protect
Protect Your Assets in UAE with DIFC Will Service
DIFC Wills Service Centre was launched in 2015 as a joint initiative between the Government of Dubai and DIFC Courts. It provides a unique legal framework for non-Muslims residing and investing to protect their assets in the UAE and globally. You can register a will in English and your wishes will be executed as per your instructions and override any Sharia law conflicts.
This service is available to non-residents as well as residents.
The DIFC Courts Wills Service registers wills for both residents and non-resident expats. Your will is recognized regardless of your location. Whether you live inside or outside the UAE, your assets will be distributed as you wish.
Why DIFC Wills Service?
Clear Legal Process
Your assets will be distributed as per your will, following a clear legal process. Your estate will be managed as per your wishes without any Sharia law interference.
Registrar Authority
The Registrar of DIFC Wills Service has the power to do all necessary actions to ensure the proper execution of wills as per the laws and regulations of DIFC.
Court Issuance
All grants and documents will be issued in the name of the Court, sealed and signed by an authorized Judge or Court Officer, for legal validity.
Global Recognition
DIFC Wills Service is available to both residents and non-residents. Wherever you are, your will is recognized and enforced globally, for smooth asset distribution.
How can we help you with DIFC Wills?
DIFC Will Drafting
We can help you with inheritance and guardianship matters in the UAE. We will work with you to create a will for your estate planning needs.
1
Fast Probate Process
We will manage your probate quickly and efficiently, usually within a month – much faster than other UAE courts. Our support will make the process stress-free for your executors and beneficiaries.
2
Full Support
From the first consultation to final registration, our team will make sure your will is legally binding and in line with your wishes. We will handle all the legal bits so you can focus on protecting your assets.
3
Estate Planning
We offer estate planning for property, financial assets, and business interests to ensure tax-efficient asset distribution and peace of mind.
4
Client Satisfaction Guaranteed
We value transparency, trust, and flexibility and will support you to update your will as needed.
5
Cost of a DIFC WILL
DIFC Courts Wills Service
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| DIFC Full Single Will service cost | AED 10,000 |
| DIFC Full Mirror Will service cost | AED 15,000 |
| Professional fee for a single will | AED 3,500 + VAT |
| Professional fee for a mirror will | AED 5,500 + VAT |
Additional DIFC Wills Pricing Details
| Service Type | Registration Fee (AED) | Professional Fee (AED) | Total Cost (AED) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guardianship Will (Single) | 5,000 | 3,500 | 8,500 | Covers child guardianship. |
| Property Will (Single) | 7,500 | 3,500 | 11,000 | Covers up to 5 properties. |
| Full Will Covering All Assets & Guardianship (Single) | 10,000 | 3,500 | 13,500 | Covers all assets and guardianship. |
| Guardianship Will (Mirror) | 10,000 | 5,500 | 15,500 | Covers child guardianship for both spouses. |
| Property Will (Mirror) | 10,000 | 5,500 | 15,500 | Covers up to 5 properties for both spouses. |
| Full Will Covering All Assets & Guardianship (Mirror | 15,000 | 5,500 | 20,500 | Identical wills for couples, covering assets & guardianship. |
Additional Services for DIFC Wills
| Service | Additional Fee (AED) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Urgent Drafting Service | 1,000 per will | Turnaround time: 1 working day for Preparing draft |
| Witness Services | Free | 1 free witness for registration if needed. |
| Executor Services | 5,000 | Appointment as co-executor. |
| Will Updates & Amendments | From 3,000 | Update of an existing will, including the registration fee. |
DIFC Sample Wills
Key Benefits of DIFC Wills
Choosing the DIFC Wills Service offers several distinct advantages:
Bypass Sharia Law
Non-Muslim expatriates can use DIFC Wills to avoid the automatic application of Sharia law, which governs inheritance by default in the UAE without a will.
Short Probate Process
The DIFC Courts handle probate efficiently, with most processes completed within a month. This is much faster than traditional UAE court procedures, ensuring swift asset distribution.
English-Language Legal Process
DIFC Wills are drafted and processed in English, which avoids translation delays and makes it easier for non-Arabic speakers to navigate the legal system.
Comprehensive Asset Protection
From financial holdings to real estate, the DIFC Wills Service allows for complete control over your estate, including appointing guardians for minor children.
Legal Certainty and Flexibility
With the ability to update or revoke wills at any time, DIFC Wills offer flexibility to adapt to changing life circumstances such as marriage, childbirth, or asset acquisition.
Our DIFC Will Registration Process
Step 1
Free Consultation
The first step of the DIFC Will registration process is a professional DIFC Will consultation, where our experts discuss your specific needs and objectives for your will. Our team will explain the signing process, the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry rules. This helps us to guide you more clearly.
Step 2
Will Drafting
For will drafting, we draft Will in the form specified in Schedule 1 according to DIFC WILLS AND PROBATE REGISTRY RULES ( WPR ). The Registrar or an Authorised Officer drafts the Will after paying the required fee. Documents like letters of wish may be retained with the Will. The Registrar is not obligated to assess mental capacity but may request a report if needed.
