Can I name guardians for my children in a UAE will?

Yes — and it's one of the strongest reasons to register one. Without an appointed guardian, the court decides who cares for your minor children.

What assets can my UAE will cover?

All UAE-sited assets — property, bank accounts, investments, vehicles, company shares and personal belongings. A will can also be drafted to cover worldwide assets, though enforcement abroad depends on each country's rules.

What do I need to register a will?

A drafted will, your passport (plus Emirates ID for residents) and two adult witnesses who are not beneficiaries. Registration is usually completed in a single appointment, with the certificate issued the same day.

Can I change my will later?

Yes — wills can be amended or rewritten at any time; at DIFC an amendment costs AED 550. Marriage, children or new property are the usual triggers to update.

I'm Muslim — can I make a will?

Yes, but Sharia governs the estate: fixed shares apply to two-thirds, and you may freely will up to one-third to non-heirs such as charities or friends. We can guide you through registering a Sharia-compliant will.

Will drafting & registration support

Last Testament & Wills Registration.

Protect your family, clarify your wishes and put your estate matters in order with proper will drafting and registration support in Dubai and the UAE — document guidance, drafting coordination, appointment prep and end-to-end follow-up.

UAE-focused support · Document guidance · Clear registration process

Will Registration AssistanceLast Testament

Plan for your family and assets. A properly prepared will clarifies how your estate, guardianship wishes and personal instructions should be handled.

Protect family interests Appoint guardians Distribute assets clearly Avoid future disputes

Overview

What is a last testament or will registration?

A will or last testament is a legal document that records how you want your assets, property, responsibilities and certain personal matters handled after your death. Registration adds formal structure and stronger clarity, depending on the authority and route chosen.

Not just for the wealthy. If you have property, bank balances, business interests, dependents or specific wishes, a will is worth considering. It matters.

Why it matters

Why is wills registration important?

A properly prepared and registered will helps reduce uncertainty, protects your intentions, and can make future estate handling smoother for your family.

Protect your family

Helps clarify who should receive what, and reduces confusion for dependents and relatives.

Protect your wishes

Sets out your clear intentions for assets, responsibilities and personal instructions.

Guardianship planning

Important for parents who want to record guardianship preferences for minor children.

Asset distribution

Useful for property, bank accounts, shares, business interests and personal belongings.

Reduce disputes

A clear will may help reduce misunderstanding or conflict among family members later.

Formal legal record

Registration gives a more structured and organized route than keeping an informal document only.

Who it's for

Who usually needs a will — and why.

Wills are often prepared by families, property owners, business owners and expatriates who want clarity and control over estate matters.

Property ownershipClarify how real estate and property interests should be handled.

Family protectionGive dependents and beneficiaries a clearer path.

Business interestUseful when you own a business or partnership share.

Minor childrenRecord guardianship-related wishes and family instructions.

Expat planningHelpful for non-residents and expats wanting added clarity.

Types of wills commonly considered — the naming and format can vary by route:

Full WillProperty WillGuardianship WillBusiness / Share WillFinancial Assets WillMirror / Couple WillSingle Person WillExpat-Focused Will

The process

How the process works.

A structured process helps avoid mistakes, missing documents and unclear clauses.

Consult & review

We understand your family situation, assets and registration goal.

Document collection

We guide you on the IDs, asset details and supporting documents needed.

Draft preparation

Your will draft is prepared or coordinated based on your requirements.

Review & finalize

The document is reviewed carefully before the registration step.

Registration support

We assist with the appointment, submission and registration coordination.

The exact registration route, authority and formalities may vary depending on the will type, applicant profile and legal framework selected.

Documents

Documents commonly required.

Passport & Emirates IDCopies for the applicant.

Contact & personal detailsYour current information.

Marriage certificateIf relevant to your situation.

Beneficiary detailsWho you intend to include.

Asset detailsProperty, bank accounts, shares or business.

Guardianship informationWhere applicable for minor children.

Exact requirements depend on the type of will, the registration authority and the complexity of your family or asset structure.

Why choose us

Clear guidance, start to registration.

Document guidanceWe guide you on the documents and information before drafting or registration.

Draft coordinationWe help coordinate the draft and keep the process organized.

Appointment supportWe assist with registration steps, appointment prep and submission.

End-to-end follow-upOne structured process instead of figuring it all out yourself.

From our desk

Recent articles

Browse all articles →

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

Wills & Testament — frequently asked questions

What happens to my assets in the UAE if I die without a will?

Bank accounts — including joint ones — are frozen until a court order is issued, and distribution follows UAE statutory rules rather than your wishes. Settling an estate without a will commonly takes 6–18 months. A registered will avoids most of this.

Does Sharia law apply to non-Muslim expats?

Not by default anymore. Since the 2023 civil personal status law, a non-Muslim estate without a will passes 50% to the surviving spouse and the rest equally between children. A registered will is still strongly recommended — it lets you decide the distribution yourself and appoint guardians.

How much does a DIFC will cost?

AED 10,000 to register a single full will, or AED 15,000 for mirror wills covering both spouses, plus drafting fees if a lawyer prepares it. Later amendments cost AED 550.

Is there a cheaper alternative to a DIFC will?

Yes — a notarised Dubai Courts will costs about AED 2,167 (AED 4,334 for mirror wills) plus Arabic translation, and Abu Dhabi's ADJD registration is lower still at around AED 950. We help you choose based on where your assets are and your budget.

DIFC will vs Dubai Courts will — which should I pick?

DIFC wills are in English and, since Dubai Law No. 2 of 2025, their probate orders are directly enforceable with Dubai banks, DLD and the RTA. Dubai Courts wills are far cheaper and work well for simpler estates but operate in Arabic. It usually comes down to estate complexity versus cost.

Need help with your will & last testament?

Send us your details and our team will guide you through the right next step — from document guidance to registration.

Call 800 DOCS (3627)