Expat Wills Dubai
Aramas International Lawyers is an international law firm serving Dubai, specialising in expat wills, family law, and guardianship services. We support expatriate families and professionals living in the UAE and abroad particularly those with assets or children across multiple countries ensuring their legal affairs are protected wherever life takes them.
Home-
- Expat Wills Dubai
Specialists in Expat Wills Dubai
Our Dubai based team of lawyers and Will Lawyers routinely handle all kinds of expat Wills, Guardianship and probate issues.
Living in Dubai offers an incredible lifestyle — a global city that attracts professionals, entrepreneurs, and families from all over the world. Yet, amidst the excitement of life in the UAE, one crucial topic is often overlooked: estate planning.
For non-Muslim expatriates, understanding how inheritance and guardianship work in Dubai is essential. Without a properly registered expat will, your assets and family’s future may be subject to Sharia law, which may not align with your personal wishes.
At Aramas International Lawyers, we specialise in drafting and registering expat wills in Dubai, helping international families protect their assets, appoint guardians, and ensure their estate is handled exactly as they intend.
Why Every Expat in Dubai Needs a Will?
If you’re a non-Muslim living in Dubai, your estate does not automatically follow the inheritance laws of your home country. Under UAE law, Sharia principles can apply in the absence of a registered will. This can affect how your property, bank accounts, and personal possessions are distributed — and even who will take guardianship of your children.
Having a registered expat will in Dubai ensures that:
- Your assets are distributed according to your personal wishes.
- Your spouse and children are financially protected.
- Guardianship of your minor children is clearly defined.
- Your family avoids unnecessary legal complications or delays.
A well-drafted will gives you peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones are secure no matter what happens. connections, we have specific issues to consider.
How Expat Wills Work in Dubai
In Dubai, expats can register their wills with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Wills Service Centre) — an authority designed specifically for non-Muslims to register wills under common law principles.
At Aramas International Lawyers, we handle the entire process for you, including:
- Consultation and Planning – We begin by understanding your family, assets, and specific wishes.
- Drafting Your Will – Our experienced lawyers prepare a compliant will in English, ensuring it meets all DIFC requirements.
- Legal Review and Amendments – You’ll have the opportunity to review your will, with our guidance to ensure every detail is accurate.
- Registration at the DIFC Wills Service Centre – We manage your appointment and oversee the formal registration process.
Our goal is to make the process smooth, efficient, and stress-free, so you can focus on living your best life in Dubai while we handle the legal details.
Benefits of Registering an Expat Will in Dubai
Having a registered expat will in Dubai offers several important benefits:
–Peace of Mind
Knowing your affairs are legally in order allows you to enjoy your time in Dubai without uncertainty..
–Legal Certainty
Your estate will be administered in line with your own instructions, following common law rather than Sharia law.
–Asset Protection
Your Dubai assets — including property, bank accounts, vehicles, and personal belongings — are protected from legal disputes.
–Clear Guardianship Provisions
You can appoint both temporary and permanent guardians for your children, ensuring they are cared for by people you trust.
–Recognition Across the UAE
DIFC-registered wills are recognised across all Emirates, providing comprehensive coverage for expats with property or business interests throughout the UAE.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Will in Dubai?
If an expat passes away in Dubai without a registered will, UAE inheritance laws apply by default. This can result in:
- Assets being frozen until the courts determine rightful heirs.
- Sharia law dictating how the estate is divided.
- Long delays before funds are released.
- Complex guardianship procedures for minor children.
These legal challenges can place a significant emotional and financial burden on your loved ones. Having a registered will ensures that your family avoids unnecessary stress and uncertainty during a difficult time.
Types of Expat Wills in Dubai
Depending on your circumstances, you can choose from several types of wills in Dubai:
- Full Will – Covers all assets and guardianship provisions, both in Dubai and abroad.
- Property Will – Designed to protect your real estate assets in the UAE.
- Guardianship Will – Focuses solely on appointing guardians for your children.
- Mirror Wills for Couples – Ideal for married couples who wish to have mirrored terms in their wills.
Our lawyers at Aramas International Lawyers will guide you through which option is best suited for your personal and financial situation.
Why Choose Aramas International Lawyers
At Aramas International Lawyers, we have built a reputation for supporting expatriates with family law, inheritance, and guardianship matters across the UAE and internationally.
Here’s why clients choose us for their expat wills in Dubai:
- Specialists in Expat Estate Planning: We have in-depth knowledge of UAE and international succession laws.
