Legislative Framework for Non-Muslim Expat Inheritance
Enacted under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Non-Muslim Personal Status, non-Muslim expatriates living in the UAE enjoy total freedom of testation. Expats can register civil wills ensuring their surviving spouse receives 50% of the estate and children receive equal shares.
For property owners holding real estate under Real Estate Golden Visas or maintaining resident bank accounts under UAE Bank Rules, registering a DIFC or ADJD Will guarantees swift probate execution without account freezing.
Select Will Registration Type
DIFC Full Will (Real Estate & All Worldwide Assets)
Registration Fee: AED 10,000 + VAT
Covers real estate, bank accounts, business shares, and guardianship for non-Muslim expats in Dubai and UAE.
Key Legal Benefits
| Default Law: | Civil Law (Spouse 50% / Equal Kids) |
| Language: | English (DIFC) / Arabic (ADJD) |
| Guardianship: | Protects Minor Children |
Interlinked UAE Compliance Portals
Frequently Asked Questions (Inheritance & DIFC Wills)
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Non-Muslim Personal Status, non-Muslim expatriates can execute civil wills specifying how their assets (real estate, bank accounts, business equity) are distributed without default Sharia application.
The DIFC Wills Service Centre is an official registry established under DIFC Courts allowing non-Muslim expats to register English-language wills covering real estate under our Real Estate Golden Visa Guide and bank accounts.
Upon notice of death, UAE banks freeze sole bank accounts until a probate court order or succession certificate is issued by the local court or DIFC Courts.
Yes. Non-Muslim parents can legally designate temporary and permanent guardians for minor children under both DIFC Wills and Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court wills.
DIFC & ADJD VerifiedOfficial Legal Wills Source
• DIFC Courts Wills Service Portal: difccourts.ae/wills
• Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD Civil Family Court): adjd.gov.ae