Wills and succession in the UAE
Registration with the competent registries, so your local assets follow your wishes.
Updated on 29 October 2026 · Published under the responsibility of Jason Pivron, director · Who we are
Wills and succession in the UAE: prices by jurisdiction
What the service covers
- Drafting the will for assets located in the UAE.
- Registration with the competent registry for the emirate.
- Appointing guardians for minor children.
- Aligning with your original will, to avoid contradictions.
In practice
In the Emirates, a non-Muslim can register a will naming who receives their assets located in the country and who will have custody of their minor children. Several registries coexist, depending on the emirate and the framework chosen, each with its own formalities and validity conditions. A registered will eases the transfer of accounts, real estate and company shares after death. It does not replace the will made in your home country: the two are drafted so as not to contradict each other.
Framework and documents
The competent registries vary with the emirate and the framework: the DIFC wills centre in Dubai, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) for non-Muslims, the local courts elsewhere. Documents usually requested: the testator's passport and residence or entry permit, a list of the assets located in the Emirates, identity of the heirs, executors and guardians named.
Recorded on 1 October 2026; to be checked for each file.
What we tell you before we start
Without a registered will, the devolution of your UAE assets may follow rules very different from those you assume. It is a frequent blind spot.
Wills and succession in the UAE: where we deliver it
1 jurisdiction of the catalogue:
From our price catalogue; the local requirements of each place are on its page.
Wills and succession in the UAE: frequently asked questions
Wills and succession in the UAE: how much does it cost?
From 3,890 €, excluding tax; the price depends on the jurisdiction and is fixed in a firm quote.
Wills and succession in the UAE: in which jurisdictions?
1 jurisdiction in our catalogue; the full list, with each starting price, is on this page.