Securing your family’s future is now easier than ever thanks to new digital services. In the past, writing a Will required many in-person meetings and lots of paperwork. Now, you can complete most of the process online quickly and safely.
This modern shift helps you protect your assets from home. However, you must follow specific legal steps for Wills in the UAE to ensure they are valid. This guide explains what is allowed and how to get started today.
Who Can Register a Will Online?
Not everyone qualifies for online Will registration in the UAE. The system has specific eligibility requirements that you need to meet first.
- Non-Muslims only: Online Will registration through ADJD and DIFC is exclusively available to non-Muslim residents and citizens. This includes expats from all countries who follow religions other than Islam or have no religious affiliation.
- Asset ownership: You must own property, savings, or other assets either in the UAE or abroad. These assets can include real estate, bank accounts, investments, vehicles, or business interests. The location of your assets does not disqualify you from registering online.
- Willingness to follow procedures: Online registration requires you to complete all official steps, including identity verification. For ADJD Wills, this means participating in a video call for notarization. For DIFC Wills, you must complete an online submission and often a video or in-person signing appointment for final registration.
Why Muslims cannot register online
Muslims living in the UAE must follow Sharia inheritance laws. These laws have fixed shares for specific family members that cannot be altered through a Will. Therefore, the online registration systems designed for non-Muslims do not apply to Muslim residents.
What Can You Include in an Online Will?
Online Wills allow you to include specific types of assets and instructions. These are carefully defined to make sure the Will is enforceable in the UAE.
1. UAE Assets
You can include any property or assets located in the UAE. This can be apartments, villas, land, bank accounts, business shares, or investment funds. When listing these assets, you need to provide proof of ownership, such as title deeds or account statements. Clear documentation helps the executor distribute your assets properly and avoid disputes.
2. Overseas Assets
You can also include assets located outside the UAE, like a house in another country or international bank accounts. However, including overseas assets requires extra steps. Online registration ensures your non-UAE assets are still recognized legally, which prevents conflicts when distributing your estate.
3. Testamentary Bequests
Non-Muslim civil Wills allow full freedom to distribute your estate as you wish (no fixed one-third limit). You can leave money to a charity, a friend, or a relative outside any default rules. This ensures your Will respects both your wishes and legal requirements.
4. Executors and Guardians
You can appoint an executor to manage your estate and make sure your instructions are followed. Executors can be family members, friends, or professionals. If you have minor children or dependents, you can also specify guardians who will care for them until they reach adulthood. This prevents confusion or conflicts after your passing and ensures your loved ones are properly cared for.
Which Will Registry Works Best for You?
There are two main ways to handle your legal documents online. Each one has different rules and benefits depending on where your assets are located.
- ADJD Wills: The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department serves residents across the UAE, not just those in Abu Dhabi. This registry works well if you own assets in multiple emirates or have property outside the UAE. The ADJD Wills system offers flexible online submission with video call notarization instead of physical office visits.
- DIFC Wills: The Dubai International Financial Centre registry covers assets within DIFC and Dubai, though it can extend to other UAE assets too. The DIFC Wills follow common law principles that many Western expats find familiar. However, you must often appear via video or in-person for final registration.
Start Your Online Will the Right Way
Planning your Will online gives you control, clarity, and peace of mind. However, the process only works when it is done correctly and through approved channels.
The safest approach is to plan early and follow verified procedures. Use approved platforms, prepare clear documents, and review every detail before submission. When done the right way, an online Will ensures your wishes are respected, your loved ones are protected, and your legacy is handled exactly as you intended.