Cost of Making a Will in Dubai

Why a Will is Non-Negotiable for UAE Expats & Business Owners

Without a registered will in the UAE, the distribution of your estate defaults to Sharia law principles for all residents, regardless of faith or nationality. This can lead to outcomes vastly different from your intentions, potentially excluding spouses, partners, or specific children from inheritance. For business owners, the stakes are even higher. Company shares, bank accounts, and intellectual property could be frozen or distributed in ways that jeopardize the business’s continuity. Creating a will is not an expense; it’s a critical investment in legal certainty and family protection.

Vesta Solutions Can Help: Navigating the legal landscape for wills can be complex. Our team provides clear, expert guidance on the best option for your situation, whether through Dubai Courts or the DIFC Wills Service, ensuring your intentions are legally sound and enforceable.

Breaking Down the Core Costs: Registration & Authority Fees

The primary cost components for a will in Dubai are the mandatory fees charged by the registering authority. As of 2026, there are two main jurisdictions for non-Muslims: the Dubai Courts and the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry. Each has a distinct fee structure.

Comparative Fee Structure for Non-Muslim Wills in Dubai (2026)

*Fees based on typical market rates and should be verified with Dubai Courts or a legal service provider. Government fees are subject to change.

What Influences the Total Cost? Key Variables Explained

Beyond the base registration fee, several factors can affect your total expenditure. Understanding these helps you plan an accurate budget.

• Asset Complexity & Volume: A simple will with one bank account and a villa is straightforward. A portfolio with multiple properties, shares in free zone and mainland companies, international investments, and intellectual property requires more detailed drafting and legal analysis, increasing costs.
• Family Structure & Beneficiaries: Appointing guardians for minor children, creating trusts for beneficiaries, or providing for children from previous relationships adds layers of complexity to the will’s structure.
• Legal Advisory & Drafting Fees: This is often the most significant variable. A reputable law firm or specialized legal services provider will charge for their expertise in drafting a watertight, compliant document. Fees can range from AED 3,000 to AED 15,000+ based on the firm and complexity.
• Translation & Notarization: Some authorities require Arabic translations. Documents may also need notarization, which incurs separate notary services fees.

A Closer Look: Non-Muslim Will Options & Their Fee Drivers

Let’s examine the two primary routes for non-Muslims in detail, as your choice is the biggest cost determinant.

1. Dubai Courts Non-Muslim Will

Introduced in 2020, this system allows non-Muslims to register wills governing their assets in Dubai (excluding those in specific financial free zones like DIFC). The process is relatively streamlined.

• Process: The will is drafted (often with legal help), signed before a Dubai Court notary, and registered in the court’s system.
• Cost Drivers: The court fee is fixed, but legal drafting fees vary. If you own a business, additional documentation proving ownership may be required, impacting preparation time and cost.
• Best For: Residents with straightforward asset profiles within Dubai’s onshore jurisdiction.

2. DIFC Wills and Probate Registry

The DIFC system operates under its own common law rules. It is highly regarded for its clarity and efficiency in administration.

• Process: You must attend a mandatory consultation with a DIFC-approved legal consultant. The will is then drafted, signed with witnesses, and registered at the DIFC Registry.
• Cost Drivers: The registry fees are fixed and published. The variable cost is the legal fee for the mandatory consultation and bespoke drafting. Property Wills and Financial Asset Wills offer a lower-cost entry point for specific assets.
• Best For: High-net-worth individuals, those with assets in the DIFC or other emirates, and anyone seeking the certainty of English-language probate. It’s a common choice for individuals who also qualify for or hold a UAE Golden Visa, as both form part of a long-term settlement strategy.

Vesta Solutions Can Help: Choosing the right jurisdiction is critical. We analyze your asset portfolio and family goals to recommend the most suitable and cost-effective pathway, handling the entire registration process efficiently. For a detailed walkthrough, see our Complete Guide to Registering a Non-Muslim Will.

Your Practical Guide to Budgeting & Next Steps

Follow this step-by-step approach to understand and manage the costs of creating your will.

Step-by-Step Cost Estimation Checklist

1. Inventory Your UAE Assets: List all properties, bank accounts, vehicle(s), company ownerships, and other valuables.
2. Define Your Beneficiaries & Guardians: Decide who inherits what and, if needed, who will care for minor children.
3. Get Preliminary Quotes: Consult with 2-3 reputable legal providers. Ask for a breakdown of drafting fees, government fees, and any other charges.
4. Choose Your Jurisdiction: Based on advice, decide between Dubai Courts or DIFC Wills.
5. Factor in Long-Term Costs: Remember potential future costs for updates (codicils) or will execution.

Case Study: From Uncertainty to Clarity

Client Profile: Arjun, 45, an Indian entrepreneur and Golden Visa holder, owning a Dubai mainland trading company, two residential properties (one in Dubai, one in Abu Dhabi), and investment portfolios.

Challenge: Arjun was concerned about his company’s future and ensuring his wife and two young children were secure. The mix of onshore assets and cross-emirate property created complexity.

Solution & Costs: Vesta Solutions advised a dual-strategy approach for optimal asset coverage and cost-efficiency.

• A DIFC Standard Will (AED 15,000 for a Mirror Will with his wife) was prepared to cover his financial assets, Dubai property, and the shares in his Dubai-based company. The mandatory legal consultation and drafting fees totaled AED 7,000.
• For the Abu Dhabi property, a separate non-Muslim will was registered with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, incurring a separate set of drafting and registration fees of approximately AED 6,000.

Total Investment: Approximately AED 28,000 for a comprehensive, jurisdictionally correct estate plan.

Outcome: Arjun gained complete peace of mind. His business has a clear succession plan, and his family’s future is protected under enforceable legal instruments, tailored to the specific laws governing each asset.

Professional Service Fees vs. DIY: Understanding the Value

While templates exist, a will is a powerful legal instrument. Errors or omissions can render it invalid or create ambiguity. Professional fees cover:

• Legal Expertise: Ensuring your will complies with all UAE and relevant jurisdictional laws.
• Tailored Drafting: Addressing nuances like business succession, debt handling, and specific beneficiary conditions.
• Process Management: Handling all paperwork, appointments, translations, and registrations with the relevant authorities.
• Future-Proofing: Advising on how life changes (marriage, divorce, new assets) affect your will.

This professional guidance mitigates the high risk of future legal challenges and administrative deadlock, protecting your estate’s value.

Vesta Solutions Can Help: Our Last Will Services provide end-to-end management. We handle the complex drafting, liaison with authorities, and registration, giving you a legally robust will without the stress. We also offer complementary services like Power of Attorney setup for comprehensive lifetime and legacy planning.

Ongoing Considerations: Updates & Execution Costs

The cost of making a will isn’t always a one-time event. Life changes may necessitate updates.

• Codicils & Will Updates: Adding a codicil (an amendment) or re-drafting a will incurs additional legal and registration fees, typically a percentage of the original cost.
• Probate & Execution Fees: Upon death, the will must go through probate (proving its validity). The DIFC has a published fee scale for this administration. For Dubai Courts wills, there are court fees for the execution process. Executors should budget for these future administrative costs.

Frequently Asked Questions