Wills in the UAE: Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Three official routes for a non-Muslim Will in the UAE. In Dubai, the DIFC Courts Wills Service registers five Wills (Full, Property, Guardianship, Business Owners, Financial Assets) under Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017. In Abu Dhabi, the ADJD attests through two channels: ADGM Notary Public (no residency, via eCourts Platform) and ADJD direct (UAE residents, run through counsel).
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Three baseline eligibility tests.
The DIFC Courts Wills Service admits non-Muslims with UAE assets. Established by Resolution No. 4 of 2014 and confirmed by Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017. No UAE residency or visa required.
Never been Muslim.
The Testator must be non-Muslim and never have been Muslim. Personal threshold for the DIFC Wills regime, an alternative to Shariah succession rules.
At least 21 years old.
The Testator must be 21 when the Will is granted. The two witnesses also meet this minimum.
UAE assets or minor children.
UAE assets or minor children residing in the UAE. No UAE residency or visa required: the Testator can register without ever having lived in the UAE.
The five types of Will.
The DIFC offers five Wills. This page focuses on the Property Will (up to 5 UAE units), but the full set is worth knowing.
Full Will.
Movable and immovable UAE assets plus Guardians for minors in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah. Only option that admits assets outside the UAE.
Guardianship Will.
Appoints interim or permanent Guardians for minor children in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah. Does not cover assets.
Property Will.
Up to five UAE real estate units (or interests) via the online template. Does not cover guardianship or foreign assets.
Business Owners Will.
Up to five UAE corporate shareholdings via the online template. Designed for shareholders.
Financial Assets Will.
Up to ten UAE bank or brokerage accounts via the online template. Concentrates the transmission of financial assets.
Requirements of the Property Will.
Specific rules on number of units, ownership and template. If the case exceeds these limits, the DIFC requires a Full Will.
Maximum five real estate units at a time. To list more, the Testator must register a Full Will.
Each unit held in the Testator's personal name (interests and co-ownership shares included). Properties not registered to the Testator cannot be listed.
The Property Will is only drafted via the online template on the Wills Service portal. No bespoke drafting or external Wills.
Each off-plan unit requires the Oqood certificate issued by RERA as evidence of ownership.
Each ready unit files the Title Deed or other equivalent proof of ownership.
Any property inside the UAE is eligible, including in free zones. Ceiling: five properties per Will.
How the
DIFC Property Will is registered.
Six steps, from the online template to downloading the registered Will. Appointment in person or virtual; signature always electronic.
- 01
Prepare the Property Will on the Wills Service portal
The Testator completes the online template on the Wills Service portal. No bespoke drafting.
- 02
Book the appointment and pay the registration fee
Appointment booked and fee paid by card. Offline payment (cash or cheque) at the office within three days.
- 03
Attend the appointment with the Testator and two witnesses
In person at the DIFC or virtual (around 20 minutes). Testator and two witnesses attend. No translators or POA: personal signature in basic English.
- 04
Identity verification by the Compliance Officer
The Compliance Officer checks IDs with passport, Emirates ID or official photo ID, and confirms witnesses are not beneficiaries or guardians (or spouses of either).
- 05
Electronic signing of the Property Will
Signed electronically on a touch device. Testator and two witnesses sign, including in virtual appointments.
- 06
Download the registered Will from the Registry
Once all signatures are received, the Testator downloads the registered copy. The Will is stored 120 years from birth or 10 years from the Grant, whichever comes first.
How much a DIFC Will costs.
DIFC Courts Wills Service fees by Will type, in UAE Dirhams (AED), per the official DIFC Courts Fee Schedule. DIFC Wills are not subject to 5% VAT.
DIFC Wills · fees by type
Single (one Testator) and Mirror (spouses, two identical Wills at the same appointment).
| Type | Single | Mirror |
|---|---|---|
| Business Owners Will | AED 5,000 | AED 7,500 |
| Financial Assets Will | AED 5,000 | AED 7,500 |
| Guardianship Will | AED 5,000 | AED 7,500 |
| Property Will | AED 7,500 | AED 10,000 |
| Full Will * | from AED 10,000 | from AED 15,000 |
* The Full Will scales with the number of assets, estate complexity and number of beneficiaries.
Minimum AED 550 per Will plus the Wills Draftsman's legal fees. For Mirror Wills, AED 550 per Will amended.
DIFC Courts order validating the Will and authorising the Executor. Straightforward cases issue within a few weeks.
AED 1,000 per Will cancelled, non-refundable. Withdrawal is free.
Refund processing fee handled by the Department of Finance of Dubai.
