UAE Will Format and Template Guide
Creating a valid will in the UAE is not just a formality; it’s a critical step in protecting your family and assets according to your wishes. For non-Muslim expatriates and business owners, the absence of a registered will means your estate is distributed under Sharia law principles. This comprehensive guide breaks down the official UAE will formats, templates, and the step-by-step process for 2026, providing the clarity you need for effective estate planning.
Understanding the UAE’s Dual Will System for Non-Muslims
The UAE provides two primary legal pathways for non-Muslims to register a will: the Dubai Courts system and the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry. Your choice depends on your assets, personal circumstances, and desired legal framework. Both systems offer English-language proceedings and templates based on common law principles, providing certainty and control. Selecting the right system is the first crucial decision in your estate planning journey.
Key Insight: Why a UAE-Registered Will is Non-Negotiable
Without a registered will, the UAE’s default inheritance rules apply. For non-Muslims, this can lead to unexpected outcomes, such as fixed shares for specific heirs and potential complications for business assets and minor children’s guardianship. A registered will overrides these default rules.
Our team at Vesta Solutions specializes in navigating these complex systems. We provide expert consultation to help you choose between the Dubai Courts and DIFC Wills Registry based on your unique asset portfolio and family structure.
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Option 1: The Dubai Courts Non-Muslim Will
Introduced in 2020, the Dubai Courts Non-Muslim Will allows expatriates to register a will under the direct auspices of the Dubai judicial authority. This option is often preferred for its direct enforcement power within the local Dubai courts system.
Dubai Courts Will Format and Standard Templates
The Dubai Courts provide structured, fill-in-the-blank templates. These are not free-form documents but guided forms that capture essential information. The primary templates include:
- Full Will Template: For distributing all assets worldwide or within the UAE.
- Asset-Specific Will Template: For bequeathing specific assets (e.g., a particular Dubai property).
- Guardianship Will Template: Specifically for appointing guardians for minor children.
The format requires precise details: full names and passport numbers of the testator, beneficiaries, and executors. This granularity is vital for clear enforcement.
Step-by-Step: Registering a Will with Dubai Courts
- Consultation & Drafting: Complete the appropriate template with legal guidance.
- Notarization Appointment: Book an appointment at the Dubai Courts Notary Public.
- In-Person Registration: Attend with original passports and Emirates IDs.
- Payment & Issuance: Pay the registration fee and receive your official, stamped will certificate.
Vesta Solutions assists clients by preparing the correct draft, booking and managing the notary appointment, and ensuring all documentation is flawless before submission. Our notary services streamline this critical step, saving you time and avoiding costly rejections.
Option 2: The DIFC Wills and Probate Registry
The DIFC Wills Service, operating under Dubai International Financial Centre law, is a common-law based regime. It’s a popular choice for individuals with complex, multi-jurisdictional assets or those who prefer a common-law approach.
DIFC Will Format and Structure
Unlike the templated forms of the Dubai Courts, DIFC wills are typically longer, narrative legal documents drafted by a practicing lawyer. A robust DIFC will includes:
- Appointment of Executors and Guardians: Names primary and substitute executors/guardians.
- Asset Schedule: A separate, updatable schedule listing all assets covered.
- Specific Bequests: Gifts of particular items or sums of money.
- Residual Estate Clause: Dictates who inherits everything not specifically mentioned.
- Trust Provisions: Can establish trusts for minors or manage assets for beneficiaries.
For intricate family or business succession plans, our comprehensive legal services include expert drafting of DIFC wills. We ensure your document addresses all contingencies, from business shares held in a Dubai company to international investments.
Dubai Courts Will vs. DIFC Will: A Detailed Comparison
Choosing the right system is critical. This comparison highlights key differences.
| Feature | Dubai Courts Non-Muslim Will | DIFC Wills & Probate Registry |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Law | Dubai Law (Civil Law influence) | DIFC Law (Common Law basis) |
| Format | Standardized official templates | Custom-drafted legal document |
| Primary Cost (2026 Approx.) | AED 2,000 – AED 3,500* | AED 10,000 – AED 20,000* |
| Asset Coverage | Worldwide or UAE-specific assets | Assets within UAE & DIFC jurisdiction |
| Best For | Straightforward estates, UAE-focused assets, cost-conscious individuals. | Complex estates, common-law preference, business owners, international assets. |
*Costs vary based on complexity and legal fees.
Insight: The Power of Guardianship Provisions
Both systems allow you to appoint guardians for minor children. This is arguably the most vital clause for expat parents. Without it, a UAE court will decide guardianship, potentially leading to interim care issues. Always include substitute guardians.
🌟 Navigate the Complex Choice
Unsure which will system is right for you? Our legal consultants are here to clarify.
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Your Will Preparation Checklist: Documents & Information Needed
Proper preparation accelerates the process. Gather these documents and details before meeting with your legal advisor.
| For the Testator (You) | For Beneficiaries/Executors | For Your Assets |
|---|---|---|
| Original Passport & Emirates ID | Full names as per passport | Property Title Deeds (Oqood/Title Deed) |
| Visa Page (copy) | Passport numbers & nationalities | Bank Account Statements & Numbers |
| Contact details (UAE address, phone) | Relationship to you (e.g., spouse, child) | Company Ownership Documents |
Having these documents ready is essential. Vesta Solutions provides a personalized checklist and document review service to ensure your application is complete, preventing delays. This meticulous approach is part of our broader suite of PRO services designed to handle critical government processes efficiently.
Case Study: Securing a Family’s Future in 2026
Scenario: Michael, a 45-year-old British entrepreneur, owns a Dubai mainland consultancy and a Jumeirah villa. He is married with two young children.
Challenge: His estate included a business and real estate. He needed a solution covering all assets with clear guardianship clauses.
Solution & Process with Vesta:
