Will Registration in Dubai, UAE - Everything You Need to Know

Importance of Will Registration in Dubai:

A Will is crucial for estate planning, ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Recent legal changes in the UAE allow non-Muslim expats to register Wills, providing clarity and reducing potential disputes among heirs.

What is Will in Dubai?

Wills in Dubai are important legal documents that help ensure your final wishes are carried out after your passing, especially if you're a non-Muslim expatriate living or owning assets in the UAE. These Wills, typically prepared in both English and Arabic, are registered either with the Notary Public of Dubai Courts or the DIFC Courts Wills Service Centre.Wills can be registered with either the Notary Public or the DIFC Courts Wills Service Centre. Wills registered with the Notary Public are probated at Dubai Courts, while those registered with the DIFC Courts are probated there.

Process for UAE Will Preparation

Step 1 – Drafting of Your UAE Will:

• In this step, the preparation of your Will begins. It typically takes about four (4) working days from the date of your order to complete the initial draft.

Step 2 – Review and Amendments:

• Once the draft of your UAE Will is ready, we'll send it to you for review. You'll have the chance to go through it and suggest any changes or amendments you'd like. We'll make those adjustments and finalize the Will upon your approval.

Step 3 – Registration at Notary Public:

• The final step involves registering your Will at the offices of the Notary Public in Dubai. This process is quite quick and usually takes around 30 minutes during your visit to the Notary Public offices.

Using the DIFC Wills Service Centre:

• If you want to register your Will in Dubai, you can use the DIFC Wills Service Centre (DIFC WSC). They offer assistance with drafting and registering your Will.
• The cost for this service starts at AED 3,199. This fee covers the drafting of your Will and the registration process.
• Additionally, you'll need to pay a government fee as required.

By utilizing the services of the DIFC Wills Service Centre, you can ensure that your Will is properly drafted, registered, and legally recognized, providing security and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

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Advantages of Registered Wills:

Registered Wills offer a clear roadmap for handling your affairs after your passing, reducing stress and disputes among loved ones. Without a registered Will, the probate process can be complex and time-consuming, potentially leading to disputes among heirs.

‍Guardianship Provisions: It's important to include specific guardianship provisions in your Will, especially if you have minor children in the UAE. This helps avoid uncertainties and disputes among family members regarding guardianship, ensuring your children's well-being according to your wishes.

In conclusion, registering a Will in Dubai is an essential step for non-Muslim expats to safeguard their assets and ensure their final wishes are respected. By understanding the process and importance of Will registration, expats can provide clarity and peace of mind for their loved ones during difficult times.

Benefits of Registering Wills in Dubai:

1. Nominate Beneficiaries:

By registering your Will in Dubai, you can choose who receives your assets after your passing. This ensures that your belongings go to the people you want, avoiding the application of Shariah Law to your assets.

2. Nominate Guardians for Minor Children:

If you have children under the age of 21, you can use your Will to nominate guardians for them. This ensures that your children are cared for by people you trust in the event of your passing.

3. Nominate Executors:

You can designate executor(s) in your Will who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes after your death. This helps ensure that your estate is managed and distributed according to your instructions.

4. Leave Specific Instructions:

Registering your Will allows you to include any other specific instructions about your personal affairs. Whether it's regarding your property, investments, or any other matters, you can clarify your wishes in your Will.

5. Probate Process at Dubai Courts:

In Dubai, the probate process for registered Wills is carried out at Dubai Courts. This means that your Will is legally recognized and enforced by the judicial system, providing clarity and security for your beneficiaries.

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Key Features of Wills in Dubai:

1. Eligibility Criteria:

To create a Will in Dubai, you must be a non-Muslim who is over the age of 21 years.

2. Registration Process:

Wills can be registered by visiting the offices of the Notary Public in Dubai. This ensures that your Will is legally recognized and enforced.

3. Relevant Laws:

The legal framework for Wills in Dubai is governed by Dubai Law Number 15 of 2017 Concerning Inheritance, Wills, And Probate For Non-Muslims. This law outlines the rules and procedures for creating and executing Wills in the emirate.

4. Residency Requirements:

There are no residency requirements to register a Will in Dubai. Any non-Muslim individual, whether residing in the UAE or not, who has assets or family in the country, can register a Will.

5. Amendments:

Amendments to Wills can be made at any point after registration. If you need to update or change your Will, you can do so, and the amended version will be re-registered to reflect the changes.

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FAQ - Will Registration in Dubai

• How much does it cost to register a will in Dubai?

• The approximate cost of making a Will in Dubai varies depending on where you register it. Here's a breakdown:
• When making a Will with a lawyer, the cost includes drafting, translation, and registration of the full Will in Dubai.
• Dubai Courts Registration: The cost ranges from AED 8,000 to AED 10,000.DIFC Wills Service Centre Registration: Expect to pay between AED 15,000 to AED 20,000.
  

• How can I register a DIFC Courts Will?

There are a few options for registering a DIFC Courts Will:

• Drafting Your Own Will: You can write your Will by yourself.
• Seeking Assistance from a Wills Draftsman: You can get help from a registered Wills Draftsman to prepare your Will.
• Using Online Template Will Options: Some online platforms offer template Wills that you can customize to your needs, if applicable.

Choose the method that best suits your preferences and needs when registering your DIFC Courts Will.

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