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ADJD Will Registration

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) provides a civil will registration route through the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court and its Civil Wills Office. It is commonly used by eligible expatriates and non-Muslims who want their UAE estate and guardianship wishes documented through a UAE-recognised process. Insight Advisory assists with bilingual will drafting, asset review, document preparation, and coordination of the ADJD registration process.

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Quick answer

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) provides a civil will registration route through the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court and its Civil Wills Office. It is commonly used by eligible expatriates and non-Muslims who want their UAE estate and guardianship wishes documented through a UAE-recognised process. Insight Advisory assists with bilingual will drafting, asset review, document preparation, and coordination of the ADJD registration process.

Who this is for

  • Eligible expatriates and non-Muslims with UAE assets
  • UAE residents and property owners considering the Civil Family Court route
  • Individuals comparing ADJD and DIFC registration costs and procedures
  • Parents who want guardianship wishes documented through a UAE-recognised process

What we handle

  • 01Bilingual will drafting in English and Arabic, in line with ADJD requirements
  • 02Preparation of the ADJD submission pack and supporting documents
  • 03Asset review - advising whether ADJD, DIFC, or a combined structure suits your asset profile
  • 04Guardianship will preparation for parents
  • 05Coordination of the ADJD review process and the notarisation/registration appointment

ADJD civil will registration is often overlooked by residents who assume DIFC wills are the only option. The Abu Dhabi Civil Wills Office provides a government-administered registration route with published fees that are lower than DIFC registration. DIFC and ADJD can both be relevant for UAE estate planning, but they operate under different court systems, procedures, fee structures, and practical enforcement routes - the right route depends on your nationality, religion, residence status, and asset profile, which we review case by case.

Process

How it works

  1. 01

    Eligibility & Asset Review

    We confirm your eligibility based on nationality, religion, residence status, and asset profile, and advise whether ADJD, DIFC, or a combined structure is appropriate.

  2. 02

    Will Drafting

    We draft the will in English and Arabic in accordance with ADJD requirements.

  3. 03

    ADJD Submission

    We prepare the submission pack, lodge the application through the ADJD website, and coordinate the ADJD review and payment of government fees.

  4. 04

    Notarisation & Registration Appointment

    We arrange the ADJD notarisation/registration appointment, which ADJD conducts via video conferencing, and support you through certification of the will.

Documents required

  • Passport and Emirates ID of the testator
  • The drafted bilingual (English/Arabic) will
  • Proof of ownership for relevant UAE assets (e.g. title deeds)
  • Supporting company documents where business shares are involved
  • Arabic translation and attestation of documents issued outside the UAE, where required
  • ADJD may request additional documents depending on the application and asset type

Frequently asked questions

ADJD's own guidance states that a person who is not a UAE citizen may register a will with the Abu Dhabi Civil Wills Office regardless of religion, and the Abu Dhabi regulation also covers non-Muslim citizens. Eligibility should be confirmed case by case based on nationality, religion, residence status, and asset profile - we review this as the first step of every engagement.
DIFC and ADJD can both be relevant for UAE estate planning, but they operate under different court systems, procedures, fee structures, and practical enforcement routes. DIFC Full Wills can cover UAE assets, while guardianship provisions under DIFC are linked to children residing in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah. ADJD civil wills are commonly used for UAE-based assets, especially where Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court is the preferred route. We advise on the right structure for your asset profile.
Insight Advisory's fee starts from AED 2,499 depending on estate complexity. ADJD government fees are currently published as AED 950 for regular will registration and AED 2,500 for special will registration, subject to ADJD updates. We provide a full cost breakdown before you commit.
Yes. Living in Dubai does not prevent you from registering a will with the Abu Dhabi Civil Wills Office, and the Abu Dhabi civil will framework refers to UAE assets generally - so an ADJD will can cover your assets across the UAE, including Dubai. Eligibility is confirmed case by case based on nationality, religion, residence status, and asset profile.
Company shares require a separate review. The correct will structure depends on the company's registering authority, articles of association, shareholders' arrangements, and enforcement route. DIFC Business Owners Wills may cover UAE onshore and free zone shareholdings, while ADJD may also be considered depending on the asset profile.

Watch out

Common mistakes to avoid

  • 01Assuming an ADJD will cannot cover Dubai assets - the Abu Dhabi civil will framework refers to UAE assets generally, so a single ADJD will can cover assets across the Emirates, including Dubai.
  • 02Submitting a will that does not meet ADJD's bilingual drafting and notarisation requirements.
  • 03Not including a guardianship provision if you have minor children.
  • 04Not reviewing your will after major asset purchases, marriage, divorce, birth of children, death of beneficiaries or executors, or a change in residence.

Next Step

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Written by Insight Advisory Legal Team · Reviewed by Wills & Estates Advisory Team · Last updated: July 2026

This page provides general information about ADJD will registration. Requirements and fees are subject to change. Contact Insight Advisory for current guidance specific to your asset profile.