Drawing up a will in the UAE to protect assets and heirs
If you own property, have bank accounts or run a family business in the Emirates, an UAE will is essential. Without one, your assets may be distributed in accordance with Sharia law, and your accounts may be frozen for months.
StableGrowz offers assistance with drawing up a will: from initial consultation through to UAE will registration. We guarantee legal protection for your assets and the rights of your heirs.
StableGrowz offers assistance with drawing up a will: from initial consultation through to UAE will registration. We guarantee legal protection for your assets and the rights of your heirs.
A will (UAE will) is a legal document in which you specify to whom, and in what proportions, your assets will pass after your death. Several formats are available in the UAE: a will in Dubai (Dubai will) registered with the DIFC, a will in Abu Dhabi registered with the ADJD, and registration in other emirates. It is also possible to draw up an English-language will in the UAE through international financial centres. The process requires a thorough understanding of the Emirates’ inheritance law, so it is important to seek professional advice.
What is a will in the UAE?
The main purpose of a UAE will is to protect assets and prevent disputes. Without a will drawn up in Dubai or another emirate, assets are distributed as follows: for non-Muslims (priority is given to the spouse, with the remainder going to the children); for Muslims, the distribution is governed by Sharia law.
Estate planning allows you to control the distribution of your estate and avoid conflicts between heirs.
Why do expats draw up a will:
Estate planning allows you to control the distribution of your estate and avoid disputes amongst heirs.
Consequences of not having a will:
Estate planning allows you to control the distribution of your estate and avoid conflicts between heirs.
Why do expats draw up a will:
- to ensure their children have a guardian;
- so that the spouse can access bank accounts;
- to avoid legal proceedings;
- to ensure the business continues to operate;
- to ensure inheritance takes place according to their wishes.
Estate planning allows you to control the distribution of your estate and avoid disputes amongst heirs.
Consequences of not having a will:
- Bank accounts frozen pending a court ruling.
- Suspension of dependants’ visas, issues regarding child custody.
- Lengthy legal proceedings (lasting months or years).
- Distribution of family assets not according to your wishes, but in accordance with the law, particularly when inheriting property in the UAE.
Why draw up a will?
Кто может составить завещание и можно ли иностранцам оформить завещание?
Оформить завещание в ОАЭ могут как резиденты, так и нерезиденты ОАЭ. Подготовка завещания для иностранцев в ОАЭ возможна при наличии активов в стране.
Основные требования для оформления завещания для экспатов в ОАЭ:
Основные требования для оформления завещания для экспатов в ОАЭ:
Aged 21 or over
Legal capacity
The presence of two witnesses
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How do you draw up a will in the UAE?
The procedure for drawing up a will in the UAE depends on the emirate chosen.
When preparing the document, the following details must be clearly set out:
Legal assistance from our specialists in drawing up a will ensures that all formalities are complied with and that the document is legally valid.
When preparing the document, the following details must be clearly set out:
- the testator’s full name;
- the testator’s religion;
- a list of heirs, specifying their degree of kinship;
- current address of residence in the UAE;
- an inventory of assets with a detailed breakdown of shares among the heirs;
- contact details of the witnesses and the person appointed as executor of the will.
Legal assistance from our specialists in drawing up a will ensures that all formalities are complied with and that the document is legally valid.
Where can I register a will?
We offer will registration services in Dubai, suitable for any assets in the UAE, including the appointment of guardians for children. A UAE inheritance lawyer will help you draw up a will in the UAE to safeguard your assets.
What documents are required to register a will in the UAE?
To draw up a will in the UAE and have it registered, you will need:
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A copy of the testator’s passport
Visa/Emirates ID (if applicable)
Details of the beneficiaries and the executor of the will
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List of assets with supporting documents
It is also important to provide documents confirming your investments, shares in the company and corporate rights, if these form part of the inheritance. All of these must be notarised to ensure the documents are legally valid in the Emirates.
Questions and Answers
Yes. Both options are possible. To do this, you will need to draw up a new will covering property in Dubai (or other assets), or an amendment to the existing will. The new document must be registered in accordance with the same procedure.
If no will has been drawn up, the heirs face a lengthy legal process. Each of them is required to submit a separate application, and the whole process involves gathering and preparing a large number of documents proving their relationship to the deceased. The final decision on the distribution of property and other assets is made by the court, which makes the process unpredictable and costly. In this case, intestate succession applies rather than succession by will, which often runs counter to the deceased’s wishes.
A will drawn up for business owners in the UAE or for owners of other assets remains valid indefinitely until the testator’s death or until the will is revoked or replaced.
The cost of drawing up a will is directly linked to the specific authority authorised to certify it, and also depends on:
- the number of assets;
- whether a translation is required;
- the urgency of the matter.
Will drafting services from StableGrowz
How do you transfer property by will? How do you arrange guardianship for children? How do you draw up a will covering bank accounts? You’ll find answers to these and other questions during a free consultation with StableGrowz’s experts.
We offer a ‘turnkey’ will drafting service: from preparing the documents and having the will notarised, to registration and full legal support throughout the process.
Submit your enquiry, and we’ll help you draw up a will for your family that will protect your assets and loved ones from bureaucratic complications.
We offer a ‘turnkey’ will drafting service: from preparing the documents and having the will notarised, to registration and full legal support throughout the process.
Submit your enquiry, and we’ll help you draw up a will for your family that will protect your assets and loved ones from bureaucratic complications.
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