UAE Wills and Estate Planning for Expats — Complete Guide 2026
UAE’s estate laws changed significantly in 2022, making it much easier for non-Muslim expats to have their foreign country’s laws apply to their UAE assets. However, proactive estate planning is still essential for UAE-resident expats to protect their families. This guide covers UAE estate planning for non-Muslim expats in 2026.
In this guide:
UAE Estate Law for Non-Muslims — 2022 Changes
- Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status: landmark reform; non-Muslim expats can now choose to have their home country law apply to their UAE estate on death
- Opt-in: non-Muslims must actively register their choice; they can apply to UAE courts to have their foreign personal status law applied (for marriage, divorce, inheritance)
- Default still UAE law: without actively registering, UAE courts may apply UAE law to assets and family matters of non-Muslims; this may not match the deceased’s wishes
DIFC Wills Service Centre
- What it is: Dubai’s wills registry for non-Muslims; write and register a UAE will governed by DIFC law (English common law)
- Types of wills: Full Will (all UAE assets); Property Will (UAE real estate only); Business Will (UAE company shares); Financial Assets Will (bank accounts, investments)
- Cost: AED 9,000-12,000 depending on will type; AED 500 for amendment
- Effectiveness: DIFC will is recognised by UAE courts and Dubai Land Department; enforced as written; one of the most important legal documents a UAE expat can have
- Who should have one: any non-Muslim UAE resident with UAE assets (property, company shares, bank accounts) over AED 50,000; particularly critical for property owners and business owners
Abu Dhabi Judicial Department Non-Muslim Wills
- Abu Dhabi’s alternative: ADJD offers will registration for non-Muslims in Abu Dhabi
- Covers: Abu Dhabi-based assets; Abu Dhabi property; Abu Dhabi bank accounts
- Cost: lower than DIFC; AED 2,000-5,000
- Recommendation: if your assets are primarily in Abu Dhabi, use ADJD; if Dubai or mixed UAE, use DIFC Wills
UAE Bank Account Freezing on Death
- Joint accounts: if you have a joint UAE bank account with your spouse, the account is typically frozen on one account holder’s death; not automatically accessible by the survivor
- Solution: a DIFC will that explicitly covers the bank account; probate through DIFC courts is faster and more predictable than UAE mainland probate
- Practical tip: keep 3-6 months of living expenses in an account outside UAE (home country, Wise, etc.) as emergency access for family if UAE accounts are frozen pending probate