UAE law: Is it mandatory for me to register a will in the country?

UAE law: Is it mandatory for me to register a will in the country?

A legal expert clarifies the rules for Muslims and non-Muslims

By Ashish Mehta Published: Sun 1 May 2022, 11:59 AM Last updated: Sun 1 May 2022, 12:07 PM

Question: Is will registration mandatory in the UAE? What is the law if expatriates own immovable assets are in the country and wish to make a will?

Response: Pursuant to the queries, the provisions of Federal Law no. 28 of 2005 related to Personal Status (the 'Personal Status Law of UAE'), the provisions of Law No. 14 of 2021 on Personal status for Non-Muslim Foreigners in Emirate of Abu Dhabi (the 'Abu Dhabi Personal Status Law for Non-Muslims') the provisions of Law No. 15 of 2017 Concerning Administration of Estates and Implementation of Wills of Non-Muslims in the Emirate of Dubai (the 'Dubai Wills Law') and the provisions of DIFC Wills and Probate Registry Rules (the 'DIFC WPR Rules') are applicable.

Registration of will is not mandatory in the UAE. However, it will be prudent for expatriates residing in the UAE or those who own immovable/movable property/ies in the UAE to register a will pertaining to their movable and or immovable assets, including property/ies, investment/s and bank account/s in the UAE to avoid legal complications which