Can I use one will for assets in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Yes. Both DIFC and ADGM wills cover property and accounts anywhere in the UAE and overseas.

How long does probate take with a DIFC or ADGM will?

Simple estates are usually completed in four to eight weeks once the grant is issued.

Do I need a separate will for each country?

No. A single DIFC or ADGM will can cover worldwide assets, but check local rules for real estate outside the UAE.

DIFC vs ADGM Will: Which Is Right for UAE Expats?

Why expats need a will in the UAE

Without a valid will, UAE courts apply Sharia rules to your estate, which can differ sharply from your home country law. A DIFC or ADGM will overrides that default and lets you name guardians, specify asset distribution, and reduce delays for your family.

What each court actually covers

The DIFC Wills and Probate Registry handles non-Muslim expats with assets anywhere in the UAE or overseas. The ADGM Courts Wills Registry offers the same scope but is based in Abu Dhabi. Both registries accept wills for property, bank accounts, shares, and personal belongings held inside or outside the UAE.

Registration fees and timelines in 2026

Registering a single will at the DIFC costs AED 5,000 for the first will and AED 2,500 for each additional mirror will. ADGM charges AED 4,500 for the initial will and AED 2,000 for a spouse mirror will. Both registries issue a digital certificate within five working days once the will is signed in front of two witnesses or a court officer.

Which court suits your situation

Choose DIFC if you live in Dubai or hold most assets there, or if you already use DIFC company structures.
Choose ADGM if you live in Abu Dhabi or prefer Abu Dhabi jurisdiction for future probate.
Both courts recognise each other’s grants, so you can hold one will in either registry and still cover assets across the Emirates.

Updating or revoking your will

You can amend a registered will at any time. DIFC charges AED 1,500 for a codicil or full replacement; ADGM charges AED 1,200. Always keep the original signed copy with the registry, and store a scanned version in a secure cloud folder your executor can access.

Next steps for expats

Book a 30-minute consultation with a DIFC or ADGM authorised will writer. Bring your passport, Emirates ID, and a list of major assets. Once the draft is approved, sign in front of the required witnesses and pay the registration fee to activate the will immediately.

Ask Tovi for more

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Got more UAE questions?

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything — visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →