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Will formation in the UAE
Plan with care for what matters
Discuss your family, assets and wishes with the team to understand the appropriate next steps
Virtue is an independent consultancy
Approvals, eligibility and final charges are confirmed by the relevant institution
Approvals, eligibility and final charges are confirmed by the relevant institution
Comprehensive will formation services in the UAE
In the UAE, estate planning is critical—especially for expatriates and families who wish to protect their assets, properties, and loved ones. At Virtue Corporate Services, we offer comprehensive Will formation services in the UAE, ensuring your intentions are legally recognized and protected in line with UAE laws.
The UAE is home to over 9.5 million expatriates, many of whom own property, run businesses, or hold personal assets. However, without a registered Will, your estate may be distributed under UAE Sharia Law, which might not align with your wishes.
Key statistics
- Over 85% of UAE residents are expats
- Yet, only 30% have a valid Will registered locally
- UAE courts enforce local inheritance laws unless a legal Will is in place
- Dubai and Abu Dhabi have set up non-Muslim inheritance frameworks (DIFC & ADJD Wills)
Benefits of will formation in the UAE
Creating a Will offers more than peace of mind—it gives you full control over your legacy. Key benefits include:
Protect your spouse, children, and dependents from legal disputes
Nominate guardians for minor children
Ensure smooth transfer of property, bank assets, businesses, and investments
Avoid default distribution under Sharia Law
Appoint executors and beneficiaries of your choice
Enable faster probate process and reduce legal complications
Secure foreign assets through UAE Will registration
Muslim vs. non-muslim will formation in UAE
Muslim residents
- Wills are guided by Sharia Law
- Up to 1/3 of the estate can be distributed freely (wasiyyah)
- Remaining assets follow fixed shares for heirs
- May include charitable donations or special bequests
Non-muslim residents
- Can opt-out of Sharia Law inheritance by registering a Will
- May distribute 100% of assets as per personal wishes
- Can choose between Dubai DIFC Wills Service Centre or Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) for registration
- Legal guardianship and full estate control is possible through a registered Will
Why choose Virtue Corporate Services?
We specialize in end-to-end UAE Golden Visa services, offering unmatched experience and personalized support.
1
Professional Will drafting by legal experts
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Guidance based on UAE local and civil laws
3
In-depth support for DIFC and ADJD Will registration
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Family-first approach—guardianship and asset planning
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All paperwork handled—from drafting to notarization and registration
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Transparent pricing and fast turnaround
Types of wills in Dubai & UAE
01
DIFC Wills (Dubai International Financial Centre)
Premier Will Registration for Non-Muslim Expats in Dubai & Ras Al Khaimah
The DIFC Wills Service Centre offers a secure, legally binding way for non-Muslim residents and investors to protect their assets and family according to their personal wishes—outside the scope of Sharia law. It is one of the most robust estate planning solutions in the UAE, specifically tailored for expatriates.
With the DIFC Will, you gain 100% control over the distribution of your UAE and overseas assets, appointment of guardians, and overall inheritance planning—without religious restrictions.
Key Features
- Exclusively for non-Muslim individuals
- Covers assets located in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah
- English-language Wills recognized by DIFC Courts
- Multiple Will types available based on needs (property, business, guardianship, financial, or full Will)
- Registered under DIFC Wills and Probate Registry Rules
- Ensures non-Sharia inheritance enforcement
02
Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Wills
A Flexible and Recognized Will Option for Non-Muslims Across the UAE
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Will is a reliable and increasingly popular option for non-Muslim residents and investors in the UAE seeking full control over their asset distribution, guardianship, and inheritance planning.
Unlike other Will systems restricted to specific Emirates, the ADJD Will can cover assets and properties located anywhere in the UAE, making it a cost-effective and comprehensive estate planning solution.
Key Features
- Open to non-Muslims of all nationalities
- Covers assets in all Emirates (not limited to Abu Dhabi)
- Registered in English and Arabic, eliminating translation delays
- Offers provisions for real estate, bank accounts, business shares, guardianship, and more
- Option for remote registration (via video conferencing)
- Legally recognized and enforceable under UAE law
03
Notary Public (Dubai Courts)
The Notary Public Will is a simple and cost-effective option for both Muslim and non-Muslim residents in Dubai who wish to formalize their wishes regarding asset distribution and guardianship.
This type of Will is drafted in Arabic, notarized by the Dubai Courts Notary Public, and recognized under UAE civil law. It is suitable for individuals with straightforward estate plans who prefer a government-validated and legally binding Will without the higher costs of DIFC or ADJD Wills.
Key Features
- Recognized across all Emirates under UAE federal law
- Suitable for residents and citizens of any nationality
- Can include property, bank accounts, vehicles, and guardianship clauses
- Processed via Dubai Courts Notary Public in person or with authorized legal representative
- Valid for use in Sharia or non-Sharia inheritance procedures, depending on declared religion
04
ADGM Wills (Abu Dhabi Global Market)
Flexible & Globally Recognized Will Solution for Non-Muslim Expats
The ADGM Will—offered by the Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts—is a powerful estate planning option for non-Muslim individuals who want to ensure their assets, guardianship decisions, and personal wishes are honoured without the application of Sharia law.
This Will framework provides a common law-based inheritance structure, making it an ideal choice for expatriates, especially those with international ties and assets in Abu Dhabi or across the UAE.
Key Features
- Specifically designed for non-Muslims residing or investing in the UAE
- Governed by ADGM Courts under English Common Law principles
- Covers UAE and foreign assets (subject to enforcement in other jurisdictions)
- Allows appointment of executors, trustees, guardians, and asset distribution
- Remote registration available via secure video conferencing
- Language: English only – no Arabic translation needed
- Recognized in Abu Dhabi and potentially enforceable in other Emirates
Clarity before commitment
Know who you are working with.
Talk to the Virtue team about your requirements, agree the service scope and ask what is included before you proceed.
Agree the scope
Request a written breakdown of the work, fees, exclusions and your responsibilities.
Discuss your requirementsUnderstand decisions
Bank and authority approvals are determined by the relevant institution. Ask about the steps and dependencies.
Ask the teamFrequently asked questions
Yes. UAE courts prioritize locally registered Wills. Foreign Wills may not be recognized or enforced fully.
Yes, non-residents can register a Will in the UAE, especially through DIFC Wills Centre.
Your estate will be distributed as per UAE Sharia Law, which may not reflect your personal wishes or family structure.
Yes, foreign assets can be included in a DIFC Will, provided the other jurisdiction accepts its validity.
With complete documentation, the process can take 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the authority (DIFC or ADJD).
Yes. Muslims can draft a Sharia-compliant Will to allocate up to one-third of their estate freely, or include instructions for burial and charitable giving.
Fees vary by type (e.g., Full Will, Property Will), but typically range from AED 5,000 to AED 20,000, excluding drafting charges.
Protect your legacy—start your UAE will today
Don’t leave your estate and family’s future to chance. Registering your Will in the UAE ensures your wishes are honoured and your loved ones are protected—without legal conflict or delays.
Contact Virtue Corporate Services today to book a free consultation for Will formation in Dubai.