- Multilingual Legal Team: Our lawyers speak English, Arabic, and other key languages, ensuring seamless communication.
- Trusted Across Borders: We advise clients from the UK, Europe, and beyond, helping them manage cross-border assets.
- Personalised Service: Every will we prepare is tailored to your unique family, financial, and cultural circumstances.
- End-to-End Support: From consultation to registration, we handle every stage of the process for you.
We combine international expertise with local legal insight, ensuring your will is fully valid under UAE law and recognised by the DIFC Wills Service Centre.
How to Register an Expat Will in Dubai
At Aramas International Lawyers, we make the process straightforward:
- Book a Consultation: Schedule a confidential meeting to discuss your estate and family circumstances.
- Prepare Your Will: We’ll draft your will in English, tailored to your assets and wishes.
- Attend Registration: We guide you through the signing and registration process at the DIFC.
- Receive Your Certified Will: Once registered, your will is legally binding and stored securely.
We also provide ongoing support if your personal situation changes, we can quickly update your will to reflect your new wishes.
How Much Does It Cost to Register an Expat Will in Dubai?
The cost of registering an expat will in Dubai varies depending on the complexity of your estate, the number of assets, and whether you are registering as an individual or as a couple. The DIFC Wills Service Centre charges a government registration fee, and legal drafting fees depend on your specific requirements.
At Aramas International Lawyers, we offer transparent fixed-fee packages, so you know exactly what to expect before starting. During your consultation, we’ll provide a clear breakdown of all costs involved.
Protect Your Legacy
Creating an expat will in Dubai is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones, your property, and your legacy. With the right legal guidance, you can ensure your wishes are honoured and your family is safeguarded, no matter where life takes you.
Speak to a Lawyer About Your Expat Will in Dubai
At Aramas International Lawyers, we take pride in supporting expatriates who call the UAE home. Our team of experienced lawyers provides expert, compassionate legal advice to help you plan for the future with confidence.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and begin the process of securing your expat will in Dubai.
Contact Our Specialist International Family Law Team Today
Expat Wills in Dubai Frequently Asked Questions
Aramas International Lawyers have over 20 years experience in Expat Family Law. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.
If you’re a non-Muslim expat living in Dubai, having a will is essential to ensure your estate is distributed according to your personal wishes. Without a registered expat will in Dubai, your assets may be divided under UAE Sharia law, which could result in outcomes very different from what you intend. A properly drafted and registered will protects your family, ensures guardianship of your children, and prevents legal complications after your passing.
If an expat passes away in Dubai without a will, the local authorities may apply Sharia inheritance principles to the estate. This could mean assets are distributed according to Islamic law, not according to the deceased’s personal or cultural traditions. Bank accounts may be frozen, property may be delayed in transfer, and guardianship of minor children could become uncertain. Registering an expat will with the DIFC Wills Service Centre ensures your estate follows your wishes and not default local rules.
Non-Muslim expats can register their wills with the DIFC Wills Service Centre, which operates under the Dubai International Financial Centre Courts. The DIFC offers a secure, recognised system based on common law principles, making it ideal for expatriates from the UK, Europe, and other non-Sharia jurisdictions. At Aramas International Lawyers, we handle the drafting, reviewing, and complete registration of your DIFC will to ensure it’s fully valid and enforceable.
There are several types of expat wills in Dubai, depending on your circumstances:
Full Will – Covers all your assets, both in the UAE and abroad.
Property Will – Protects real estate holdings within the UAE.
Guardianship Will – Focuses solely on appointing guardians for your minor children.
Financial Assets Will – Covers UAE bank accounts, shares, and other financial instruments.
Mirror Wills – For couples who wish to create complementary wills reflecting each other’s wishes.
Our lawyers can advise you on which type of will best suits your situation.
Yes, your expat will in Dubai can include overseas assets, though this depends on the laws of the country where those assets are located. Many expats have property or bank accounts in multiple countries, so our lawyers often recommend creating coordinated wills: one in Dubai for UAE assets and another in your home country for international holdings. Aramas International Lawyers has expertise in cross-border estate planning, ensuring your wills work together seamlessly without legal conflicts.
The timeline depends on the complexity of your estate and family arrangements, but generally it takes 2 to 4 weeks to draft and register your will. At Aramas International Lawyers, we streamline the process — from initial consultation to DIFC registration — ensuring everything is handled efficiently and accurately. If your situation is urgent, we can often prioritise your case for a faster turnaround.