Step 3
Review and Finalization
Once the will draft is prepared, we give it to you to review. This document will help you check all the aspects or requirements you wish to add. The Registrar can only accept and finalize the will if the Will meets the required criteria.
Step 4
Registration
An Authorised Officer accepts the Will in the specified form and submits it to the Registry for registration. Upon registration, the Will is electronically stored. If requested, a certified copy can be issued to the Testator.
Step 5
Ongoing Support
The Testator or their legal representative can withdraw wills and documents via written application at any time. Upon receipt, the documents are revoked, confirmed in writing, and are no longer eligible for Probate. Additional copies of the Will can be obtained upon payment of a specified fee.
TYPES
Types of DIFC Wills
The DIFC Courts Wills Service provides non-Muslim expatriates in the UAE with specialized wills to cover different aspects of their estate. Here’s an overview of the five types of DIFC Wills:
The Full Will allows full control over all assets, including movable and immovable property covering all types of assets, both in the UAE and abroad.
-
- Real estate (both UAE and international properties).
- Financial accounts and investments.
- Personal belongings.
- Appointment of an executor to manage the estate.
- Option to appoint a legal guardian for minor
children.
The Full Will is comprehensive
The Financial Assets Will is ideal for individuals looking to manage their financial portfolios independently of real estate or other types of assets.
It is focused solely on financial holdings, such as:
- Bank accounts.
- Stocks, bonds, and other investments.
- Designates who will care for minor children in the event of the testator’s passing.
- Helps ensure the children’s well-being is secured according to the testator’s wishes rather than defaulting to the local Sharia-based system.
A property will ensure the transfer of real estate for property owners who want a straightforward solution. specifically handles real estate holdings, such as:
- UAE-based properties, including villas, apartments, and land.
- International real estate if applicable.
The Business Owners Will is designed for individuals with business interests. It ensures:
- The smooth transition of business ownership in the event of the testator’s death.
- Clear planning for future leadership and ownership, avoiding disputes or delays.
The Digital Assets Will is tailored for individuals managing digital assets. It ensures:
- Secure allocation of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and NFTs.
- Flexibility to assign assets to Beneficiaries during the Testator’s lifetime at no additional cost.
- Virtual registration through video conference, with encrypted and secure Will storage.
- Future compatibility with NFTs such as ERC 721, ERC 1155, and others.
Single Will vs. Mirror Will
The DIFC Wills Service allows for two structures: Single Will and Mirror Will, depending on individual or family preferences.
| Single Will | Mirror Wills |
|---|---|
A Single Will is created by an individual, reflecting their personal wishes. It is ideal for those:
|
A Mirror Will is created by a married couple, typically with identical terms. Each spouse’s will:
|
Eligibility
DIFC Will Eligibility and Key Considerations
To be eligible to create a DIFC Will, you must: Reside in the UAE: Be a non-Muslim residing in the United Arab Emirates. Own Assets: Have assets located within the UAE
Implications of Having No Will in the UAE
1
UAE courts will apply Sharia Law without a will, distributing your estate according to Islamic principles. This may include family members like parents or siblings; your wife could receive only 1/8 of the estate. The probate process may also be lengthy and costly.
Choosing Beneficiaries and Executors
2
Clever selection of beneficiaries and an Executor is essential. You can appoint a family member, friend, or legal representative as an executor. Co-executors, such as family members and attorneys, can also be appointed. For any minor children, consider choosing a legal guardian.
Updated Asset Inventory
3
Maintaining a detailed and up-to-date inventory of assets is a must. This helps to ensure all the property is covered under the will.
UPDATING
Updating and Revoking DIFC Wills
Updating a DIFC Will is essential after a life event such as marriage, the birth of a child or a change in the asset. DIFC Wills can be updated or revoked anytime after the procedures are followed. The testator or their legal representative must submit a written application to the DIFC Registry to revoke a will.
The will and any related documents will be treated as void and removed from the Registry’s records upon revocation. Updating a will follows a similar process: the new one must be registered, and the old one must be revoked.
How to Get Started with DIFC Wills [ Requirements and Documentation ]
Ready to begin? Schedule a free consultation with our experienced team. To get started with a DIFC Will, here’s what you need:
Requirements
- You must be a non-Muslim resident of the UAE.
- You must be at least 21 years old.
- You must own assets in the UAE or have minor children living in the UAE.
- Witnessed by at least two individuals physically or virtually, in the presence of the Registrar or an Authorized Officer.
- They are signed in person by the testator and appoint executors over the age of majority.
Required Documents
- Copy of your passport or national ID card.
- Copy of passports and EID of the executor(s) and 2 witnesses
- Provide details about your assets in the UAE, such as bank accounts, properties, and investments.
- Identify your beneficiaries and their contact information.
- Passport copies of the beneficiaries
- Email IDs, address proof, and contact numbers of the testator(s), executor(s), and witnesses.
Let us help you get started today!
FAQs About DIFC Wills
The process for registering a will is as follows;
- You need to draft your will.
- Review it and finalize it.
- Submit it to the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry.
- For a single will: USD
- For two mirrors will be USD 4,200.
- Guardianship wills: USD 1,400 single, USD 2,100 mirror.
- Professional fees are not included.