Wills in the UAE for foreigners

Inheritance rules in the UAE depend on the nationality of the deceased, religion, location of assets, and whether a valid will is in place. Preparing a will in the UAE allows foreign citizens to protect their assets and avoid the automatic application of Sharia-based inheritance laws.

Why making a will is important if you own assets in the UAE

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Without a will, heirs may face the following risks:

  • Freezing of bank accounts and assets
  • Complexities in defining and distributing the estate
  • Possible application of Sharia-based inheritance rules
  • Difficulties in appointing guardians for children
  • Legal and administrative costs

A properly drafted will ensures that your UAE assets are distributed according to your wishes — a clear and reliable way to safeguard your wealth.

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Inheritance rules in the UAE for foreigners

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If a will exists — applies to all foreigners

If a will is properly registered in the UAE, inheritance is handled according to its provisions.

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If no will — for UAE residents

Since February 1, 2023, Federal Decree-Law No. 41 On Personal Status applies to non-Muslim residents. Foreign residents may opt for the law of their home country when drafting a will for UAE assets.

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 If no will exists, assets are distributed as follows:

  • ½ to the spouse, the other half divided equally among children (regardless of gender)
  • If no spouse or children — assets pass to parents
  • Next in line — siblings, equally and regardless of gender

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If no will — for non-residents

The Personal Status Law does not apply to non-residents. Instead, inheritance is regulated under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 (2024) On Civil Status, which is based on Sharia principles.

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Key rules include:

  • Real estate in the UAE is governed by local law
  • Assets are divided automatically into fixed shares
  • Parents, spouse, and children cannot be excluded — their portions are mandatory
  • Women are not prioritized as guardians, which may complicate custody matters
  • Male heirs typically inherit twice as much as female heirs of the same degree

A will allows you to override these default inheritance rules.

Types of wills in the UAE

DIFC Wills 

Registered under the DIFC Courts Wills Service, based on English common law. Features:

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  • Can include assets both in and outside the UAE
  • Drafted fully in English
  • Remote notarization possible via video call
  • Flexible structuring of asset distribution and management
  • Ability to appoint legal guardians for children

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DIFC offers several types of wills — from full wills covering all assets to specialized wills (e.g., real estate, business, digital assets) with reduced costs.

Notarized wills in UAE courts

Registered via the judicial department of the relevant Emirate. Features:

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  • Arabic is the primary language (English may be added)
  • Requires notarization by a public or private notary
  • Can only cover assets located within the UAE

Why register a will in the UAE with Futura Law?

  1. End-to-end support We conduct asset inventory, draft the will, arrange translations, notarization, and registration with the relevant authority, and ensure safe storage. We also remind you to review your will after major family or asset changes.
  2. Tailored solutions We consider your residency status, family structure, and local legal specificities to make sure your last will is honored as intended.
  3. Multi-jurisdictional design We align your UAE will with estate planning documents in other countries, taking into account conflict-of-law rules and requirements of banks and registries worldwide. This minimizes risks of disputes, conflicting interpretations, and delays — crucial for clients with global portfolios.
  4. Experienced UAE-based team Our Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices bring together 20+ specialists working daily with UAE courts and registries. We provide support in English, Russian, and Arabic — with precision and without communication barriers.

How does it work

Private wealth (HNWI)

Will registration in DIFC courts

client

NDA

country

country

What was done

The client requested assistance with registering a will through the DIFC Courts to structure the distribution of assets located in the UAE.

​

We prepared a will that clearly outlined the distribution of assets, appointed an executor and witnesses, and included contingency instructions for unforeseen circumstances. Registration via the DIFC Courts allowed the use of English common law and enabled more flexible estate planning mechanisms.

Result

The client received a legally robust document ensuring that their wishes will be respected and assets transferred without disputes. This case highlights the advantages of choosing DIFC jurisdiction for inheritance planning, especially where predictable legal protection and procedural transparency are critical.

Private wealth (HNWI)

Will registration in Abu Dhabi Courts within corporate structuring

client

Partners of an international group of companies

country

country

What was done

As part of the group’s market entry into the UAE, the partners required estate planning for a package of shares held in ADGM. The key goal was to ensure a transparent transfer of corporate rights and compliance with partnership agreements in case of unforeseen circumstances.

