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UAERemote and in person

Drawing up a will in the UAE

Inheritance in the UAE is governed by a mix of Sharia and civil law, and the order depends on citizenship, religion and marital status. A will drawn up and certified in advance sets out a clear order instead of court proceedings in Arabic.

Price
On request
Timeline
4–9 weeks
preparation and certification — 1-2 months
Tax
—
Format
Remote and in person

What the service includes

Scope: a tick means included in the price, a cross means billed separately
Movable and immovable property
Personal bank accounts
Shares in businesses and corporate accounts
Guardianship of minor children
Future assets — those can be named in advance too
State fees and third-party charges— billed separately

What we need from you

  • 1Aged 21 or over
  • 2The applicant isn't Muslim and never has been
  • 3At least one asset in the UAE
  • 4Documents evidencing ownership of the assets — if specific items are named in the will

Frequently asked questions

Who can make a will in the UAE?
An individual over 21 who isn't Muslim and never has been, and who owns at least one asset in the UAE.
What happens if there's no will?
The heirs will have to legalise documents evidencing the relationship, hire a local lawyer and file with a UAE court. A judge decides, the proceedings are in Arabic and can take a year or more. There's a risk that Sharia rules will be applied to the division.
How does the cost compare with going to court?
On the provider's assessment, the cost of local lawyers and court proceedings is many times the cost of drawing up and certifying a will.
Terms

The terms the expert works on

Guarantees the outcome by contract

Writes the outcome and the timeline for every service — including opening a bank account — into the contract, and answers for them.

Bills in stages

You do not pay the whole sum up front: invoices come in instalments as each stage closes.

Fixes the price in the contract

The cost is locked in and does not grow as the work goes on. Prices on the site are indicative — the final figure comes after your case is reviewed.

Charges no hidden fees

No penalties or surcharges beyond the contract. No Pactors markup either: you pay the expert their own price.

Works with lawyers of 8+ years in UAE law

The licence for your activity is matched, and the requirements worked through, by qualified lawyers.

Thinks a step ahead

Picks the zone and the licence so that a year from now you do not hit a limit and have to redo the whole thing.

Deals with authorities directly

Handles government bodies, free zones and UAE banks personally — no chain of subcontractors.

Ready to start?

Send an enquiry — we will check your case and help you arrange “Drawing up a will in the UAE” in UAE. No markup on top.