Will & Inheritance — Escrow Services
Decide who inherits your Dubai assets — register a UAE will.
Without a registered will, UAE succession rules can apply to your Dubai property, bank accounts, and assets by default. Idigov drafts and registers a legally recognised will so your estate passes to the people you choose, on the terms you set.
Why it matters
Why a UAE will protects your family
By default, UAE law can apply Sharia-based succession principles to assets held in the country — including Dubai real estate — unless a registered will directs otherwise. For non-Muslim residents and owners, a registered will is the clearest way to ensure your estate is distributed the way you intend.
Override default succession.
A registered will lets non-Muslim residents and owners distribute their UAE estate according to their own wishes, rather than the default rules that may otherwise apply.
Keep your Dubai property in safe hands.
Direct your apartment, villa, or portfolio to the heirs you choose and reduce the risk of assets being frozen or contested while succession is resolved.
Appoint guardians for your children.
Name interim and permanent guardians for minor children, so your family's care never depends on a court decision made without your input.
Two routes
DIFC Wills or Dubai Courts — choosing the right one
There are two main, widely used ways to register a will in the Emirate of Dubai. We assess your nationality, asset profile, and family situation, then recommend the route that fits — and handle it end-to-end.
Route A
DIFC Wills Service Centre
A common-law framework operated through the DIFC Courts, designed primarily for non-Muslims. Widely used by expatriate owners because it can cover UAE assets and, through certain will types, assets held more broadly.
- Built on common-law principles for non-Muslims
- Can cover Dubai property and UAE-based assets
- Will types for property, guardianship, and full estates
- Recognised through the DIFC Courts framework
Often suited to non-Muslim expatriates who want a familiar common-law structure for their UAE estate and guardianship arrangements.
Route B
Dubai Courts — Notarised / Registered Will
A will notarised and registered through the Dubai Courts (Notary Public). An established local route that can be appropriate depending on nationality, religion, and the assets involved.
- Registered through the Dubai Courts Notary Public
- Established, locally recognised process
- Can address UAE-based assets and appointments
- Drafted in line with applicable formalities
Can suit owners whose circumstances or asset profile make a notarised Dubai Courts will the more appropriate option.
The right route depends on your nationality, religion, residency status, and where your assets are held. We review your specific situation before recommending an approach — this page is general guidance, not a substitute for tailored legal advice.
Coverage
What your will can address
A well-drafted will does more than divide property. It can name who manages your estate, who cares for your children, and how each category of asset is handled.
Real estate
Apartments, villas, and property portfolios held in Dubai and across the UAE, directed to your chosen beneficiaries.
Bank accounts & cash
UAE bank accounts and balances, so funds can reach your family without unnecessary delay.
Guardianship
Interim and permanent guardian appointments for minor children, keeping their care in trusted hands.
Company shares
Shareholdings and interests in UAE companies, addressed alongside the rest of your estate.
Vehicles & movable assets
Cars and other movable assets registered in the UAE, included where appropriate to the will type.
Executor appointment
Name the executor who will administer your estate and carry out your wishes.
Process
The 5-step processFrom first consultation to registered will — five steps
We guide you through every stage — assessing your situation, drafting your will, translating where required, and registering it through the right authority.
What's included
What Idigov handles end-to-end
From the first conversation to a registered document, we coordinate the process so you don't have to navigate the authorities alone.
Consultation & strategy
A structured review of your assets, family, and goals to determine the right will type and route.
Will drafting
Preparation of the will with the appropriate legal team, covering property, accounts, and appointments.
Translation & certification
Certified translation and document preparation where the chosen route requires it.
Registration coordination
Booking and managing the registration appointment with DIFC or the Dubai Courts on your behalf.
Executor & guardian appointments
Help naming the executor of your estate and guardians for any minor children.
Inheritance planning
Practical guidance on structuring your estate for residents and non-residents with UAE assets.
Who it's for
Who should register a UAE will
If you hold property or assets in Dubai, a registered will is one of the most practical steps you can take to protect your family. These are the situations we see most often.
Frequently asked questions
A will from your home country may not be straightforward to apply to assets located in the UAE, and recognition can involve delays and additional process. A will registered locally in Dubai is designed to address your UAE assets directly. We can help align your UAE will with your wider estate planning.
Without a registered will, UAE succession rules can apply by default, and assets such as property and bank accounts may be frozen while succession is determined. A registered will lets you set out how your estate should be distributed, which can reduce uncertainty for your family.
The DIFC Wills Service Centre operates a common-law framework through the DIFC Courts, used primarily by non-Muslims. A Dubai Courts will is notarised and registered through the Notary Public. The right route depends on your nationality, religion, residency, and assets — we review your situation before recommending one.
Certain will types can extend beyond UAE-only assets, but the treatment of foreign assets depends on the will type, the country where those assets are held, and local law there. We assess your full asset picture and coordinate with your wider estate planning where needed.
Yes. A key reason many parents register a will is to appoint interim and permanent guardians for minor children. Guardianship arrangements can be included so your wishes are documented rather than left to a later decision.
Non-residents who own assets in Dubai can also benefit from a UAE will covering those assets. Requirements and attendance can vary by route, so we confirm what applies to your situation before proceeding.
Timelines vary with the route, the complexity of your estate, and translation requirements, but the process typically runs over a few weeks from first consultation to registration. We give you a realistic timeline once we understand your circumstances.
Yes. Wills can generally be updated or replaced as your circumstances change — for example, after buying property, marriage, or the birth of a child. We can advise on updating a registered will when your situation changes.
We coordinate the process end-to-end and work with appropriate legal professionals for drafting and registration. This page is general information and not legal advice — your final will is prepared with qualified legal input tailored to your circumstances.
Protect your family's future — register your UAE will with Idigov.
Speak with our team for a confidential review of your assets and the right will route for your circumstances.
This page provides general information about will registration in the UAE and is not legal advice. Rules and procedures change and depend on your individual circumstances. Your will is prepared with qualified legal input.
