Will Planning
Wills in the UAE: Protecting You, Your Partner, and Your Family
Whether you are single, married, or an employer looking to protect your workforce, Kingsman Associate provides specialist will writing and estate planning for expats of all nationalities across the UAE.
Book a ConsultationWhy Every Expat in the UAE Needs a Will
The UAE operates under a dual legal framework. Without a registered will, Sharia law governs the distribution of your estate by default, regardless of your nationality, religion, or personal wishes. For expats from any country, this can have significant and unintended consequences for your family.
Recognising these challenges, the UAE has introduced dedicated legal frameworks for non-Muslims. Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 governs personal status matters for non-Muslim residents, and the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court handles wills and inheritance for non-Muslims in Abu Dhabi under civil rather than religious principles.
A valid UAE will, registered with the appropriate authority, gives you full control over who inherits your assets, who cares for your children, and who manages your estate. It also significantly reduces the legal burden on your family at an already difficult time.
Risks of dying without a will in the UAE
- Without a will, Sharia law governs the distribution of your estate by default, regardless of your nationality or religion.
- All bank accounts, including joint accounts, are frozen until legal heirs are formally determined.
- The visas of your dependents may be cancelled, creating additional pressure on your family at an already difficult time.
- Custody of minor children may be determined by the courts under Sharia principles, which may not reflect your wishes.
- Your assets will be distributed according to federal law, not according to your personal intentions.
- The absence of a will can result in lengthy legal proceedings and significant costs for those you leave behind.
- Unmarried partners have no automatic right to inherit under UAE law.
Where to Register Your UAE Will
There are two main registration routes for expats in the UAE. Kingsman Associate advises clients of all nationalities on the most appropriate option for their circumstances.
DIFC Wills Service
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Wills Service is available to non-Muslims only. It covers all seven emirates and wills registered through the DIFC are recognised and enforceable throughout the country. Clients may choose this route or the ADJD depending on their circumstances, and Kingsman Associate can advise on which option best suits their situation.
Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD)
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department offers will registration for both Muslims and non-Muslims and its wills are recognised across the UAE. It provides a straightforward registration process and is an alternative to the DIFC Wills Service. Clients may choose either route, and Kingsman Associate can advise on which option is most appropriate for their individual circumstances.
Single Wills and Mirror Wills for Couples
Whether you are planning as an individual or as a couple, the structure of your will matters. Kingsman Associate advises on both single and mirror wills, helping you choose the right approach for your circumstances.
Single Will
For individuals
A single will sets out your personal wishes for the distribution of your UAE estate. It names your chosen beneficiaries, appoints executors and trustees to manage your estate, and can include guardianship instructions for minor children. It is the essential starting point for any expat living in the UAE, regardless of marital status.
Mirror Will
For married couples and partners
Mirror wills are two separate but complementary wills for a couple, typically leaving everything to each other first and then to the same beneficiaries on the second death. They provide clarity and consistency for both partners, and are a cost-effective way for couples to put comprehensive estate planning in place together.
Corporate Solutions
Will Writing as an Employee Benefit
Many employers in the UAE are now offering will writing as part of their employee benefits package - recognising that it is one of the most valued and practical protections a company can provide for its international workforce.
Kingsman Associate works directly with companies to provide will writing services for their employees, either as a one-off programme or as an ongoing benefit. We handle the process from start to finish, making it straightforward for HR teams and employees alike.
If you are an employer looking to offer this benefit to your team, or an employee who would like to raise it with your HR department, we would be happy to discuss how we can help.
Book a ConsultationGroup will writing programmes
Structured sessions for employees to complete their UAE wills, coordinated by Kingsman Associate from start to registration.
Single and mirror wills available
Employees can arrange individual wills or mirror wills with their partner, all as part of the same programme.
Confidential and professional
All will instructions are handled with complete confidentiality. Employees deal directly with Kingsman Associate specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a single will and a mirror will?
A single will covers one individual's estate and wishes. A mirror will is a pair of complementary wills for a couple, typically leaving everything to each other first and then to the same beneficiaries on the second death. Mirror wills are a practical and cost-effective option for married couples and partners who want consistent estate planning in place.
What happens if I die in the UAE without a will?
Without a valid will, Sharia law applies to the distribution of your estate by default, regardless of your nationality or religion. All bank accounts, including joint accounts, are frozen until legal heirs are formally determined. The visas of your dependents may also be cancelled. This can place significant financial and practical strain on your family at an already difficult time.
Can my employer arrange will writing for our team?
Yes. Kingsman Associate works with companies across the UAE to provide will writing as an employee benefit. We can structure a group programme for your workforce, covering single and mirror wills. Contact us to discuss how we can support your team.
How long does it take to register a will in the UAE?
Registration timelines vary depending on the route chosen. DIFC Wills Service registrations can typically be completed within a few weeks once all documentation is in order. ADJD registrations in Abu Dhabi follow a similar process. Kingsman Associate guides clients through the entire process from drafting to registration.
Can Kingsman Associate help me regardless of my nationality?
Yes. Kingsman Associate advises expats of all nationalities residing in the UAE on will planning and estate protection. Whether you are from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, or elsewhere, we would be happy to discuss your situation and help you put the right structures in place.
Ready to protect your family in the UAE?
Speak to a Kingsman Associate specialist about will writing in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere across the UAE.
Book a Consultation