Signing legal documents
Life in Dubai · Law

How to register a will in Dubai (for expats and non-residents)

Expats in the UAE can register a will so their assets are distributed by their wishes. Non-Muslims have dedicated will registries. Below is the general procedure per the official UAE government portal u.ae.

Official source: The Official Portal of the UAE Government (u.ae) · Justice, safety & the law — Wills & inheritance

Facts from the official u.ae portal ('Justice, safety and the law'). Non-Muslim residents and expats can register a will in special registries (e.g. at the Dubai Courts or the DIFC Wills Service). Registration fees depend on the authority and will type and change — verify on u.ae and with the relevant court/authority. We don't invent numbers.

Official authorities

Direct links to the relevant government departments.

General procedure

  1. 1

    Decide the type of will

    Non-Muslims have will registries that let you distribute assets by your wishes rather than only by Sharia rules. Choose the registry that fits your case (property, guardianship of children, accounts).

  2. 2

    Draft the will

    The will is prepared in the chosen registry's format, describing assets and heirs precisely. A lawyer helps meet local requirements.

    Documents:PassportEmirates IDAsset list (property, accounts)Heir details
  3. 3

    Book the registration

    Registration is done at the authorised body (court/registry). The testator's presence and an attestation procedure are often required.

  4. 4

    Register and pay the fee

    After review the will is registered and you pay the authority's fee. Keep a certified copy and the registration details.

    Documents:Will draftFee payment receipt
  5. 5

    Update it when things change

    Update the will when you buy/sell assets, marry or have children. Check the amendment procedure with your registry.

Fees and timelines may change — verify with the official source.

Who provides this service in Dubai

Real companies from Google Maps — live ratings and reviews.

MakemyWill: Wills in Dubai

4.8(64)

416 - Burlington tower - الخليج التجاري - دبي - United Arab Emirates

Wills Dubai

5.0(1)

Post office, Conrad Hotel Building - Office no: 1904, 19th Floor - 50435 Sheikh Zayed Rd - Marsa Dubai - Dubai Marina - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Suits Legal Dubai

4.9(49)

202, Bay Square 7 - الخليج التجاري - Bay Square - دبي - United Arab Emirates

Advocate Suhail Rana

5.0(29)

Al-Saqr Business Tower - Sheikh Zayed Rd - opposite Ritz Carlton - Trade Center Second - DIFC - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

TWS Legal Consultants

4.7(130)

Oaks Liwa Heights, 3307-3308, 33rd Floor - Cluster W - Al Thanyah Fifth - Jumeirah Lakes Towers - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Signing legal documents

Own property in Dubai?

We work with Dubai real estate and help account for your assets correctly — advice on the Title Deed and asset structure. Leave a request.

Help with property in my will →

Tools for this topic

A shortlist built for your case

3–5 properties with an honest DLD-based yield calculation — free, no middlemen.

AI Assistant