Process completed entirely online: template, video appointment and e-signing. No travel to the UAE required.
Encrypted servers of the DIFC's electronic Registry: 120 years from birth or 10 years from the Grant.
Documentation for the Property Will.
Minimum documentation to register a Property Will. The Compliance Officer may request additional supporting documents.
Testator and two witnesses
- Testator
- Valid passport. If a UAE resident, also Emirates ID. No UAE residency or visa required.
- Witnesses
- Two witnesses, 21+, with passport, Emirates ID or photo ID. Cannot be beneficiaries or guardians (or spouses). Family members fine; may join virtually.
- English proficiency
- Testator and witnesses: basic English. The DIFC does not accept translators or POAs.
Up to 5 UAE units
- Title Deed (ready)
- For each delivered unit, Title Deed from the Dubai Land Department or equivalent proof.
- Oqood (off-plan)
- For each off-plan unit, the Oqood certificate from RERA as evidence of ownership.
- Free zones
- Units in any emirate and free zone accepted. Ceiling: five properties per Will.
Who is who in a Will.
The DIFC names each party with precision. Knowing these roles helps line up witnesses, executor and beneficiaries.
The person making the Will. For the Property Will: non-Muslim (and never have been), 21+, owner of up to five UAE real estate units.
Administers the estate. Can also be a beneficiary and need not reside in the UAE. Contacts probate@difccourts.ae with the death certificate.
Individual or legal entity that takes assets. Animals cannot. Charities, companies and foundations provide their licence or registration number.
Interim or permanent guardian of minor children in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah. Not applicable to the Property Will: via Full Will or Guardianship Will.
Two witnesses, 21+, with passport, Emirates ID or photo ID. Cannot be beneficiaries or guardians (or spouses). Family members fine; may join virtually.
Legal professional on the DIFC Wills Draftsmen register. Sets own fees. The DIFC does not accept Wills from draftsmen off the register.
Marriage, divorce and validity.
Personal events affect the Will. Revisit it after changes in marital status or material additions to the estate.
Marriage revokes the Will.
A subsequent marriage revokes the Will in full, unless the document expressly states the Testator's intention to marry that person. A fresh Will must be registered.
Divorce voids the gift to the ex-spouse.
Divorce only voids the gift to the ex-spouse, not the whole Will. The ex-spouse is treated as predeceased on the date of dissolution or annulment.
120 years or 10 from the Grant.
The Will sits in the Registry for 120 years from birth or 10 years from the Grant, whichever comes first.
Withdrawal by email.
The Testator withdraws a Will by emailing WillsService@difccourts.ae with the withdrawal form. No fee.
How the Property Will is enforced.
The Executor opens probate before the DIFC Courts. Orders are enforced through the Dubai Courts.
The Executor emails probate@difccourts.ae with the death certificate to open the procedure.
For straightforward cases, the Grant of Probate issues within a few weeks. Fee: USD 1,500.
DIFC Court Orders, including the Grant, are enforced through the Dubai Courts. Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017 governs Wills and Estates Orders.
The DIFC reports over 100 Court Orders enforced via Dubai Courts, confirming the regime is fully operational.
Without a DIFC Will, the default rules of the local courts of the Emirate where assets sit apply.
The Property Will covers only UAE real estate. Foreign assets need a Full Will, subject to foreign jurisdiction.
Abu Dhabi: two routes for attestation.
Abu Dhabi offers two routes for attestation before the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD): the ADGM Courts Notary Public and Wills Office (fully digital via the eCourts Platform) or the ADJD direct route via a Notary Public licensed by the ADJD, run through counsel. Both end in an ADJD attestation.
ADGM Courts Notary Public and Wills Office
Electronic notarisation via the ADGM eCourts Platform with ADJD attestation. No UAE residency required.
- EligibilityNon-Muslim, 21+ years, with UAE assets. Residency not required.
- ModalitiesDisposition of the estate, guardianship of minors or both.
- LanguageBilingual Arabic and English, certified by a UAE MoJ translator.
- Will signatureOriginal and handwritten on every page. Electronic signature on the document is not accepted.
- SessionVirtual before the Notary Public via the eCourts Platform.
- AmendmentNo codicils: revoke and re-attest the Will in full.
- ProbateNot provided by the ADGM; handled by the ADJD's Wills and Probate Office.
Direct attestation before the ADJD
Electronic attestation before a Notary Public of the ADJD, run through counsel. Cheaper route for UAE residents.
- EligibilityUAE resident: non-Muslim, or Muslim national of a secular jurisdiction.
