Register Your Will In Dubai

Writing your will takes time and needs to be considered thoroughly. A will is a legal document that outlines your wishes after passing. It’s important to have a will in place to ensure that your loved ones receive what you intend them to. We can support you with all Dubai wills.

Types Of Will In Dubai

There are various types of wills available in Dubai, depending on your personal situation. The main differences are the cost of the will and the language in which it is processed. 

DIFC Wills

DIFC wills can be used by non-Muslim expatriates living in the UAE and non-Muslim individuals who have assets within the UAE. Expatriates with assets in the UAE will need to take further steps to ensure their assets are distributed according to their preferences. This can be achieved through a DIFC Will. 

The DIFC is a financial-free zone in Dubai which follows its own legal framework. This free zone follows Common Law. This is an efficient way of organising a will but typically costs more than other options. 

A DIFC Will is a legal document that is sent to the UAE Government so that it can be processed entirely in your home country's language. Without a DIFC Will, you will be bound by Sharia Law and will be unable to control where your assets are distributed. We will support you to ensure that you have access to the correct will. 

Dubai Courts Will

Both Muslim and non-Muslim expatriates can use the Dubai Courts Wills. This type of will follows the agreed law written in the will, which can be the Sharia law or the law of the home country of the deceased for non-Muslims only.

For Muslims, the will follows the Sharia law. The wills are written in Arabic and English.

In order for a will to be valid for non-Muslims in the UAE, it must be notarized by a Notary Public. This helps to ensure the authenticity and legality of the document.

While the UAE Law allows Muslims to create wills, these wills mustn’t contradict the principles of Sharia law. This means the provisions of the will should not go against the predetermined shares (fixed heirs) mandated by Sharia law for certain family members.

Under Islamic law, a Muslim can only dispose of 1/3 of his estate as he wishes. However, if he or she wants to dispose of his entire estate as they wish under the Muslim will, the beneficiaries must consent to that, or else the will is deemed invalid.

The Federal Personal Law Article number (243) stipulates that “The will is executed within the limits of a third of the testator's estate after the rights related to it are fulfilled, and it is valid with more than a third within the limits of a share of its leave from the adult heirs.”

The Dubai Courts will can be used across all Emirates, whereas the DIFC Will can only be used in Dubai and Ras al Khaimah.

Why Make A Will In Dubai

A will is likely to contain your preferences for money, any property you own, and any other assets. It’s your choice where these assets are distributed. If you have children, you may also be required to state who you want to care for them when you cannot. 

Your will in Dubai needs to be assessed by a lawyer to ensure that it is properly written and duly notarized.

Arranging your will can be tough, but it’s very important and can give you peace of mind that your loved ones will receive what you intend them to under the laws of your home country in the UAE.

Why Choose Al Shamsi Legal For Will Registration In Dubai?

We can offer you a thorough service to ensure that every aspect is covered. All of our costs for wills in Dubai include a detailed consultation, drafting the will, translation and registration. We’re here to support you at every step of the process of creating wills in the UAE.

We have a certified DIFC Courts Wills Draftsmen in our team who can tailor your DIFC Will at our firm.

FAQs

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You should ensure that your will is drafted by a reputable law firm that understands the process. Here are the steps involved in registering a Dubai will.

  • Drafting
  • Legal translation
  • Will registration

These steps will vary depending on the type of will you have chosen to use. We’ll support you at every stage to ensure that the correct will has been applied for. 

Any UAE resident can make a will. The rules are slightly different for expatriate residents. Expatriates must be over 21 years of age and have assets in the UAE. UAE wills should always be registered with the support of an expert legal firm.

While it is not mandatory that you register a will in Dubai, it is recommended. Without a will in Dubai, your assets will be bound by Sharia Law. This means you’ll have very little control over the distribution of your assets.

We can support you with all aspects of drafting and registering your will. We can help you to understand the process so that you can achieve an ideal outcome.

The main benefit of registering a will in Dubai is having peace of mind that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes. Without a will, you will not have control over your own assets.

In Dubai, you can also select from different types of wills, such as the Dubai Courts Will or the DIFC Will. One type may be much more appropriate for your needs, but they do vary in cost, and the process is slightly different.

Yes, expatriates can choose to register a DIFC will or a Dubai Courts Will. We will work with you to assess which option is most suitable for you.

If you pass without registering a will, your assets will be distributed according to Sharia Law. This means you will have no control over where the assets end up. It’s recommended to register a will to avoid this, as it can cause difficulties for loved ones.

Yes, you can make changes and update your registered Dubai will if you need to. Our legal firm in Dubai can support you with this.