Legal

DIFC Will Registration

DIFC Courts is the most widely used will registration authority for non-Muslim expats in the UAE, covering assets in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. A DIFC will is drafted and registered in English, provides strong legal certainty, and is administered by a specialist wills registry staffed by legal professionals. Insight Advisory prepares and registers DIFC wills for individuals, property owners, and business owners.

Book Consultation

Quick answer

Who this is for

Non-Muslim expats with property in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah
Business owners with Dubai company shares
Parents seeking a UAE guardianship arrangement in English
High-net-worth individuals with significant Dubai assets

What we handle

01DIFC will drafting in English (bilingual Arabic/English where required)
02Full-estate wills, property-specific wills, business owner wills, guardianship wills
03DIFC Wills Service registration - document preparation and submission
04Executor and trustee advisory
05Coordination with DIFC Courts for registration appointments

The DIFC Wills Service was established to give non-Muslim expats a clear, legally enforceable way to protect their Dubai assets. It operates under DIFC Courts jurisdiction, follows common law principles, and is recognised internationally. DIFC wills are bilingual (English/Arabic), cover all asset types including property and company shares, and include specific provisions for guardianship of minor children.

Process

How it works

01
Asset & Beneficiary Review
We review your Dubai assets, nominees, executors, and any existing wills to plan the DIFC will structure.
02
Will Drafting
We prepare the DIFC-compliant will - covering property, business shares, financial assets, and guardianship if required.
03
Client Approval
You review and approve the draft. We incorporate final instructions.
04
DIFC Registration
We prepare the registration pack, submit to DIFC Courts, and coordinate any appointment or clarification required.

Documents required

Passport copies of testator, executors, and beneficiaries
UAE residence visa or Emirates ID
Property title deeds (for Dubai property)
Company documents (for business shares)
Photographs

Frequently asked questions

A DIFC will can cover all assets in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah - property, company shares, bank accounts, vehicles, and personal belongings. It can also include a guardianship provision for minor children. It does not cover assets in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or other emirates.

DIFC Courts registration fees start from AED 10,500 for a single will, with higher fees for mirror wills and more complex estate structures. These are government fees, separate from Insight Advisory's drafting fee. We provide a full cost breakdown before you commit.

Yes. A DIFC Guardianship Will allows non-Muslim parents to nominate a guardian for their minor children in the UAE. This is separate from the property will and is strongly recommended for parents with children in Dubai.

A DIFC will is enforceable in the UAE under DIFC jurisdiction. For worldwide assets, you need a will in each jurisdiction where significant assets are held. We can advise on structuring a UAE will alongside a home-country will.

Watch out

Common mistakes to avoid

01Including Abu Dhabi or Northern Emirates assets in a DIFC will - DIFC jurisdiction covers Dubai and RAK only.
02Not naming an alternative executor in case the primary executor cannot act.
03Failing to update the DIFC will after a major change in assets or family status.
04Assuming a DIFC will covers worldwide assets - it is specific to DIFC-jurisdiction assets.

Next Step

Tell us about your matter. We’ll respond within one business day.

Book a Free Consultation

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

This page provides general information about DIFC will registration. DIFC Courts fees and requirements are subject to change. Contact Insight Advisory for current guidance and a full cost breakdown.