Dubai Court Will Registration

For business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals building a life in Dubai, securing your legacy is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of financial planning. While the UAE offers a vibrant environment for growth, its inheritance laws can be complex, especially for non-Muslims. Registering a will with the Dubai Courts provides a clear, legally recognized mechanism to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes, protecting your family from lengthy and uncertain probate processes. This guide offers a comprehensive, step-by-step look at Dubai Court Will Registration in 2026, providing the practical knowledge you need to take control of your estate planning.

Understanding the Basics: Why a Registered Will is Essential in Dubai

Without a registered will in the UAE, the distribution of your estate defaults to Sharia law principles for all residents, regardless of nationality or faith. This can lead to outcomes that may not align with your personal intentions, potentially leaving spouses and children without intended protections. A Dubai Court registered will creates a formal, enforceable directive recognized by local authorities. It brings clarity and certainty, significantly reducing the potential for family disputes and administrative delays during a difficult time. For property owners, business founders, and investors, it is a fundamental pillar of responsible asset management.

Vesta Solutions can help you navigate this foundational decision. Our experts provide clear comparisons between the Dubai Courts and DIFC systems, advising on the optimal path for your specific asset portfolio and family situation through our dedicated Last Will Services.

The Legal Framework: Dubai Courts vs. DIFC Wills

It’s crucial to understand the two primary will registration systems in Dubai. The Dubai Courts system governs assets within the Emirate of Dubai under UAE civil law provisions. Conversely, the DIFC Wills Service is a common-law-based system operating within the Dubai International Financial Centre free zone. Your choice depends heavily on your assets’ location and your preferred governing law.

Comparison: Dubai Courts Will vs. DIFC Will

Who is Eligible for a Dubai Courts Will?

Eligibility is straightforward. The testator (will-maker) must be a non-Muslim, at least 21 years old, and of sound mind. The will primarily covers movable and immovable assets located within the geographical jurisdiction of Dubai. It is an excellent solution for expatriates who own a villa in Dubai Hills, have savings in a Dubai bank, or run a mainland Dubai company.

Step-by-Step: The Dubai Court Will Registration Process

The registration process is designed to be secure and verifiable. Here is a breakdown of the typical steps involved in 2026.

Step 1: Drafting the Will Document

First, you must draft the will content. This must be clear, unambiguous, and compliant with UAE regulations. You should appoint one or more executors (who can be beneficiaries) and detail the distribution of specific assets or shares of your estate. Guardianship provisions for minor children can also be included. While templates exist, engaging a professional service ensures your will is legally robust and accurately reflects your wishes. For comprehensive support in document preparation, consider our Legal Services.

Step 2: Submission & Appointment Booking

Once drafted, the will must be submitted to the Dubai Courts. This is typically done online through the Dubai Courts website or smart app. You will need to create an account, fill in the application form, upload the drafted will, and book an in-person appointment at the designated court center for signing. Required documents usually include passports of the testator and beneficiaries/executors, and title deeds for any real estate assets.

Step 3: In-Person Signing & Notarization at Court

This is the most critical step. The testator and two witnesses must attend the Dubai Courts center at the booked time. All parties must present original passports and Emirates IDs. A court officer will verify identities, confirm understanding, and oversee the signing of the will. The officer then notarizes the document, making it an official court record. This process finalizes the registration. If you require prior notarization of supporting documents, our Notary Services can ensure everything is in order.

Step 4: Registration & Receipt of Certified Copy

Following the successful signing, the Dubai Courts will officially register the will in their system. You will receive a unique registration number. Shortly after, you can obtain a certified, stamped copy of the registered will from the court. This document is the legally enforceable version and should be stored securely while informing your executor of its location.

Vesta Solutions simplifies this entire procedure. We manage the drafting, document preparation, appointment booking, and provide accompaniment guidance, ensuring a smooth and error-free registration with the Dubai Courts. Combined with our PRO services, we handle all government liaison, streamlining the entire process.

Costs, Timelines, and Key Considerations for 2026

Understanding the investment required helps in effective planning. The total cost for a Dubai Courts will has two main components: government fees and professional service fees.

• Government Fees: These are fixed by the court and are typically around AED 2,500 to AED 3,500 for a standard will. Fees may increase with complexity or additional asset schedules.
• Professional Fees: Engaging a firm like Vesta Solutions for end-to-end service, including drafting, translation, and process management, can range from AED 1,500 to AED 4,000+, depending on the estate’s complexity.

Expected Timelines

From start to finish, the process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Drafting and review take 3-7 days. Booking a court appointment can take 1-2 weeks depending on availability. The court signing and final registration are completed on the same day. Our role is to streamline these steps and minimize delays.

Important Legal Considerations

Remember, a Dubai Courts will only covers assets within Dubai. You may need separate wills for assets in other emirates or abroad. The will can be amended or revoked by following a similar re-registration process. It is advisable to review your will every few years or after major life events like marriage, birth of a child, or acquisition of significant new assets.

Case Study: Securing a Family’s Future

Background: Michael, a British entrepreneur residing in Dubai since 2018, owned a villa in Arabian Ranches and held significant deposits in two Dubai banks. He was unmarried but had a long-term partner and two young children. Concerned about Sharia law application, he sought to ensure his partner and children were financially protected.

Challenge: Michael’s primary asset was real estate, and he needed a will that was unequivocally enforceable in Dubai. He was unsure about the process and the differences between court systems.

Solution with Vesta: Our consultants recommended a Dubai Courts Non-Muslim Will as the most direct and enforceable instrument for his Dubai-situated assets. We drafted a clear will appointing his brother as executor, leaving the villa and 70% of his estate in a trust for his children, with the remaining 30% and usufruct rights to the villa granted to