Inheritance Planning in the UAE: The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts Will. Service offer

• The testator must be non-Muslim and must never have been a Muslim.
• The testator must be at least 18 years old.
• The testator must own assets in the UAE and/or, for guardianship purposes, have minor children residing with the testator in the UAE.
• UAE residence is not required.

The following types of DIFC Will can be registered:

• Full Will – the broadest option, covering movable and immovable UAE assets and, where applicable, guardianship provisions. The DIFC Courts state that a Full Will can cover assets owned at the date of registration as well as UAE assets acquired later before death.;
• Guardianship Will – focused on the appointment of guardians for minor children;
• Property Will – for up to five UAE real estate properties or shares in such properties;
• Business Owners Will – for up to five UAE company shareholdings;
• Digital Assets Will – contains the Testator’s digital assets within a DIFC Courts’ non-custodial wallet;
• Financial Assets Will – for up to ten qualifying UAE bank and/or brokerage accounts.

The Will is prepared in accordance with the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry Rules. A Full Will may be drafted by the testator or by a registered DIFC Wills Draftsman. Registration of the Will can be completed virtually. The testator and two witnesses may attend by video conference and sign electronically. The DIFC Wills Service keeps the registered Will electronically. After death, the DIFC Courts provide the probate framework for applications for Grants and related probate or guardianship orders. Executors and guardians appointed under the Will do not have to be UAE residents.

Will registration fees at the DIFC Courts Wills Service range from AED 10,000 to AED 15,000 (not including 5% VAT) depending on the type of the will. The testator has the right to revoke or change the will at any time.

*The fees are valid as of September 2026.