Wills by document type
Important: the UAE is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, so a foreign apostille on its own is not accepted for use in the UAE. Foreign documents normally still need attestation by the UAE embassy or consulate in the issuing country, then the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, plus a legal Arabic translation where required.
- Non-Muslim will for UAE assets — property, bank accounts and business shares in the UAE
- Guardianship will — naming guardians for minor children in the UAE
- Property-only will — covering specific real estate in Dubai
- Foreign will or supporting papers — need UAE embassy and MOFA attestation plus Arabic translation; a foreign apostille alone is not accepted
- Supporting documents — passports, Emirates ID, title deeds and family certificates
Why expats in the UAE need a registered will
If you own property, hold bank accounts or have children in the UAE, a registered will decides who inherits and who cares for your children. Without one, the process is slower, accounts can be frozen, and the outcome may not match your wishes.
A properly drafted and registered will also spares your family a foreign legal process at the worst possible time.
What your will can cover
- Distribution of UAE property and other assets
- Bank accounts and investments held in the UAE
- Guardianship — permanent and interim — for minor children
- Appointment of executors
- Shares in a UAE company
- Vehicles and personal belongings
- Revocation or replacement of an earlier will
DIFC Wills or Dubai Courts?
DIFC Wills Service Centre is the usual route for non-Muslims with assets in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, offering full and targeted wills such as property-only or guardianship-only.
Dubai Courts also register wills for non-Muslims with an Arabic text. We explain the difference in cost, scope and procedure, and recommend what fits your situation instead of pushing one option.
How we work
It starts with a consultation about your assets, family and wishes. We draft the will in clear legal English — with Arabic where the route requires it — then handle notarization and witnessing at our office, at your location or remotely, and walk you through registration with the chosen authority.
DIFC Wills vs Dubai Courts wills
Non-Muslim expats can register a will with the DIFC Wills Service Centre or through Dubai Courts / notary. Both let you choose how your UAE assets pass and who becomes guardian of minor children, instead of default inheritance rules applying.
Common types include a full estate will, a property will and a guardianship will
Services that go with this one
Legal basis for this service
The authorities and rules this service follows — we handle the procedure for you, end to end.
We handle the procedure for you — use the WhatsApp button above or below to start.
Frequently asked questions
UAE inheritance rules may apply by default, bank accounts can be frozen and guardianship of children may be decided by the court. A registered will avoids this.
Yes. You can amend or revoke it at any time by registering a new will or a revocation; we handle the drafting and notarization.
It is strongly advisable. Without a registered will, the distribution of your UAE assets and the guardianship of your children may not follow your wishes.
DIFC offers English-language wills for non-Muslims covering Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah assets, including targeted options. Dubai Courts registers wills with an Arabic text. We compare both for your case.
Yes — both permanent and interim guardianship can be specified, which is often the most urgent reason parents register a will.
A UAE will is normally limited to UAE assets. Assets elsewhere should be covered by a will in that country; we will flag any conflict.