- ModalitiesDisposition and guardianship. Will may cover UAE or worldwide assets.
- Applicable lawLaw of the Testator's nationality or the law chosen inside the Will.
- LanguageOnce drafting is finalised, translated into Arabic before filing and attestation.
- Court sessionOnline: fully digital, no travel.
- AmendmentNot permitted. Revoke and attest a new one at the same cost.
- CustodyAttested copy by courier. Safe custody of the original is the Testator's responsibility.
- ProbateSole jurisdiction of the ADJD Court. Probate fees later and separate from attestation.
Common ground between ADGM and ADJD direct.
Beyond eligibility and fees, both routes share several principles.
Both close with electronic attestation by the ADJD. An attested Will, not a Will registered in a Registry as in the DIFC.
Covers assets inside and outside the UAE. Probate for foreign assets is processed in their jurisdiction.
The ADJD Will is a separate instrument from any will held in the Testator's home country. Coordinated drafting prevents cross-revocation.
Once full information is provided, the first draft lands in 3 to 5 business days, with review rounds to follow.
Testator details, beneficiaries and executors, an identifiable list of assets with deeds or trade licences, and specific wishes.
From drafting to attestation, the process runs online. No travel required.
How much an Abu Dhabi attestation costs.
Official ADJD fees. The ADGM route also adds an ADGM Courts Fee. Translation and courier are indicative. Probate fees always additional.
AED 950 per Will attested. Applies to the ADGM route (as "ADJD fee") and the ADJD direct route.
Surcharge for the ADGM route only: USD 155 per Will on top of the ADJD fee. ADJD direct does not pay it.
Indicative cost of Arabic translation by a UAE MoJ-licensed translator. Varies with length.
Physical courier of the attested copy. Indicative by destination. Physical custody is the Testator's responsibility.
Documents attested outside the UAE: cost varies by country, handled separately from the ADJD fee.
The attestation covers the current act only. Probate fees are additional and later.
Three routes for a non-Muslim Will in the UAE.
Side-by-side view of DIFC (Dubai), ADGM Notary Public and ADJD direct (Abu Dhabi).
| Aspect | DIFC Wills Service · Dubai | ADGM Notary Public · Abu Dhabi | ADJD direct · Abu Dhabi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature of the act | Registration in the DIFC's electronic Registry | Electronic notarisation before the ADGM Notary Public with ADJD attestation | Direct attestation by the ADJD via a licensed Notary Public |
| Modalities | Five: Full, Guardianship, Property (≤5), Business Owners (≤5), Financial Assets (≤10) | Three purposes: disposition, guardianship or both | Disposition and guardianship. Will may cover UAE or worldwide assets |
| Eligibility | Non-Muslim, 21+, UAE assets or minor children in the UAE | Non-Muslim, 21+, UAE assets. UAE residency not required | UAE resident, non-Muslim or Muslim national of a secular jurisdiction |
| Will language | English. Bilingual not required | Bilingual Arabic and English certified by a UAE MoJ translator | Drafting in English with Arabic translation prior to attestation |
| Signing | Electronic on a touch device. Testator and two witnesses at the appointment | Original and handwritten on every page before the PDF is uploaded | Signatures required by the ADJD; coordinated with counsel |
| Session | In-person or virtual by video conference | Virtual through the ADGM eCourts Platform | Online session before the ADJD's Notary Public |
| Amendment | Yes: new registered Will at AED 550 per Will plus legal fees | No: revoke and re-attest the whole Will | No: revoke and attest a new one at the same cost |
| Headline fee | AED 5,000-15,000 by type (see DIFC fee table) | AED 950 (ADJD) + USD 155 (ADGM Courts Fee) per Will, plus translation and courier | AED 950 (ADJD) per Will, plus translation (AED 200-450) and courier (AED 100-250) |
| Probate | Grant of Probate for USD 1,500, enforced via Dubai Courts | ADGM does not grant probate; handled by the ADJD's Wills and Probate Office | Under sole jurisdiction of the ADJD Court; future fees separate from the attestation |
| Applicable law | DIFC regime under Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017 | Typically UAE law, citing Art. 17 of Federal Law 5/1985 to exclude Shariah | Law of the Testator's nationality or law chosen inside the Will |
| Custody | 120 years in the DIFC's electronic Registry from the Testator's date of birth (or 10 years from the Grant) | Electronic retention by the ADJD/ADGM | Attested copy delivered by courier; physical custody by the Testator |
Your UAE Will, handled end to end.
We coordinate your Will across the three routes: DIFC, ADGM Notary Public or ADJD direct. Eligibility, drafting, witnesses and attendance, in English and Spanish.
