Why Every Expat in Dubai Needs a Will — And How to Make One | E-Notary Dubai
Without a will in Dubai, your estate is distributed under UAE law. Here is what expats need to know about wills and how to register one.
What Happens in Dubai If You Die Without a Will?
For Muslim residents in the UAE, Sharia law governs the distribution of the estate. For non-Muslim expatriates, without a registered will, UAE courts will apply the inheritance law of your home country for assets in the UAE — but this process can be slow, complex, and costly for your family. Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 now allows non-Muslim expats to have their home country\'s law applied, but this works best with a formally registered will.
- →Abu Dhabi Judicial Department Wills Registry — similar to DIFC
- →Dubai Courts Will — for Muslims, under Sharia
Options for Making a Will in Dubai
A notarized will in Dubai can be prepared and notarized same day for simple estates. DIFC and Abu Dhabi Judicial Department wills involve a registration process that takes a few business days and have associated registration fees.
- →UAE property and real estate
- →UAE bank accounts and investments
What Can a Dubai Will Cover?
- →Business ownership stakes
Can I Specify Guardianship in a Dubai Will?
- →Guardianship of minor children
How Long Does It Take?
- →Instructions for distribution to non-UAE assets
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