DIFC Courts Wills Service
A DIFC Will for your UAE assets and your children
The DIFC Courts Wills Service lets eligible non-Muslims record how their UAE assets should pass and, where applicable, who they wish to care for minor children. We help you decide whether it fits your family and which type of DIFC will matches what you actually own.
Who can register a DIFC will
According to the DIFC Courts' current wills FAQ, testators must be non-Muslim and must never previously have been Muslim, and must be at least 18 years old. You do not need to live in the UAE: non-residents with UAE assets can register virtually.
A DIFC will deals with assets in the UAE. It is not a single document that every other country will automatically recognise. If you hold property, pensions or accounts overseas, take local advice in those jurisdictions so your documents do not contradict each other.
Source: DIFC Courts Wills FAQ (official).
Choosing the right DIFC will type
Each type has a different scope. Picking the narrowest one that still covers your family's needs is a judgement call we make with you, not for you.
Full Will
Covers your UAE assets more broadly and can include guardianship wishes for minor children where applicable.
Property Will
Focused on specified UAE real estate, often used by owners who want property handled separately.
Business Owners Will
Addresses shares or interests in UAE companies so a business is not left without direction.
Financial Assets Will
Concerns UAE bank accounts and similar financial holdings.
Guardianship Will
Records who you wish to care for minor children. Guardianship rules and scope must be checked for each family; appointment is not automatic.
How we work with you
Careful, individual advice. No template handed over and left with you.
- ConsultationWe confirm eligibility, map your UAE assets and family situation, and note anything held overseas.
- Questionnaire and quoteYou share details through our questionnaire or in conversation. You receive a written quote.
- Drafting and reviewWe draft your will, explain each clause, and revise until it reflects your wishes.
- RegistrationWe support you through the DIFC Courts registration process, in person or virtually where permitted.
- Review over timeMarriage, divorce, a new child or new assets are reasons to revisit your will.
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 a non-resident register a DIFC will?
Yes. The DIFC Courts FAQ states that non-residents can register virtually, subject to the eligibility requirements.
Does a DIFC will cover my assets outside the UAE?
A DIFC will addresses UAE assets. It should not be treated as automatically enforceable worldwide, so overseas assets need advice from lawyers in those countries.
Will the guardian I name definitely be appointed?
Not automatically. Guardianship scope and rules must be checked for your family, and we explain what a DIFC will can and cannot achieve for your children.
Is the online questionnaire my will?
No. The questionnaire collects information for drafting. A will only takes effect once it is properly executed and, for a DIFC will, registered.
Related UAE will services
Talk through your DIFC will with a lawyer
We will confirm eligibility, suggest the will type that fits, and give you a written quote before anything is drafted.
Researching your options? Visit the Expat Will Guide for practical articles on DIFC and ADJD Wills, guardianship and planning as a couple.
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.