Will registration in Dubai allows property owners—both residents and non-residents—to determine how their assets will be distributed and to avoid the automatic application of Sharia-based inheritance rules that apply to non-Muslims who pass away without a registered will. This framework is governed by Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017 and is primarily applicable to non-Muslims aged 21 and above who own assets in the UAE.
Registering a will ensures a smoother inheritance process, particularly for real estate, as it facilitates direct title transfer through the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and significantly reduces the risk of legal disputes and procedural delays.
Why Register a Will in Dubai?
In the absence of a registered will, non-Muslim estates in Dubai are generally distributed under Sharia-based forced heirship rules, which allocate fixed shares to heirs and may not reflect the deceased’s personal intentions.
By registering a will, property owners can:
- Apply the inheritance laws of their home country
- Appoint executors and guardians for minor children
- Specifically include UAE real estate assets
- Prevent family disputes and lengthy court procedures
- Avoid additional probate-related costs
For property owners, a registered will significantly simplifies the DLD inheritance transfer process and avoids the need for court-issued inheritance certificates under default legal frameworks.
Will Registration Options for Non-Muslims
Non-Muslims in Dubai may register their wills through either of the following authorities:
1. DIFC Courts Wills Service
Best suited for expatriates seeking an English-language, common-law-based process.
Key features:
- Conducted fully in English
- Covers UAE and, optionally, worldwide assets
- Allows registration of up to five UAE properties under a Property Will
- Entire process can be completed remotely via video conference
- Ideal for both residents and non-residents
2. Dubai Courts Notary Public
A more cost-effective option, operating under UAE civil law procedures.
Key features:
- Bilingual process (Arabic and English), with Arabic as the governing language
- Available via in-person or video notarization (primarily for residents)
- Lower registration fees compared to DIFC
- May require physical presence for non-residents
Registration Process for UAE Residents
Residents can register a will by following these steps:
- Draft the will (independently, via templates, or through a legal advisor)
- Upload required documents (passport, Emirates ID)
- Book an appointment online
- Attend a video or in-person signing session with two witnesses
- Witnesses must be over 21 and not beneficiaries
- Complete electronic signature and registration
For DIFC Property Wills, registration is done entirely through the DIFC online portal, with fees paid at the time of booking.
Will Registration for Non-Residents
Non-residents who own UAE property can also register wills, provided they are non-Muslims aged 21 or above.
- DIFC allows 100% remote registration via video conference from anywhere in the world
- No UAE residency visa is required
- Passport copies of the testator and witnesses are sufficient
- Dubai Courts may require in-person attendance for non-residents, making DIFC the preferred route for overseas investors
Fees and Costs (Indicative)
| Registration Option | Single Will | Mirror Wills (Couple) |
|---|---|---|
| DIFC Full / Property Will | AED 10,000 | AED 15,000 |
| Dubai Courts Notary Public | Approx. AED 2,167 | Approx. AED 4,334 |
Additional costs may include:
- Amendments: approx. AED 550
- Probate proceedings: approx. USD 1,500
- Legal advisory fees (if applicable)
Protecting Your Investment and Family Interests
A registered will enables direct execution of property transfers through the DLD following probate approval, with DIFC probate orders enforceable via Dubai Courts. This avoids prolonged Sharia-based proceedings and significantly reduces administrative complexity.
Will registration also allows:
- Appointment of guardians for minor children residing in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah
- Alignment with the UAE’s evolving Non-Muslim Personal Status Law
- Legal certainty for cross-border families and investors
To maintain legal validity, wills should be updated following major life events such as marriage, divorce, or acquisition of new assets.
Realty Homist Advisory
At Realty Homist, we strongly recommend that all non-Muslim property investors in Dubai—especially overseas buyers—register a will as part of their long-term asset protection strategy. Proper estate planning is not only a legal safeguard, but also a crucial component of responsible property investment in the UAE.
Our team can guide clients through property structuring, ownership planning, and referrals to licensed will-registration service providers to ensure full compliance and peace of mind.
For tailored advisory on property ownership and inheritance planning in Dubai, please contact Realty Homist Real Estate Broker LLC.
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