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
- →UAE property and real estate
- →UAE bank accounts and investments
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.
- →Business ownership stakes
- →Guardianship of minor children
- →Instructions for distribution to non-UAE assets
Frequently Asked Questions
A Will notarized in Dubai (through Dubai Courts or the UAE Ministry of Justice via a video call) can cover: distribution of UAE-based assets (bank accounts, investment portfolios, real estate, vehicles, and business shares); appointment of guardians for minor children; nomination of executors to administer the estate; and specific bequests — leaving particular assets to named individuals. The Will must be notarized by a licensed Notary Public to be legally enforceable in the UAE.
Yes. Expatriates can appoint a guardian for their minor children in a Will notarized through Dubai Courts or the UAE Ministry of Justice via a video call. The appointed guardian will be responsible for the children's care and upbringing if both parents pass away. Without a notarized Will, guardianship decisions default to UAE courts applying UAE Personal Status Law, which may not reflect the parents' wishes.
The process is completed through Dubai Courts or the UAE Ministry of Justice via a video call. Timing depends on document readiness and appointment availability. Most notarizations are completed the same day or within 1-2 business days once all documents are prepared. Contact us via WhatsApp to confirm the timeline for your specific situation.
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