Advice on the right Will
We confirm whether you need a DIFC Property, Full, Guardianship, Business Owners or Financial Assets Will, or an Abu Dhabi attestation (ADGM or ADJD direct).
Drafting and template preparation
We complete the DIFC template (assets, beneficiaries, executor, bequests) or coordinate bilingual Arabic and English drafting for Abu Dhabi.
Witness coordination
We validate that witnesses meet requirements (21+, official ID, no beneficiaries) and coordinate their attendance.
In-person or virtual session
We book the session with the Compliance Officer (or ADGM/ADJD Notary) and pre-review the documentation.
Coordination with foreign Wills
We line up the fit with any home-country Will to prevent cross-revocation, putting the hierarchy in writing.
Service in English and Spanish
We walk you through clauses, roles and fees before signing. DIFC sessions: basic English. ADGM/ADJD: bilingual.
Key terms for UAE non-Muslim Wills.
Quick reference of the concepts you will encounter when planning and registering a Will at the DIFC in Dubai, or attesting one at the ADGM Notary Public or the ADJD in Abu Dhabi.
DIFC Courts Wills Service▸
Joint initiative of the Government of Dubai and the DIFC Courts, established by Resolution No. 4 of 2014 and confirmed by Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017. It allows non-Muslims to register a Will to dispose of assets and appoint guardians of minor children in the UAE.
Registry▸
DIFC Courts electronic system in which the registered Will is held for 120 years from the Testator's date of birth or 10 years from the Grant, whichever is earlier.
Testator▸
The individual making the Will. For the Property Will, the Testator must be non-Muslim (and never have been Muslim), at least 21 years old and own assets in the UAE. UAE residency and visa are not required.
Executor▸
Administrator of the deceased Testator's estate. Can also be a beneficiary and does not need to reside in the UAE. After death, the Executor contacts the DIFC Courts at probate@difccourts.ae.
Beneficiary▸
Individual or legal entity that takes assets under the Will. Animals cannot be beneficiaries. Charities, companies and foundations must state their licence or registration number.
Guardian (interim/permanent)▸
Interim or permanent guardian of minor children residing in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah. Not applicable to the Property Will: appointed through a Full Will or a Guardianship Will.
Witness▸
Witness to the signing of the Will. Must be at least 21 years old, identified by passport, Emirates ID or official photo ID, and cannot be a beneficiary or guardian (or spouse of either) in the Will. May join virtually and need not reside in the UAE.
Probate▸
Court process by which a Will is validated after the Testator's death and the Executor is authorised to administer the estate.
Grant of Probate▸
DIFC Courts order validating the Will and authorising the Executor to administer the estate. Fee USD 1,500. In straightforward cases, it is typically issued within a few weeks.
Mirror Will▸
Two identical Wills typically made by spouses. Both can be registered at the same DIFC appointment: two separate Wills with a single joint session. Amendments are charged at AED 550 per Will.
DIFC▸
Dubai International Financial Centre. Onshore financial centre of the UAE based in Dubai, with an independent regulator and its own courts (DIFC Courts) operating on English common law principles.
AED▸
UAE Dirham, official currency of the UAE. Amendment, cancellation and refund fees of the DIFC Wills Service are quoted in AED. The Grant of Probate, however, is quoted in USD.
ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market)▸
International financial centre of Abu Dhabi with an independent regulator and its own courts (ADGM Courts) operating on English common law. Its Notary Public and Wills Office attests non-Muslim Wills in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
ADGM Courts Notary Public and Wills Office▸
ADGM Courts office that, in partnership with the ADJD, attests documents and non-Muslim Wills for individuals over 21 with UAE assets. It is fully digital and runs through the ADGM eCourts Platform.
ADJD (Abu Dhabi Judicial Department)▸
Judicial authority of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It applies the judicial fee schedule under Law No. 13 of 2017 and operates the Wills and Probate Office that handles Grant of Probate for Wills attested in Abu Dhabi.
ADJD direct attestation▸
Route parallel to the ADGM for the electronic attestation of non-Muslim Wills in Abu Dhabi (also available to Muslim nationals of a secular jurisdiction). Run through a Notary Public licensed by the ADJD with counsel support. Reserved to UAE residents. Fee: AED 950 per Will, plus Arabic translation (AED 200-450) and courier (AED 100-250).
What clients ask us most.
How much does it cost to register a Will at the DIFC?
