For:
Individuals who want to register a Will independently.
Location:
Married couples who wish to create two Wills with mirrored instructions.
Coverage
Covers only the individual's assets and guardianship wishes.
Covers the assets and guardianship wishes of both spouses, each having their own legally valid Will.
Coverage
Best For:
Covers only the individual's assets and guardianship wishes.
Location:
Covers the assets and guardianship wishes of both spouses, each having their own legally valid Will.
Cost efficiency
Slightly lower registration cost.
Higher combined cost but more efficient for couples registering together.
Cost efficiency
Best For:
Slightly lower registration cost.
Location:
Higher combined cost but more efficient for couples registering together.
Flexibility
Can be amended or replaced anytime by the individual.
Each Will can be updated separately if circumstances change.
Flexibility
Best For:
Can be amended or replaced anytime by the individual.
Location:
Each Will can be updated separately if circumstances change.
Typical use case
Single professionals, investors, or parents registering individually.
Married couples or joint property owners planning long-term asset protection in the UAE.
Typical use case
Best For:
Single professionals, investors, or parents registering individually.
Location:
Married couples or joint property owners planning long-term asset protection in the UAE.
Why Every Expat Should Register a Will
in the UAE
Many expatriates are unaware that, without a registered Will, their assets in the UAE may be distributed under Sharia law — regardless of their nationality or personal wishes.
Having a legally recognised Will ensures your assets, property, and guardianship decisions are protected exactly as you intend.
How the Will Registration Process Works
At IBA, we handle the entire Will registration process with precision and confidentiality. Our role is to simplify the legal requirements and ensure your Will is fully valid and recognised by UAE authorities.
Consultation and Assessment
We begin with a detailed discussion to understand your circumstances, assets, family structure, and preferred registration authority (DIFC, ADJD, or Dubai Courts).
Drafting the Will
Our legal partners prepare a draft tailored to your needs and compliant with UAE inheritance regulations. We ensure clarity on asset distribution, guardianship, and executors.
Legal Review and Translation
Your Will is reviewed by licensed lawyers and, where necessary, translated into Arabic by certified translators to meet UAE court requirements.
Approval and Signature Appointment
Once approved, we schedule your appointment with the selected authority. Signing is completed either in person or digitally (where available).
Registration and Certification
The Will is officially registered and certified by the chosen authority. You'll receive copies and registration proof, confirming its full legal validity in the UAE.
Consultation and Assessment
We begin with a detailed discussion to understand your circumstances, assets, family structure, and preferred registration authority (DIFC, ADJD, or Dubai Courts).
Drafting the Will
Our legal partners prepare a draft tailored to your needs and compliant with UAE inheritance regulations. We ensure clarity on asset distribution, guardianship, and executors.
Legal Review and Translation
Your Will is reviewed by licensed lawyers and, where necessary, translated into Arabic by certified translators to meet UAE court requirements.
Approval and Signature Appointment
Once approved, we schedule your appointment with the selected authority. Signing is completed either in person or digitally (where available).
Registration and Certification
The Will is officially registered and certified by the chosen authority. You'll receive copies and registration proof, confirming its full legal validity in the UAE.
WILL - FAQs
Any non-Muslim expatriate over the age of 21 with assets in the UAE or guardianship responsibilities can register a Will through recognised authorities such as DIFC or ADJD.