A Comparative Guide to Wills in the UAE: DIFC Will, Dubai Courts Will, and Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Will
When planning your estate in the UAE, it’s important to choose the right jurisdiction for registering your Will. In UAE there are several jurisdictions such as the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), Dubai Courts, and Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) that offer Will registration service with different conditions. Below is a comparison of the key factors to consider when registering a Will under each jurisdiction.
Key Differences Between DIFC Will, Dubai Courts Will, and ADJD Will
| Criteria | DIFC Courts | Dubai Courts | Abu Dhabi Courts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Non-Muslims (Residents & Visitors) | Non-Muslims (Residents & Visitors) | Muslims & Non-Muslims (Residents & Visitors) |
| Territorial Coverage |
Inside & outside UAE (subject to local laws outside UAE) |
Inside & outside UAE (subject to local laws outside UAE) |
Residents: Inside & outside UAE; (subject to local laws outside UAE) Visitors: Inside UAE only |
| Language | English | Arabic | Arabic |
| Template Requirement | Yes, but custom templates allowed | No | Yes, but custom templates allowed |
| Competent Court | DIFC Courts | Dubai Courts | Abu Dhabi Judicial Department |
| Types of Wills Available |
|
|
Single Will |
| Is Title Deed Required? | Yes, if property is specified in the Will | Yes, if property is specified in the Will | Residents: Optional
Visitors: Required if property is specified in the Will |
| Guardian Appointment for Minor Beneficiaries | Mandatory (witness statement required) | Optional (if appointed, attested birth certificate required) | Mandatory |
| Witness Appointment Required? | Yes, two witnesses (one can be provided) | No | No |
| Executor Appointment Mandatory? | Yes | No (but highly recommended) | Yes |
| Government Fees | Single Will: AED 5,000 – 10,000 Mirror Will: AED 7,500 – 15,000 |
Single Will: AED 2,020 Mirror Will: AED 4,040 |
AED 950 |
| Timeline | Will Drafting: 5-7 days Online Appointment: 10-15 days Registration: 1 day |
Will Drafting: 3-5 days Notarization: 1 day |
Will Drafting: 3-5 days Registration: 1 day |
| Marriage Certificate for Mirror Will? | No | Yes | N/A |
| Birth Certificate for Children Mentioned? | No | Yes (if relationship specified) | No |
Final Thoughts
Understanding the differences between the DIFC Will, Dubai Courts Will, and ADJD Will is crucial for effective estate planning in the UAE. The choice of jurisdiction can significantly impact the ease of will registration and execution, especially when dealing with cross-border assets. It’s advisable to consult with a legal expert to navigate these complexities and ensure your will meets all necessary legal requirements.
Please get in touch with us on +971 55 886 4969 (WhatsApp) or Call us on 800 POAAE (76223) or email at contact@poa.ae for more info about the Wills in the UAE.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute as legal advice nor should it be used as a basis for any specific action or decision. Nothing on this page is to be considered as creating a lawyer-client relationship or as rendering of legal advice or legal services for any specific matter. Users of this website are advised to seek specific legal advice from their lawyer or a legal counsel regarding any specific legal issues.
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