The cost of a DIFC-registered expat will varies based on several factors: whether it’s an individual or mirror will, how many assets it covers, and the complexity of your estate. There are two components:
Government registration fees payable to the DIFC Wills Service Centre.
Legal drafting and consultation fees charged by your law firm.
At Aramas International Lawyers, we offer fixed-fee will packages, providing clear, transparent pricing from the start. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed cost breakdown based on your needs.
Yes and this is one of the most important reasons for expatriates to create a will. In your expat will in Dubai, you can appoint both temporary and permanent guardians for your children. This ensures that, in the event of your passing, your children are cared for by trusted family members or friends. Without a will, guardianship decisions may be left to the courts, which can lead to uncertainty and emotional distress. Our team ensures your guardianship arrangements are clearly documented and legally enforceable in Dubai.
Absolutely. Your DIFC-registered will can be amended or replaced at any time to reflect changes in your family, finances, or circumstances. Many expats update their wills after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or purchasing property. Aramas International Lawyers offers ongoing support, making it easy to update your will whenever necessary to keep it current and compliant with UAE law.
Yes. Wills registered with the DIFC Wills Service Centre are recognised across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates. However, some expats prefer to register their wills directly with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), depending on where they live or hold assets. Our lawyers will advise you on the best registration authority — DIFC or ADJD — based on your residency and property locations.
We specialise in managing expat family law in the UAE.
We are a specialist team of international divorce and family lawyers. We advise British Expats living abroad, and multinational families living…
We are a Specialist Team of International Divorce and Family Lawyers.
Aramas International Lawyers is a firm of UK solicitors focused exclusively on providing legal services to expatriates. We support international families, in particular those with children, who travel, live, and have connections in different countries around the globe.
INTERNATIONAL DIVORCE
Latest News
-
Why Meeting with Your Lawyer Matters
At Aramas International Lawyers, we believe that consulting with your lawyer is an essential part of any legal process.
-
A Comprehensive Overview of High Net Worth Divorces
High net worth divorces present a labyrinth of challenges in asset division, amplified by the intricate nature and magnitude of assets, financial structures, and the global scope of these unions.
-
I’m Considering a Divorce
Everyone knows someone who is separating or divorcing. It is a fact of life today. Getting into a relationship is relatively easy. However, whether you are married or just living with your partner, leaving that relationship may be a difficult experience especially if you have children or you cannot agree over the distribution of your…
-
What Happens to Property and Assets When Expats Divorce in the UAE?
What happens to property, savings and overseas assets when expats divorce in the UAE? This guide explains key considerations for Dubai property, jointly and individually owned assets, businesses, international property and financial arrangements, including when specialist cross-border family law advice may be required
-
Aramas International Lawyers and Samara Iqbal Recognised in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026
Aramas International Lawyers celebrates the recognition of Founder and Managing Director Samara Iqbal in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026 across the UAE and UK, highlighting the firm’s expertise in advising high-net-worth individuals and international families on complex cross-border family law matters.
-
Aramas International Lawyers Launches Online UAE Will Service
UAE expats can now create a lawyer reviewed DIFC or ADJD Will entirely online. Book a consultation or complete an 8 step questionnaire in just 15 minutes.
-
Getting Married in Abu Dhabi for Expats: Complete 2026 Guide
Thinking of getting married in Abu Dhabi? Discover the legal requirements, costs, documents needed and how Aramas Law Expat can support British and international expats throughout the process.
-
Wills for British Expats in Abu Dhabi: A Complete 2026 Guide to Protecting Your Family & Assets (7 Essential Insights)
Without a valid Abu Dhabi will, assets may be frozen, guardianship decisions delayed, and inheritance distributed in ways that do not reflect your wishes.
-
Aramas International Lawyers Featured in Financial Times Wealth Magazine
We are delighted to announce that Aramas International Lawyers has been featured in a recent article by the Financial Times Wealth Magazine, one of the world’s leading business publications.
-
Samara Iqbal Recognised in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026
Aramas Family Law UK and Samara Iqbal have been ranked in the Chambers UK Guide 2026 for Family/Matrimonial Law – North West, marking our second consecutive year of recognition.
-
Golden Nuggets of Real Estate in the UAE with Silvia Eldawi
Real estate expert Silvia Eldawi joins us to talk Dubai property trends, investing smartly as an expat, avoiding common pitfalls, and why now might be the right time to stop renting.