How does inheritance law work for non-Muslim expats in the UAE?

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status, non-Muslim expats have full freedom of testation. In the absence of a registered Will, non-Muslim estate assets pass equally to the surviving spouse (50%) and children in equal shares, regardless of gender. Non-Muslims can also register formal Wills with DIFC Courts or Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD).

Are UAE bank accounts frozen when an account holder passes away?

Yes. Upon official notification of death, UAE banks are legally required to temporarily freeze all sole and joint bank accounts held by the deceased until a court probate order (Succession Certificate) is issued.

Where can non-Muslim expats register a Will in the UAE?

Non-Muslim expats can register a legally binding English Will through: 1) DIFC Wills Service Centre (covers assets in Dubai, UAE, or global), 2) Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Non-Muslim Wills Registry, or 3) Notary Public under Federal Decree-Law 41.

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Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 & DIFC Courts Wills

UAE Inheritance, Wills & Succession Laws

Protect your UAE real estate, bank accounts, and family assets — non-Muslim freedom of testation under Decree-Law 41, DIFC vs ADJD Will registries, and bank account freezing rules.

Modern Expat Estate & Inheritance Protection

Inheritance and asset succession for non-Muslim expats transformed with the enactment of Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status.

Non-Muslim expats now enjoy full freedom of testation to leave their UAE assets (property, bank accounts, shares) to whoever they choose under a registered Will, bypassing automatic Sharia distribution rules.

What Happens if You Die Without a Will in UAE? (Intestacy)

Estate System	Surviving Spouse Share	Children Share	Other Heirs
Non-Muslim Intestate (Decree 41/2022)	50% of total estate	50% shared equally among all children (boys and girls equal)	Parents receive equal share only if no spouse or children exist
Muslim Intestate (Sharia Law 28/2005)	Wife gets 1/8th (12.5%) if children exist	Sons receive twice the share of daughters (2:1 ratio)	Parents and extended male relatives receive fixed Quranic shares

Where to Register a Will in UAE

📜 DIFC Wills Service Centre (Dubai)

English language common law registration. Covers Dubai, UAE-wide, or worldwide real estate & financial assets. Single Will ~AED 10,000.

🏛️ ADJD Non-Muslim Wills Registry (Abu Dhabi)

Civil court registry covering all UAE assets. Bilingual registration ~AED 1,000 online fee.

✍️ UAE Ministry of Justice Notary Public

Notarized Arabic/bilingual Will registered with local notary courts.

Bank Account Freezing Rules

Upon notice of a account holder's death, UAE banks freeze all sole and joint accounts held by the deceased.

🔒 Sole Accounts: Fully frozen until court issues a Succession Certificate / Probate Order
🔒 Joint Accounts: Frozen under UAE Commercial Law unless registered with "Survivorship" clause
💡 Pro Tip: Maintain separate individual bank accounts for husband and wife
💡 Pro Tip: Register a Will with DIFC or ADJD to ensure fast probate court release

Frequently Asked Questions

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022, non-Muslim expats have full freedom of testation under a registered Will. If no Will exists, assets pass 50% to spouse and 50% equally to children.

Yes. UAE banks are legally required to freeze all sole and joint accounts held by the deceased until a court probate order is issued.

Expats can register a Will via DIFC Wills Service Centre, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Non-Muslim Wills Registry, or MOJ Notary Public.

📜 DIFC Wills & Registry Deep Dive →⚖️ UAE Divorce & Personal Status Laws →

DIFC Courts & ADJD

• DIFC Wills Service Centre: difcprobate.ae
• ADJD Non-Muslim Wills Registry: adjd.gov.ae