Registering a Will for UAE Property, Step by Step

Why property owners should register a will

Property is usually the largest single asset in an expat's UAE estate, and one of the most complicated to sort out without clear instructions. A registered non-Muslim will lets you set out exactly who should inherit your property, rather than leaving it to default rules. This is one of the key reasons property-owning expats reach out, alongside the concerns we cover in what happens to your UAE assets without a will.

Step 1: Confirm the right registry

Both DIFC and Abu Dhabi's ADJD accept property in a registered will. Which one suits you can depend on where the property is located and your own preference, see DIFC vs ADJD wills for the comparison.

Step 2: Gather your property and personal details

• Passport and Emirates ID
• Property title deed details
• Any other assets and accounts to include
• Your intended beneficiaries

Step 3: Drafting and coordination

Once your documents are complete, the will is drafted to reflect your instructions and registration is coordinated with the licensed partner at your chosen registry. You'll be kept updated at each stage, rather than left wondering where things stand.

Step 4: Registration and delivery

Once registered, the finished will is delivered to you. Keep a copy somewhere accessible to your executor or family, alongside details of where the original is held.

Cost and turnaround

DocuGulf's all-in service fee for drafting and registering a property-covering will starts from AED 5,900, typically taking 2–4 weeks, with government registration fees always shown separately at cost. For a full breakdown of pricing across different estate sizes, see how much a will costs in Dubai.

Key takeaways

A note on scope: DocuGulf is a documentation facilitation service. All kinds of work is performed by licensed notaries, translators and approved typing centres. Reach us at info@docugulf.com or +971 58 569 3628.