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We prepared a will that formalized the agreed succession plan for the shares. The document was executed through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department in both English and Arabic, included the appointment of an executor, and specified the order of transfer should the primary beneficiaries be unable to inherit.

Result

The partners obtained a legally binding mechanism eliminating uncertainty around the transfer of corporate rights. The solution protected beneficiaries’ interests, ensured uninterrupted business operations, and reduced legal and operational risks. This case demonstrates that estate planning is a vital element of corporate structuring and business continuity in the UAE.

Private wealth (HNWI)

Will registration in Dubai courts for a real estate owner

client

NDA

country

country

What was done

A client who owned property in Dubai requested support with drafting a will through Dubai Courts to prevent the application of default inheritance rules.

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We prepared the will in both English and Arabic, identified the heirs, appointed an executor, and included fallback provisions should the primary beneficiaries be unable to inherit. The will was notarized through Dubai Courts.

Result

Registering the will in Dubai Courts allowed the client to secure the desired inheritance structure, safeguard their family’s interests, and simplify the transfer of ownership rights — even with a limited pool of heirs and assets.

country

Private wealth (HNWI)

Will registration in DIFC courts

client

NDA

What was done

The client requested assistance with registering a will through the DIFC Courts to structure the distribution of assets located in the UAE.

​

We prepared a will that clearly outlined the distribution of assets, appointed an executor and witnesses, and included contingency instructions for unforeseen circumstances. Registration via the DIFC Courts allowed the use of English common law and enabled more flexible estate planning mechanisms.

Result

The client received a legally robust document ensuring that their wishes will be respected and assets transferred without disputes. This case highlights the advantages of choosing DIFC jurisdiction for inheritance planning, especially where predictable legal protection and procedural transparency are critical.

Know more

Show less

country

Private wealth (HNWI)

Will registration in Abu Dhabi Courts within corporate structuring

client

Partners of an international group of companies

What was done

As part of the group’s market entry into the UAE, the partners required estate planning for a package of shares held in ADGM. The key goal was to ensure a transparent transfer of corporate rights and compliance with partnership agreements in case of unforeseen circumstances.

​

We prepared a will that formalized the agreed succession plan for the shares. The document was executed through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department in both English and Arabic, included the appointment of an executor, and specified the order of transfer should the primary beneficiaries be unable to inherit.

Result

The partners obtained a legally binding mechanism eliminating uncertainty around the transfer of corporate rights. The solution protected beneficiaries’ interests, ensured uninterrupted business operations, and reduced legal and operational risks. This case demonstrates that estate planning is a vital element of corporate structuring and business continuity in the UAE.

Know more

Show less

country

Private wealth (HNWI)

Will registration in Dubai courts for a real estate owner

client

NDA

What was done

A client who owned property in Dubai requested support with drafting a will through Dubai Courts to prevent the application of default inheritance rules.

​

We prepared the will in both English and Arabic, identified the heirs, appointed an executor, and included fallback provisions should the primary beneficiaries be unable to inherit. The will was notarized through Dubai Courts.

Result

Registering the will in Dubai Courts allowed the client to secure the desired inheritance structure, safeguard their family’s interests, and simplify the transfer of ownership rights — even with a limited pool of heirs and assets.

Know more

Show less

Who will guide you through the process?

Arthur Faniev

Info

Arthur Faniev

Commercial Director

Sergey Kovalkov

Info

Sergey Kovalkov

Head of Incorporation

Aleksei Romanov

Info

Aleksei Romanov

Associate

Ivan Egorov

Info

Ivan Egorov

Associate

Spain

Georgia

Libya

Egypt

Mauritius

Panama

South Africa

Turkey

Russia

CIS

Belarus

Azerbaijan

Cross-jurisdiction projects

Uzbekistan

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Estonia

Cyprus

China

Brazil

EU

USA

El Salvador

Vietnam

Bahrain

Qatar

Oman

UAE

Saudi Arabia

India

Malaysia

Indonesia

Singapore

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Ready to discuss your project?

Submit a request and receive:

  • A personalized consultation on the best will format for your assets
  • Drafting and registration roadmap
  • Checklist of required documents
  • Clear answers to all your questions on inheritance planning in the UAE
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