Cost of Inheritance Proceedings in Dubai Courts

Understanding the Legal Framework for Inheritance in Dubai

Inheritance in the UAE is primarily governed by Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, known as the Civil Transactions Law. For Muslims, Sharia law principles apply to the distribution of assets. However, non-Muslim expatriates have significant options. Since 2020, they can choose to have the laws of their home country apply to their estate, provided they register a formal will. Without a valid registered will, the default application of Sharia law can lead to distributions that may not reflect your wishes.

The Dubai Courts are the primary judicial body for processing inheritance cases, including the issuance of mandatory inheritance certificates. The process involves several departments, from the Notary Public to the Execution Court. Each stage incurs specific government fees. Furthermore, for assets like real estate, separate authorities like the Dubai Land Department (DLD) impose their own charges. Therefore, the total cost is rarely a single fee but a sum of official charges, potential translation costs, and often, legal advisor fees.

How Vesta Solutions Can Help: Navigating this legal maze requires expert guidance. Our comprehensive legal services team provides clarity on your specific situation, ensuring you understand which laws apply and how to structure your estate efficiently. We help you prepare for every step of the process.

Breakdown of Official Court Fees and Charges

The core of the inheritance proceeding cost lies in the official fees mandated by the Dubai government. These are typically fixed or calculated as a percentage of the estate’s value. It is vital to note that fees are subject to change, and the figures below are based on the prevailing structure as of 2026. Always verify the latest tariffs with the official Dubai Courts website or your legal consultant.

The court calculation fee is often the most significant variable. For example, on an estate valued at AED 2 million, a 1% fee would amount to AED 20,000. This fee is usually paid before the final inheritance certificate is issued. Additionally, if the case requires litigation due to disputes among heirs, standard court litigation fees will apply, which can increase costs substantially.

How Vesta Solutions Can Help: Our team manages the entire filing and payment process with the Dubai Courts on your behalf. We ensure accurate valuation declarations to optimize fees and handle all document attestation through our integrated notary services, saving you time and preventing costly errors.

Additional Costs: Beyond the Courtroom

The court fees are just one part of the financial picture. Executing the inheritance certificate to actually transfer assets involves several other entities and costs. These are often overlooked in initial planning but are essential for a complete succession.

Real Estate Transfer Fees with DLD

If the estate includes Dubai property, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) must transfer the title deed to the heirs. The primary cost here is a transfer fee, which is typically 0.125% of the property’s assessed value, plus a knowledge fee of AED 10 and an innovation fee of AED 10. A formal property valuation certificate may also be required by the DLD or banks, costing approximately AED 2,000 to AED 3,000 from an approved valuation firm.

Bank and Financial Asset Charges

Releasing funds from bank accounts, investment portfolios, or safe deposit boxes involves administrative procedures. Banks may charge a processing fee for closing accounts and issuing banker’s cheques to heirs. They will also require the official inheritance certificate from the Dubai Courts and may request additional indemnity letters or affidavits, which need notarization.

Legal and Advisory Fees

While not a government fee, engaging a legal consultant or law firm is highly advisable. Professional fees vary based on the estate’s complexity, but they cover critical services: interpreting laws, preparing court petitions, liaising with authorities, and managing communications with heirs. This investment can prevent massive losses due to procedural mistakes or inefficient asset distribution.

How Vesta Solutions Can Help: We offer a holistic succession service. From obtaining the mandatory property valuation certificate to drafting the necessary powers of attorney for overseas heirs, we manage all ancillary costs and processes, providing you with a single, predictable budget.

Step-by-Step Process and Associated Cost Timeline

Understanding the sequence of steps helps visualize how costs accumulate over time. A straightforward, undisputed case typically takes 3 to 6 months. Complex or contested cases can extend to a year or more.

1. Initial Filing & Document Preparation (Week 1-2): Costs begin with document translation and attestation (if needed), and the initial court filing fee (AED 500-1,000).
2. Court Review & Calculation (Month 1-2): The court assesses the estate value and applies the percentage-based calculation fee. This is the major cost milestone.
3. Issuance of Inheritance Certificate (Month 2-3): Once fees are paid, the court issues the certificate. Notarization of copies for different institutions incurs small per-document fees.
4. Asset-Specific Transfers (Month 3-6+): The DLD property transfer fee, bank charges, and any required professional valuations are paid during this execution phase.

How Vesta Solutions Can Help: We provide a clear project plan and cost schedule from day one. Our PRO services expertise ensures swift processing at each government touchpoint, significantly reducing the timeline and helping you manage cash flow for the associated fees.

Case Study: The Thompson Family Estate

Background: Mr. Thompson, a British national, passed away in Dubai in 2025 without a registered will. His estate consisted of a villa in Arabian Ranches valued at AED 3.5M, a savings account with AED 800,000, and a car. His wife and two adult children, all residing abroad, were the heirs.

Challenge: The family was unfamiliar with UAE procedures. As no will existed, Sharia law principles applied through the Dubai Courts. They needed to obtain an inheritance certificate and transfer all assets remotely.

Process & Costs (2025-2026):