UAE Wills and Inheritance for Free Zone Company Owners 2026
UAE company ownership and UAE assets create inheritance law complications for expatriate business owners. Here is the 2026 guide on estate planning for UAE free zone company owners.
In this guide:
UAE Inheritance Law
UAE applies Sharia law as the default for inheritance in UAE courts. For non-Muslims, this creates important considerations:
- Default: Sharia-based distribution may not match the owner intentions
- Non-Muslim exception: Non-Muslim expatriates can apply their home country law OR use DIFC Wills and Probate Registry to plan their estate
What Happens to Your UAE Free Zone Company If You Die Without a Will?
- Without a will: UAE courts apply Sharia law to determine how your UAE assets (including company shares) are distributed
- Bank accounts may be frozen pending court probate
- Company operations may be disrupted during probate process
- Resolution can take 12-36 months and significant legal fees
DIFC Will (Best for Non-Muslim UAE Company Owners)
- DIFC Wills and Probate Registry allows non-Muslims to register a will in English
- DIFC Will covers UAE assets (company shares, bank accounts, UAE real estate in some cases)
- Cost: AED 5,000-15,000 to prepare and register
- Processing on death: Faster and cleaner than federal Sharia probate
Succession Planning for UAE Company
Best practices for UAE free zone company owners:
- Maintain an up-to-date share register with clear beneficiary designations
- Register a DIFC Will if you are non-Muslim and have UAE assets above AED 100,000
- Consider a Dubai International Will (DIW) for broader UAE asset coverage
- Brief a trusted family member on UAE company login credentials and bank account access (where legally appropriate)