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Who Can Register a Will in the UAE?
The UAE allows a broad range of individuals to register a Will, provided they meet certain basic legal criteria. To register a Will, a person must be:
- At least 21 years old,
- Of sound mind, and
- Acting voluntarily and without undue influence.
Beyond these core requirements, eligibility depends on residency status and asset location.
Anyone holding a UAE residence visa—regardless of nationality or religion—may register a Will in any of the recognized jurisdictions:
- ADJD (Abu Dhabi Judicial Department)
- Dubai Courts
- DIFC Wills Service Centre
Residents commonly register Wills to cover local real estate, bank accounts, investments, business shares, and guardianship of minor children.
Non-residents who own assets in the UAE—such as property, bank accounts, or investments—may also register a Will.
DIFC is the most common choice for non-residents because:
- The process is entirely online,
- Wills are drafted and probated in English, and
- One Will can cover assets in multiple countries.
3. Muslims and Non-Muslims
Historically, Muslim expats faced restrictions, but since mid-2021, ADJD and Dubai Courts allow Muslim expatriates to register Wills.
This is a significant development, as it enables Muslims to opt out of default Sharia inheritance rules.
Non-Muslims have always been able to register Wills across all jurisdictions.
Couples may register:
- Mirror Wills (two separate Wills with reciprocal terms), or
- A joint Will (allowed in DIFC).
Parents can also appoint temporary and permanent guardians for children under 21—one of the most important reasons expatriate families register a Will in the UAE.
You can register a Will in the UAE if you:
- Are 21+,
- Have full mental capacity, and
- Either reside in the UAE or hold assets in the UAE.
The system is designed to give both residents and non-residents full control over how their assets and family arrangements are handled, ensuring clarity and protection in a jurisdiction where the default rules may not reflect one’s wishes.
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By htjtaxThe UAE allows a broad range of individuals to register a Will, provided they meet certain basic legal criteria. To register a Will, a person must be:
- At least 21 years old,
- Of sound mind, and
- Acting voluntarily and without undue influence.
Beyond these core requirements, eligibility depends on residency status and asset location.
Anyone holding a UAE residence visa—regardless of nationality or religion—may register a Will in any of the recognized jurisdictions:
- ADJD (Abu Dhabi Judicial Department)
- Dubai Courts
- DIFC Wills Service Centre
Residents commonly register Wills to cover local real estate, bank accounts, investments, business shares, and guardianship of minor children.
Non-residents who own assets in the UAE—such as property, bank accounts, or investments—may also register a Will.
DIFC is the most common choice for non-residents because:
- The process is entirely online,
- Wills are drafted and probated in English, and
- One Will can cover assets in multiple countries.
3. Muslims and Non-Muslims
Historically, Muslim expats faced restrictions, but since mid-2021, ADJD and Dubai Courts allow Muslim expatriates to register Wills.
This is a significant development, as it enables Muslims to opt out of default Sharia inheritance rules.
Non-Muslims have always been able to register Wills across all jurisdictions.
Couples may register:
- Mirror Wills (two separate Wills with reciprocal terms), or
- A joint Will (allowed in DIFC).
Parents can also appoint temporary and permanent guardians for children under 21—one of the most important reasons expatriate families register a Will in the UAE.
You can register a Will in the UAE if you:
- Are 21+,
- Have full mental capacity, and
- Either reside in the UAE or hold assets in the UAE.
The system is designed to give both residents and non-residents full control over how their assets and family arrangements are handled, ensuring clarity and protection in a jurisdiction where the default rules may not reflect one’s wishes.