Key Takeaways
- DIFC Wills provide non-Muslims with legal clarity for assets and guardianship in the UAE.
- There are five main types of Wills: Full, Guardianship, Property, Financial Assets, and Business Owners.
- Each Will type caters to a different need—ranging from child guardianship to property and business succession.
- DIFC Wills are enforceable in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, using English common law principles.
- Remote registration and transparent costs make DIFC Wills accessible to global clients.
Introduction
When living or investing in the UAE, ensuring that your estate is properly planned is not just prudent—it’s essential. The DIFC Wills and Probate Registry (WPR), now part of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts Wills Service, offers a flexible and internationally recognised way for non-Muslims to safeguard their assets and family in the UAE and beyond.
Understanding the different types of DIFC Wills is key to ensuring your estate is distributed according to your wishes. Here’s a breakdown of the five DIFC Will types and who they are suitable for.
1. Full Will
The Full Will (also called a Full Will for both Assets and Guardianship) is the most comprehensive DIFC Will. It covers:
- Worldwide or UAE-based assets
- Guardianship arrangements for minor children
Who is it for?
This is ideal for individuals or couples who want to cover all aspects of their estate—movable and immovable property, bank accounts, company shares, and guardianship—under a single instrument.
Advantages:
- Complete protection in one document
- Certainty for families with children
- Can name interim and permanent guardians
2. Guardianship Will
This type of Will only covers guardianship of minor children (under the age of 21) living in the UAE.
Who is it for?
Parents who are not ready to write a Full Will but want to ensure that their children are taken care of according to their wishes in case of death.
Advantages:
- Ensures guardianship is decided by you—not the courts
- Fast and affordable to register
- Especially useful for single or expatriate parents
Note: Without a registered guardianship will, UAE law may appoint a court-nominated guardian, which may not align with your wishes.
3. Property Will
This Will is restricted to up to five real estate properties (or shares in properties) located in the Emirate of Dubai and/or Ras Al Khaimah.
Who is it for?
Expats and investors with property in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah who want to clearly define who will inherit their assets.
Advantages:
- Simple solution for real estate investors
- Ensures properties are transferred without delays
- Avoids UAE courts applying Sharia inheritance rules
4. Financial Assets Will
This Will allows you to cover up to 10 specific bank and/or investment accounts held in the UAE.
Who is it for?
High-net-worth individuals or professionals with significant liquid assets in local banks or brokerage accounts.
Advantages:
- Prevents freezing of accounts
- Named beneficiaries can access funds quickly
- Tailored for individuals with no dependents or children
5. Business Owners Will
Specifically created for businesspeople, this Will allows the inclusion of up to five shareholdings in UAE-based Free Zone or Mainland companies.
Who is it for?
Entrepreneurs and SME owners who want succession clarity for their business interests.
Advantages:
- Prevents operational disruption after death
- Safeguards business continuity
- Avoids shares being locked or subject to local inheritance laws
| Type of Will | Covers | Max Items | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Will | Assets + Guardianship | Unlimited | Families and high-net-worth clients |
| Guardianship Will | Minor children only | N/A | Parents of minor children |
| Property Will | Dubai/Ras Al Khaimah Property | 5 | Real estate investors |
| Financial Assets Will | UAE bank/investment accounts | 10 | Liquidity-focused individuals |
| Business Owners Will | UAE business shareholdings | 5 | SME owners and entrepreneurs |
Why Choose the DIFC Wills Service?
- Common Law Basis: DIFC Wills are drafted under the principles of English common law, providing clarity and predictability.
- UAE Court Enforceable: DIFC Wills are directly enforceable through the DIFC Courts and recognised by Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah courts.
- Remote Registration Available: Wills can now be registered via video conferencing—ideal for international clients.
- Cost-Effective: Starting from AED 5,000 + VAT, the service is more affordable than many assume.
The DIFC Wills Service provides a modern estate planning solution in a region where succession laws can be complex. For non-Muslims living or investing in the UAE, this is a vital planning tool to ensure your loved ones and assets are protected.
How We Support you
Through our Private Office Hub, we connect clients with experienced, English-speaking Will drafting professionals who are licensed to register DIFC Wills and understand the needs of international families and investors.
You’ll receive:
- Clarity on the right DIFC Will structure for your situation
- Tailored legal drafting that meets both UAE requirements and your home country estate plans
- Support for registration, whether in person or remotely via video conference
- Clear fees and step-by-step guidance from start to finish
Whether you're safeguarding family assets, protecting property, or planning for business continuity, our trusted partners provide a seamless, compliant, and confidential service—ensuring your intentions are enforceable when it matters most.
Not sure which Will structure suits your needs?
Speak to a licensed Will-writing expert through the Kingsbury Private Office Hub → Explore our DIFC Will Services.