UAE Will Formation
Without a valid UAE-registered will, UAE courts apply Sharia inheritance law to locally held assets — regardless of the deceased's nationality or religion. For expatriates and non-Muslims, this can result in assets being distributed in ways that do not reflect your wishes. StartupGCC helps individuals register legally recognised wills through the appropriate UAE registry — DIFC Wills Service Centre, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), ADGM, or Dubai Courts Notary Public — covering asset distribution, guardianship of minor children, and UAE property.
Key Features
DIFC Wills
The DIFC Wills Service Centre (DWSC) is the most popular registry for non-Muslim expatriates in Dubai. A DIFC Will covers UAE assets — including property, bank accounts, business interests, and investments — and is administered under a Common Law framework, allowing you to freely choose your beneficiaries.
ADJD Wills (Abu Dhabi)
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) registers wills for non-Muslims resident in Abu Dhabi. An ADJD will can cover Abu Dhabi real estate and other assets, and is particularly suited to those with significant assets in the UAE capital.
ADGM Wills
The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) offers will registration for non-Muslims. ADGM wills operate under English Common Law and are well-suited to professionals and business owners with complex or internationally diverse asset portfolios.
Dubai Courts Notary Public Wills
Dubai Courts Notary Public registers wills for both Muslims and non-Muslims. This route is often used for straightforward asset distribution, property-specific wills, and for clients who prefer a lower-cost option than the DIFC registry.
Guardianship of Minor Children
Without a registered guardianship will, UAE courts may apply Sharia rules when determining custody of minor children of non-Muslim parents. We register guardianship wills that name your chosen guardian and alternate guardian, providing legal certainty.
Muslim & Non-Muslim Estate Planning
For Muslim testators, Sharia governs the mandatory share (Faridha) but allows discretionary bequests (Wasiyya) of up to one-third of the estate. We advise on structuring a compliant will that maximises your testamentary freedom within the Sharia framework.
How It Works
A streamlined approach designed to save you time and hassle.
Estate Assessment & Registry Selection
We review your asset profile — UAE property, bank accounts, business shares, investments — your residency, and your religion to recommend the most appropriate will registry (DIFC, ADJD, ADGM, or Dubai Courts) and will type.
Beneficiary & Guardian Identification
We work with you to clearly identify your beneficiaries, the assets to be allocated to each, and — if you have minor children — your nominated guardian and alternate guardian. This forms the instruction brief for drafting.
Will Drafting
Our team prepares the will in accordance with the chosen registry's requirements and UAE law. We ensure the language is legally precise, that all UAE-held assets are properly described, and that the document is internally consistent.
Client Review & Approval
We send you a draft for review. You are encouraged to take independent legal advice if needed. Once you are satisfied, we finalise the document and prepare the registration pack.
Registry Appointment & Execution
We book the appointment with the chosen registry (DIFC, ADJD, ADGM, or Dubai Courts Notary). You attend in person with two witnesses who are not beneficiaries. We accompany you and manage the execution process.
Certificate of Registration & Safekeeping Advice
After registration you receive a Certificate of Registration. We advise on secure storage of the original will, notifying your executor, and the recommended review schedule — particularly if your asset profile or family circumstances change.
Frequently Asked Questions
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