How to Make a UAE Will Without DIFC: Cheaper Options That Hold Up

Dubai Courts and the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department register wills for non-Muslim residents at a fraction of DIFC costs while remaining fully enforceable under Federal Decree-Law 41/2022.

Many long-term expats in areas such as JLT, Marina and Al Barsha choose these local court routes to avoid DIFC’s higher setup and annual fees. The process still lets you direct assets to family members, friends or charities according to your home-country law. Registration typically takes two to four weeks once documents are ready, and the resulting will overrides default Sharia distribution for non-Muslims.

Why Skip the DIFC Route

The DIFC Wills Registry remains popular for its English-language service and common-law framework, yet the fees quickly add up. A basic DIFC will costs around AED 12,000 (roughly USD 3,270) to draft and register, plus AED 5,000 (USD 1,360) in annual maintenance. For residents who already hold property through RERA or Ejari in Dubai, these recurring charges feel unnecessary.

Local courts now accept non-Muslim wills under the same 2022 federal law, giving you the same freedom to name beneficiaries. Dubai Courts and ADJD handle thousands of such registrations each year without requiring a DIFC presence. The only real trade-off is that you must attend in person or appoint a local lawyer for submission.

Registering Through Dubai Courts

Dubai Courts accept wills at their main registry in Deira and at selected branches in Bur Dubai. You first prepare the document in English or Arabic, then book an appointment through the Dubai Courts portal or the Dubai Now app. Bring your passport, Emirates ID, and proof of assets such as property title deeds or bank statements.

Document checklist

Original passport and valid Emirates ID
Copy of existing property documents registered with RERA
List of bank accounts and insurance policies
Two witnesses who are not beneficiaries

Once submitted, a judge reviews the will for clarity and compliance with Federal Decree-Law 41/2022. Approval usually arrives within 14 working days, after which you receive a stamped certificate. The total government fee sits at AED 2,000 (about USD 545), with no annual renewal required.

Abu Dhabi Options via ADJD

Residents on Yas Island or Saadiyat Island use the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) for the same service. ADJD’s online platform lets you upload scanned documents before attending a short appointment at the main office near Abu Dhabi Central. The process mirrors Dubai but uses ADJD’s own bilingual forms.

Fees remain identical at AED 2,000. ADJD also accepts digital signatures through the UAE Pass app, which speeds up the process for those already verified. After registration, the will is stored electronically and can be retrieved by heirs or executors through the same portal.

Step-by-Step Drafting and Registration

Start by listing all UAE-based assets clearly: real estate in Mirdif or Karama, vehicles, bank balances, and any shares held locally. State that the will follows the law of your home country for distribution to family members, friends or charities. Keep the language simple and avoid conditional clauses that might confuse a judge.

Practical timeline

Week 1: Draft the will and gather supporting documents
Week 2: Submit via Dubai Courts or ADJD portal and pay the AED 2,000 fee
Week 3: Attend the short hearing and collect the stamped copy
Week 4: Inform your chosen executor and store the original safely

Many residents combine this with a power of attorney in UAE 2026 so a trusted person can handle day-to-day matters if needed. You can also link the will to instructions for what happens to your UAE bank account when you die, reducing delays for your family.

Costs, Pros and Cons in Detail

The AED 2,000 court fee covers registration only; most people spend an extra AED 1,500–3,000 on a local lawyer for drafting if they prefer professional wording. In total you remain well under AED 5,000 (USD 1,360), compared with DIFC’s higher ongoing costs. No translation fees apply when you submit in English.

Pros include lower lifetime expense, direct access to local judges familiar with expat cases, and full recognition across all emirates. The main con is that hearings happen in Arabic with English translation provided, so you may need a bilingual lawyer present. Another practical point: you must update the will yourself if you buy new property or open fresh accounts, unlike some DIFC services that offer automated reminders.

Ensuring the Will Remains Effective

Store the original certificate in a secure place and give copies to your executor and one family member abroad. Notify your bank and insurer that a registered will exists; this helps when they request the death certificate later. If you hold assets in multiple emirates, register the will in the emirate where you spend most of your time.

Keep records of any major asset changes and re-register an updated version rather than relying on handwritten amendments. Dubai Courts and ADJD both allow simple codicils for minor updates at a reduced fee of AED 500. Regular reviews every two to three years keep everything aligned with current regulations.

Updated 2026. For your specific case, ask Tovi — answers in 30 seconds, in your language.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I name a same-sex partner as beneficiary?

Yes, non-Muslim wills registered under Federal Decree-Law 41/2022 allow you to name any beneficiary, including family members, friends or charities, regardless of relationship. Dubai Courts and ADJD apply the same neutral rule.

Do I still need a DIFC will if I already have property there?

No, a Dubai Courts or ADJD will covers assets across the UAE, including DIFC properties, once it is registered locally. Many residents in JLT and Marina have switched successfully.

How long does it take to update an existing will?

Simple updates through a codicil cost AED 500 and are usually processed within seven working days at either Dubai Courts or ADJD. Full re-registration follows the original two-to-four-week timeline.

What happens if I die without a registered will?

Your estate follows default rules under Federal Decree-Law 41/2022, which may involve longer court procedures and home-country law verification. A registered will avoids these delays and lets you direct assets directly to chosen recipients.

Can I register the will online without visiting an office?

Initial submission and payment can be done through the Dubai Now or ADJD portals, but a short in-person hearing remains mandatory for final stamping. UAE Pass verification speeds up the digital part considerably.

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