DIFC Will Cost and Registration
Securing your legacy in Dubai is a fundamental act of responsibility. For non-Muslims, the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry offers a robust, common-law-based framework to ensure your assets pass according to your explicit wishes. This 2026 guide provides a detailed, practical breakdown of the DIFC will cost and registration process.
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Securing your legacy in Dubai is a fundamental act of responsibility for any expatriate business owner, investor, or professional. For non-Muslims, the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry (WPR) offers a robust, common-law-based framework to ensure your assets pass according to your explicit wishes. This guide provides a detailed, practical breakdown of the DIFC will cost and registration process for 2026, empowering you to make informed decisions for your estate planning in the UAE.
Why the DIFC Wills Registry Exists for Expats
The UAE’s default inheritance laws apply Sharia principles, which may not align with the intentions of non-Muslim residents. The DIFC WPR, established in 2015, provides a critical alternative. It operates under its own English-language laws, offering clarity and certainty. This system allows you to appoint guardians for minor children and executors to manage your estate. Importantly, it covers assets within the UAE, including real estate, bank accounts, and personal property.
Key Insight: The Core Benefit
The DIFC Wills Registry provides legal certainty. It ensures your assets are distributed exactly as you specify, bypassing the default local inheritance rules that can lead to unintended outcomes for your family.
A Detailed Breakdown of DIFC Will Costs (2026)
The total cost of a DIFC will is not a single fee but a combination of registry charges and professional service fees. Planning your budget requires understanding both components.
Official DIFC WPR Fee Schedule
| Service | Official Fee (AED) | Notes & Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Will Registration | 10,000 | Covers registration of a single will for one testator. The base fee for most individuals. |
| Mirror Will Registration (for a couple) | 15,000 | A discounted rate for two individual wills with reciprocal provisions. A cost-effective option for spouses. |
| Probate Registration Fee | 10,000 | Payable by the executor upon the testator’s death to initiate the probate process. |
| Storage & Admin Fee (Annual) | 500 | An annual fee for the secure storage and maintenance of your registered will. |
| Will Amendment (Codicil) | 2,500 | Fee for registering a formal change or addition to an existing registered will. |
On top of these official registry fees, you must budget for professional legal services. A reputable firm will handle drafting, advice, and guiding you through registration. Their fees typically range from AED 5,000 to AED 15,000+, depending on asset complexity and the need for tailored structures like trusts.
Vesta Solutions can help: We provide transparent, all-inclusive pricing for DIFC will drafting and registration. Our experts demystify the cost structure, ensuring no hidden fees and aligning the service level with your specific estate’s complexity.
DIFC Will vs. Dubai Court Will: A Cost and Feature Comparison
Choosing the right jurisdiction is crucial. The Dubai Courts also offer a non-Muslim wills service, often at a lower initial cost. However, the systems differ significantly in their legal foundation and process.
DIFC Will vs. Dubai Court Will: Key Differences
- Governing Law: DIFC uses its own common-law statutes; Dubai Courts use a UAE civil law decree.
- Language: DIFC proceedings are in English; Dubai Courts are primarily Arabic.
- Probate Process: DIFC probate is typically faster and conducted in English; Dubai Court probate follows local civil procedures.
- Asset Scope: Both cover UAE assets, but the DIFC framework is often preferred for complex, multi-asset estates.
For a deeper analysis to determine which option is right for you, explore our dedicated guide on DIFC Will vs Dubai Court Will.
The Step-by-Step Registration Process
Registering a DIFC will is a structured, multi-stage process. While it requires careful preparation, professional guidance makes it straightforward. Here is the typical timeline and action plan.
- Initial Consultation & Drafting (1-2 Weeks): You meet with a legal advisor to discuss your assets, beneficiaries, and guardianship wishes. The lawyer drafts the will document for your review.
- Document Finalization & Notarization: After revisions, the final will is prepared. Your signature may need to be notarized. Our integrated notary services in Dubai streamline this step.
- Submission to DIFC WPR (1 Day): Your legal representative submits the application and pays the registry fee. The WPR reviews the documents for compliance.
- Registration Appointment (1 Hour): You attend a brief, formal appointment at the DIFC WPR offices with two witnesses. The registrar confirms your identity and understanding.
- Will is Registered & Stored: Upon successful completion, the will is officially registered, given a unique number, and placed into secure storage. You receive certified copies.
Key Insight: The Appointment
The registration appointment is a formality, not an interrogation. The registrar simply ensures you are signing voluntarily and understand the document. With proper preparation, it takes minutes.
Vesta Solutions can help: We manage the entire process end-to-end. From the initial consultation and precise drafting to scheduling your DIFC appointment and handling all paperwork, we ensure a smooth, efficient registration journey.
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Don’t leave your legacy to chance. Get expert guidance on the right will for your unique situation.
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Real-World Case Study: Securing a Family Business Legacy
Scenario: Thomas, a 52-year-old British entrepreneur, owned a mainland LLC and two Dubai properties. He was divorced and had two children studying abroad. His primary concerns were ensuring his business could be smoothly transferred to his designated partner and that his children inherited the properties without complications.
Challenge: Under default rules, his estate could face a lengthy Sharia court process, potentially disrupting business operations and freezing assets.
Solution with Vesta: We drafted a comprehensive DIFC will for Thomas. It appointed his business partner as executor for company shares and a trusted friend as guardian for the property assets. We included a clear letter of wishes to guide the executors.
Process & Timeline:
- Week 1-2: Initial meetings and asset mapping.
- Week 3: Draft will prepared and reviewed.
- Week 4: Final document notarized and submitted to DIFC WPR.
- Week 5: Thomas attended his registration appointment. Total official and professional costs: AED 22,500.
Outcome: Thomas gained peace of mind knowing his Dubai legacy was protected under a clear, enforceable legal framework, with specific instructions for his complex, multi-asset estate.
Essential Documents and Requirements
Preparation is key to avoiding delays. You will need the following for the registration process:
- Original passport and UAE residency visa (if applicable).
- Emirates ID.
- Full details of beneficiaries (names, passports, relationships).
- Full details of appointed executors and guardians (names, passports, contact information).
- A comprehensive list of UAE assets you wish to include (property title deeds, company ownership certificates, bank account details).
🚨 Important: A DIFC will is part of a broader legal strategy for business owners. It complements other tools like a Power of Attorney (POA) for business continuity during your lifetime. For seamless execution, consider our PRO services to handle related government documentation.
Maintaining and Amending Your DIFC Will
Your will should evolve with your life. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or acquiring significant new assets are all triggers for review. To amend a registered DIFC will, you must register a formal supplement called a “codicil” with the WPR, incurring the amendment fee. For major changes, creating a new will may be more practical. The annual storage fee ensures your document is kept safe and accessible to your executors when needed.
Key Insight: Regular Reviews
Mark your calendar to review your will every 2-3 years or after any major life event. This simple habit ensures it always reflects your current situation and wishes.
Vesta Solutions can help: We offer ongoing will review services as part of our comprehensive legal services for UAE residents. We can advise on whether a codicil or a new will is the best course of action and handle the entire update process.
Frequently Asked Questions
