UAE Wills and Inheritance for Expats

Moving to another country is a fresh start for everyone. People seek better jobs, a safer environment, the best education systems for their children, and a secure future for their families. Thousands of expatriates live in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but they also face administrative responsibilities and legal documentation to ensure their stay in the region. For these families, documentation is not just paperwork; it can determine their future by ensuring a valid passport, residence permit, and marriage certificate if the individual comes with a wife and children. Medical and insurance claims can also be processed with clear documentation. Families in the UAE often do not understand the importance of these documents until they need them urgently. According to Lombard Odier’s 2025 GCC Succession Planning Survey, only 18% of family businesses across the Gulf had a comprehensive succession plan in place. The problem is lack of awareness of formal estate and succession planning.

In the UAE, Emirati, British, Pakistani, and Indian families all face different document-related issues. Expatriates must manage documents from different authorities because the process and legal requirements for every document are different. Sometimes, the paperwork becomes complicated because of different jurisdictions. For example, a will created by an individual in London may not be recognised or authenticated in the UAE unless the documents are translated into Arabic and compliance with UAE applicable laws.

In another case, residency is conditional. It means that if your visa was sponsored by your spouse and they die, then you may no longer get the residence permit. In such cases, you may have to deal with problems associated with the frozen bank account and immigration deadlines. The death of a parent may also raise questions about the guardianship of minor children, particularly if no suitable surviving parent is available. The competent court may determine guardianship arrangements under the applicable UAE laws. Legal assistance with UAE based experienced attorneys can solve the many questions of readers, regards to this subject.

The UAE legal framework has established a law in favour of expats. Under the Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status, a law for non-Muslims has been introduced. They can apply their home country law or register a will under the UAE civil regime. However, the applicable rules can depend on the person’s circumstances, the location of the assets and the relevant UAE jurisdiction. Expats should therefore not assume that one inheritance rule automatically applies to every UAE asset.

Non-Muslims may divide the property between the family. In case there are no children, then the estate can be transferred to the parents or the siblings. The surviving spouse’s inheritance rights must also be considered. Secondly, non-Muslims are allowed to apply their home-country law, but it has to be conducted legally. Lastly, if no heir of the deceased is reported, then the estate goes to the state.

In the UAE, if an individual dies intestate and no legal heirs are nominated, then remaining estate assets e.g. bank accounts, real estate, and personal property are transferred to the UAE Treasury or designated as a charitable endowment managed by the state.

Non-Muslims can register their wills at the DIFC Wills Service Centre. The institution provides registration for financial assets, property, business ownership and guardianship. They can also register with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department Civil Wills Registry. In fact, non-Emirati Muslim residents can also register through this route. However, eligibility is verified before registration of the will. Non-Muslims can also explore will attestation through Dubai Courts’ notary public services, subject to the applicable eligibility procedures.