Yes,  foreigners can register a will in Dubai, whether they live in the UAE or abroad. Non-Muslim expats can register through the DIFC Wills Service Centre, Dubai Courts, or the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD). Muslim foreigners can also register wills through the Dubai Courts or ADJD in line with Sharia principles. 

In most cases, you don’t even need to be physically present; remote registration via video call is fully available. But the question arises, “Can foreigners register a will in Dubai remotely? Or whether only non-muslims can do this, or the rule applies to muslims as well, and what is the procedure? Let’s discuss each case. 

Why Registering a Will Is Important For Foreigners in Dubai?

If you own property or assets in Dubai, having a will is not optional; it’s essential. With over 85% of Dubai’s population made up of expats, thousands of foreign nationals own real estate, bank accounts, and businesses in the UAE.

Without a registered will, your estate may not be distributed the way you expect. UAE courts can apply default inheritance rules, which may not align with your personal wishes, especially for non-Muslims.

This becomes even more important if you’ve already bought a property in Dubai as a foreigner. Protecting that investment is just as important as acquiring it.

Can Non-Muslim Foreigners Register a Will in Dubai?

Yes, and the law clearly supports it. Under Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017, non-Muslim foreigners are explicitly allowed to register wills covering their UAE assets.

Here’s what you need to know:

• You must be 21 years or older
• You must be non-Muslim
• You can be a resident or a non-resident
• You can include property, bank accounts, shares, and guardianship instructions

The law also created official will registries through both DIFC and Dubai Courts. Additionally, Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 governs personal status matters, including inheritance.

In simple terms, you are fully allowed to decide who inherits your assets, but only if you register a will.

Can Muslim Foreigners Register a Will in Dubai?

Yes, Muslim expats can register wills, but with limitations. These wills must follow Islamic inheritance (Sharia) principles.

This means:

• You cannot override fixed shares defined under Sharia
• You can still appoint executors and guardians
• You can structure how your estate is administered

Important: The DIFC Wills Service Centre is only for non-Muslims. Muslim foreigners must use the Dubai Courts or ADJD.

Where Can You Register a Will in Dubai?

You have three official options, each with different costs, languages, and benefits.

Feature	DIFC Wills Service Centre	Dubai Courts	ADJD
Eligibility	Non-Muslims only	Muslims & Non-Muslims	Muslims & Non-Muslims
Language	English	Arabic	Arabic
Coverage	UAE + worldwide assets	UAE assets	UAE assets
Remote Registration	Yes	Yes	Yes
Government Fees	From AED 10,000+	~AED 2,100	~AED 950
Probate Speed	Fastest	Slower	Moderate

Key Update: Under DIFC Law No. 2 of 2025, DIFC Courts now have exclusive jurisdiction over DIFC-registered wills. This significantly speeds up probate and removes the need for additional court processes.

In most cases, expats prefer DIFC for speed and simplicity, especially if their beneficiaries are outside the UAE.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Dubai?

This is where most problems begin. If a property owner passes away without a will:

• Your bank accounts are frozen immediately
• Your property cannot be sold or transferred
• The Dubai Land Department (DLD) restricts any ownership changes
• Courts decide inheritance based on default laws
• Guardianship of children becomes uncertain

The process can take 12–24 months, with legal costs ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 150,000.

The good news? You can avoid all of this with a properly registered will.

Learn about What Happens If a Property Owner Dies in Dubai?

How to Register a DIFC Will as a Foreigner

The process is simpler than most people expect. Here’s how it typically works:

1. Choose your will type
   Full will, property will, guardianship will, or financial assets will
2. List your assets
   Include property, bank accounts, shares, and investments
3. Work with a registered draftsman
   They prepare your legally compliant will
4. Review your draft carefully
   Confirm beneficiaries, executors, and guardians
5. Book your registration appointment
   This can be done online, from anywhere in the world. 
6. Attend via video call
   You and two witnesses join remotely, no need for a physical presence. 
7. Pay the registration fee
   The registration fee for a will is typically AED 10,000+ for a full DIFC will. 
8. Receive confirmation
   Your will is securely registered and stored. 

Under the 2025 DIFC law, probate is now faster and more streamlined than ever.

Can You Register a Will Without Visiting Dubai?

Yes, you can register a will without visiting Dubai, and this is a major advantage for overseas investors.

• DIFC offers fully virtual registration
• Dubai Courts provides e-notary services
• ADJD has an online portal

You can complete the entire process from the UK, Europe, or anywhere else in the world. This is especially useful if you’ve invested remotely or are planning to relocate later.

The Golden Visa Connection

If you bought property to qualify for a UAE Golden Visa, you must protect it. Many investors purchase property worth AED 2M+ to secure long-term residency. But without a will:

• That property can be frozen upon death
• Your family may face delays and legal complications
• Ownership transfer can become uncertain

A registered will ensures your investment passes smoothly to your chosen beneficiary.

Joint Property Ownership and Why a Will Still Matters

Joint ownership does not guarantee automatic inheritance in Dubai.

If you co-own property:

• Your share does not automatically transfer to your partner
• It becomes part of your estate
• It goes through the inheritance procedures

Solution: Register a “mirror will”; both partners create matching wills.

This is especially important for couples, business partners, and foreign investors.

Documents Required to Register a Will in Dubai 

Preparation makes the process faster and smoother. You’ll typically need:

• Passport copies (you, executor, beneficiaries)
• Proof of address
• List of assets (property, bank accounts, shares)
• Executor details
• Beneficiary details
• Two witnesses (not beneficiaries)
• Draft will 
• Arabic translation (for Dubai Courts)
• Children’s details (if guardianship included)

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Will in Dubai?

Costs vary depending on where you register:

• DIFC full will: AED 10,000+
• DIFC mirror will: AED 15,000
• Dubai Courts: ~AED 2,100 + translation
• ADJD: ~AED 950
• Drafting fees: AED 3,000–10,000+

While DIFC is more expensive upfront, it often saves time and legal costs later.

Does a Foreign Will Work in Dubai?

No, a foreign will does not work in Dubai automatically. A will from your home country:

• Requires legal validation in the UAE courts
• Needs translation and attestation
• It can take months or years to enforce

A UAE-registered will avoids all of this and is directly enforceable.

Take Away

Can foreigners register a will in Dubai? Yes, foreigners can register a will in Dubai, and in most cases, they absolutely should. Whether you own property, hold investments, or have children in the UAE, a registered will ensures your wishes are respected.

The process is simpler than it sounds, costs are manageable, and remote registration makes it accessible from anywhere.

For property investors, this is not just legal planning; it’s part of protecting your investment strategy. If you want a hassle-free buying or selling a property in Dubai, let Lex Estates help you through a smooth process. Call us now for complete details. 

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