Abu Dhabi Judicial Department
An ADJD civil will for non-Muslim expats in the UAE
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department offers a civil will route for non-Muslims. We help you check whether you are eligible, prepare a clear will for your UAE assets, and move through the request, review and appointment steps with confidence.
What the ADJD route involves
The ADJD FAQ describes a process for non-Muslim civil wills: you submit a request, ADJD staff review it, applicable fees are paid, and an appointment takes place. A video appointment may be available, subject to ADJD approval.
Eligibility for a civil will needs to be confirmed in your case. It is not available to everyone, and it should not be assumed that any estate can simply opt out of Sharia-based rules. We check this at the start, before you spend time or money.
What we help you think through
- Your UAE assets. Property, accounts, vehicles and business interests, and how each should pass.
- Executors. Who can practically manage your estate in the UAE, with a sensible alternative.
- Children. Guardianship wishes for minors, explained against the rules that actually apply.
- Overseas holdings. Where assets sit in other countries, we flag the need for local advice so documents work together.
- DIFC or ADJD. Some families compare both routes. See our guide to DIFC wills for the alternative.
Step by step
- Eligibility checkA consultation to confirm the civil will route is available to you.
- Information and quoteWe gather details and give you a written quote.
- DraftingWe prepare the will, including any translation required, and review it with you.
- Request and reviewThe request is submitted and reviewed by ADJD staff.
- AppointmentYou attend the appointment, in person or by video where ADJD approves.
Fees, explained in writing
Before any work begins you receive a written professional quote for our legal fees. Separately, the registering authority charges its own fees, and translation, VAT or other charges may apply depending on your circumstances. We do not publish fixed figures here because they depend on the will type and the authority's current schedule.
Questions families ask
Can anyone register an ADJD civil will?
No. The civil will route is for non-Muslims, and eligibility must be checked for each person before proceeding.
Do I have to attend in person?
The ADJD FAQ describes video appointments, subject to approval. We tell you what applies once your request is reviewed.
How long does it take?
Timing depends on ADJD review and appointment availability, so we do not promise a fixed turnaround.
What fees will I pay?
Our legal fees are set out in a written quote. ADJD charges its own fees, and translation or VAT may apply.
Related UAE will services
Check whether an ADJD will suits your family
Start with a conversation. We confirm eligibility first, then explain the route, the steps and the costs in writing.
Planning your next steps? Visit the Expat Will Guide for articles comparing ADJD and DIFC Wills, preparing your documents and looking after your family.
General information, not personal legal advice. This page summarises publicly available guidance as we understand it and may not reflect later changes to rules, forms or fees. Eligibility, scope and the effect of any will depend on your circumstances and the authority's review. Speak with a lawyer before acting. Completing an online questionnaire alone does not create an executed or registered will.