DIFC Courts Wills Service fees by type. Single Wills (one Testator): Business Owners AED 5,000, Financial Assets AED 5,000, Guardianship AED 5,000, Property Will AED 7,500, Full Single Will from AED 10,000. Mirror Wills (spouses, two identical Wills at the same appointment): Business Owners AED 7,500, Financial Assets AED 7,500, Guardianship AED 7,500, Property Wills AED 10,000, Full Mirror Wills from AED 15,000. Amendments AED 550 per Will plus legal fees, Grant of Probate USD 1,500, cancellation AED 1,000 per Will (non-refundable). DIFC Wills are not subject to 5% VAT.
Do I need to be a UAE resident to make a DIFC Property Will?
No. The DIFC Courts Wills Service accepts Testators who are not UAE residents and do not hold a UAE visa, provided they are non-Muslim, at least 21 years old, and own assets or have minor children residing in the UAE.
What types of Will exist at the DIFC?
The DIFC Courts Wills Service offers five types: Full Will (movable and immovable UAE assets plus guardianship of minors residing in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah), Guardianship Will (guardianship of minors only), Property Will (up to 5 real estate units inside the UAE, online template), Business Owners Will (up to 5 corporate shareholdings inside the UAE, online template) and Financial Assets Will (up to 10 bank or brokerage accounts in the UAE, online template).
What is the difference between a DIFC Will and an Abu Dhabi Will (ADGM and ADJD direct)?
Five key differences. Nature of the act: the DIFC registers the Will in its Registry; the ADGM and the ADJD direct route attest the Will electronically before the ADJD. Language: DIFC accepts English; the ADGM requires certified bilingual Arabic and English; the ADJD direct route drafts in English and translates into Arabic before attestation. Amendment: DIFC allows a new Will for AED 550 plus legal fees; in Abu Dhabi (both routes) the Will must be revoked and re-attested at full cost. Fees: DIFC between AED 5,000 and 15,000 by type; Abu Dhabi starts at AED 950 per Will (plus USD 155 if going through the ADGM, or translation and courier through ADJD direct). Probate: the DIFC issues the Grant of Probate for USD 1,500 enforced via the Dubai Courts; in Abu Dhabi probate falls under the ADJD Court with separate fees.
Is the DIFC the only register of non-Muslim Wills in the UAE?
No. In Abu Dhabi, two attestation routes operate before the ADJD (Abu Dhabi Judicial Department): the Notary Public and Wills Office of the ADGM, fully digital via eCourts Platform and with no UAE residency requirement, and direct attestation before the ADJD through a Notary Public licensed by the ADJD, reserved to UAE residents (non-Muslim or Muslim nationals of a secular jurisdiction).
How long does the DIFC Grant of Probate take after death?
For straightforward cases, the DIFC Courts indicate that the Grant of Probate is typically issued within a few weeks. More than 100 DIFC Court Orders have already been enforced through the Dubai Courts under Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017.
Can I amend a DIFC Property Will?
Yes, but the DIFC does not accept codicils: every amendment requires a new Property Will registered following the same procedure as the original. The amendment fee is AED 550 per Will. For Mirror Wills, AED 550 is charged for each of the two Wills amended.
How do marriage and divorce affect the Will?
A subsequent marriage revokes the Will in its entirety, unless the document expressly states the Testator's intention to marry that person. After marriage, a fresh Will must be registered. A subsequent divorce only voids the gift to the ex-spouse: for the purposes of the Will the ex-spouse is treated as having predeceased on the date the marriage was dissolved or annulled.
What documents does the ADGM require to notarise a Will?
The file is uploaded as PDFs to the ADGM eCourts Platform and includes: the Will signed in bilingual Arabic and English with the per-page stamp of a translator licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice; Emirates ID of the Testator (residents) or passport with a valid UAE visit visa or entry stamp (non-residents); supporting title documents for each asset of the estate described in detail; and a copy of the translator's card. Signatures on the Will are original and handwritten; electronic signatures on the document are not accepted.
How much does it cost to attest a Will in Abu Dhabi (ADGM or ADJD direct)?
The headline fee is AED 950 per Will attested by the ADJD. The ADGM route adds an ADGM Courts Fee of USD 155 per Will. The ADJD direct route adds indicative Arabic translation (AED 200 to 450) and courier delivery of the attested copy (AED 100 to 250). Attestation of foreign documents and any future probate fees are always additional.
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Book a consultation with no commitment. We check eligibility across the three routes (DIFC in Dubai, ADGM Notary Public or ADJD direct in Abu Dhabi), prepare the DIFC template or the bilingual Arabic and English draft for Abu Dhabi, coordinate witnesses, and stand with you at the session before the Compliance Officer or Notary Public, in English and Spanish.
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