Guide to Wills for Non-Muslim Expats in the UAE
Non-Muslim expatriates in Dubai, drafting a will is a vital step in protecting their assets and ensuring their family’s future. Unlike Muslim residents whose inheritance is governed by Sharia law, non-Muslims have the legal freedom to distribute their wealth and appoint guardians for their children as per their wishes.
Dubai offers multiple avenues for will registration, including the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts, Dubai Courts, and Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Courts. These options enable non-Muslims to bypass Sharia inheritance law and establish clarity in the management of their estates.
Why Do Non-Muslims residents in Dubai Need a Will?
Without a registered will, the UAE court will apply the Sharia-based inheritance laws to distribute assets. According to these laws, your assets are distributed as follows;
- Son will receive 36.11%
- Daughter will receive 18.06%
- Father will receive 16.67%
- Mother will receive 16.67%
- Wife will receive 12.50%
Where to Register UAE will for Non Muslims ?
| DIFC Wills Service Centre |
|---|
| The DIFC Wills Service Centre offers non-Muslims a common law-based option for registering wills. Expatriates and residents who wish to distribute their assets, including property and businesses by avoiding Sharia law use this service.
The DIFC Will service was established by Resolution No. 4 of 2014 and operates under Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017, which governs inheritance and probate matters for non-Muslims. Types of wills offered
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| Dubai Courts |
| The Dubai Courts also allow non-Muslims to register their wills under Dubai Law No. 15/2017. This law helps non-Muslims avoid the default Sharia inheritance rules, allowing them to distribute their UAE assets as they wish.
By registering a will with the Dubai Courts, non-Muslims can be confident that their estate will be divided according to their personal choices. The Dubai Courts offer a clear and legally secure way to protect your assets and your family’s future. |
| ADJD Courts |
| Non-Muslim expatriates have the ability to choose the inheritance laws of their home country to govern the distribution of their assets, rather than being subject to the UAE’s Sharia-based rules.
Expatriates can draft and register their wills through the ADJD’s Civil Family Law department. This formal registration provides legal protection and clarity around the execution of their wishes. |
Comparison of DIFC, Dubai Courts, and ADJD for Non Muslims Will
| DIFC | Dubai Courts | ADJD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Framework | Operates under Common law | Operates under Sharia Law | Operates under Civil Law |
| Cost | Higher cost 5000-15,000 AED |
Lower cost 2000-5000 AED |
Moderate cost 950 AED |
| Ease of Registration | More Straightforward | Complicated | Straightforward |
| Probate Process | Quick | Lengthy | Quick |
How to make a will in Dubai for non-Muslims?
Step 1
Free Consultation
Juriszone provides free consultations on choosing wills for immovable property, movable property, real estate properties, or worldwide assets.
Step 2
Easy and Fast Will Drafting & Registration
Our experts make the will drafting and registration process quick and efficient in compliance with Dubai’s requirements.
Step 3
Executor Appointment
Juriszone will appoint trusted executors for your will and carry out your wishes. They will manage the registration process and make the probate process easy after death.
Step 4
Witness Arrangement
Juriszone will help arrange the required witnesses to ensure your will is properly signed and valid.
Step 5
Secure storage of wills
Your will and death certificate are securely stored, protecting them from loss, damage, or theft. Only accessible when needed for the execution of your wishes.
Step 6
Easy Access for Beneficiaries
We give beneficiaries easy access when they want to access the wills for asset distribution.
Key Considerations for Expatriates Drafting a Will in Dubai
Eligibility to draft a will
Wills can be drafted by non-muslims who are at least 21 years old and have movable or immovable assets in the UAE.
Will drafting language
Non-muslim expats wills are written in English, these wills are translated into Arabic prior to registration.
Asset Coverage
When drafting your will, consider the assets you want to include. This can be real estate and bank accounts to business shares in Dubai and internationally.
Guardianship for Minor Children
If you do not have a registered will, Dubai’s legal system will assign guardians based on Sharia law. The mother can not become the guardian of the children after the father’s death.
International Assets
If you have moveable or immovable assets in Dubai, the laws of your home country will not apply to your UAE assets unless your will is properly registered under UAE law.
Let us help you get started today!
FAQs
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