Who this is for

To register a DIFC Will is an option for Non-Muslim individuals with assets and/or minor children in the UAE who want certainty, testamentary freedom, and swift, English-language probate via the DIFC Courts Wills Service.

When to Register a DIFC Will

You own UAE real estate and/or UAE bank/investment accounts and/or have kids that live in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah.
You want English-language probate (DIFC) and the ability to freely choose your beneficiaries, executors and guardians.

Time & cost (typical)

Timeline: Draft to registration commonly 3–60 working days once information is complete and appointment given by DIFC (at the time extremely busy).
Government fee: DIFC Court Wills Service fee for a Single Full Will is AED 10,000 (collected at booking of the appointment).
Professional fee: Our drafting & end-to-end support fee is quoted after scoping. Send us an email to info@rubertpartners.com for quotation.

Fees are set by the DIFC Wills Service and may change. We’ll confirm the live fee at booking.

You’ll need

Passport copy (and Emirates ID if resident)
List of assets + intended beneficiaries/executors/guardians
Real estate: Title Deed details
Bank / investment: bank name & account reference(s)
Guardianship: full names and contacts of guardians (and substitutes)

If you drop us an email to info@rubertparnters.com we will share with you a handy questionnaire so that we have all the needful to start the drafting.

Step-by-step

1) Scoping call (30–45 min)

We confirm: eligibility (non-Muslim, 21+), will type (Full / Property / Guardianship), guardianship needs, cross-border issues, and any existing wills.
Output: scoped plan, documents checklist, fixed quote, target registration date.

2) First draft (2–4 working days from Onboarding)

We prepare an English-law-style will meeting DIFC drafting standards, covering: executors, specific gifts, residue, guardians, and funeral wishes (if any).
You review and provide redlines; we refine quickly until you’re happy.

3) Booking your DIFC Wills Service appointment

In-person or video appointment (subject to availability).
Government fee is collected at booking by the DIFC system. Note: a small non-refundable portion applies to cancellations.

4) Signing at DIFC Wills Service (Usually done online but optional)

Bring valid ID. We will provide two witnesses.
You sign under the DIFC Wills Service procedures (streamlined and in English).

5) After registration

You receive the registered will (soft copy).
We store working files securely and can:
- prepare a short asset schedule for your own records;
- handle future updates (DIFC allows paid modifications to the will and unpaid modifications to personal details or uploads in the portal).

Outcome – Register a DIFC Will

A registered Single DIFC Full Will, probated through DIFC Courts with UAE-wide effect, giving you clarity over asset distribution and guardianship—in English—when your family needs it most.

Key choices you’ll make (we guide you)

Executors: one or two? add a reserve? local vs overseas?
Guardians: main + substitutes; immediate vs permanent guardians where relevant.
Gifts: any specific legacies (properties, sums, items) before the residue.
Residue clause: who receives “the rest of everything,” and on what shares?
Back-ups: if a beneficiary or executor can’t act, who steps in?
Letter of wishes: optional, for non-binding personal guidance.

Common pitfalls (and how we avoid them)

Forgetting guardians/substitutes → we insist on clear guardian lines and contact details.
Vague asset descriptions → we standardise names/IDs for properties and accounts. Extremely important to prepare and update list of assets.
Executor impracticalities (all overseas, no bank access) → we structure workable appointments.
Conflicts with foreign wills → we cross-check overlap and carve out jurisdictions if needed. Best to focus on UAE based assets.
Out-of-date wills after life changes → we diarise a light-touch review timetable.

Register a DIFC Will – FAQs

Do I need separate wills for each emirate?
No. A DIFC Will can cover UAE assets across all emirates. If you also own assets abroad, we’ll advise how the DIFC Will fits with any foreign wills to avoid conflict.

Can I update later?
Yes. The DIFC Wills Service allows paid and unpaid modifications. Unpaid modifications such as updating personal details do not need a new appointment. Changing beneficiaries or guardians will need a new appointment to sign the will with the changes, resembling the first signing appointment.

What about ADJD (Abu Dhabi Judicial Department)?
ADJD is a valid alternative with different processes/fees. We’ll recommend DIFC vs ADJD after scoping your family, assets, and preferred probate forum.

Can a married couple use one will?
No—DIFC uses individual wills. Couples often register two Single Wills (one per person) also known as mirror wills. They ae usually sign at the same appointment one after the other.

What if I’m Muslim?
This pathway is for non-Muslims. If you are Muslim, please see our Wills for Muslims in the UAE guide or contact us for tailored options.

Documents & data checklist to Register a DIFC Will

Your passport (+ Emirates ID if resident)
Executor full details (and reserve executor)
Guardian full details (and substitute guardians)
Real estate: community, unit, Title Deed number
Bank / investments: institution and account references
Any foreign wills or estate planning documents (for consistency)

Register a DIFC Will – Tentative Timeline at a glance

Day 0–1: Scoping & checklist issued
Day 2–4: Drafting & redlines
Day 5–8: Booking + DIFC signing (the appointments can be given with weeks time)
Post-signing: Registered Single Will (soft copy) + aftercare pack

(Timings depend on document readiness and DIFC appointment availability.)

Why clients choose Rubert & Partners

DIFC-standard drafting with clear, probate-friendly structure
Hands-on end-to-end support (drafting, booking, signing, aftercare)
Cross-border aware: we coordinate with foreign wills and practitioners if needed to avoid clashes
Guardianship clarity: practical, step-by-step planning for minors

Ready to proceed and Register a DIFC Will?

Book a 15-minute scoping call with our team. We’ll confirm fit, documents, and a target registration date—and then do the heavy lifting for you.

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We hope this post will help you and remain available for any questions regarding this post of general application.

For direct publications on Wills in UAE you may click here and for specific topic videos on UAE Family Law in our Youtube Channel. For more information, feel free to explore all our publications at this link, as well as video insights on the topic from our Managing Partner, Maria Rubert here.

This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Fees and processes can change; we will confirm current DIFC requirements and costs before booking.