ADJD Will: Everything You Need to Know
An ADJD will is a legally binding will registered with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD). Valid across all seven UAE emirates, it allows UAE residents to distribute assets according to their wishes rather than default inheritance rules.
Last updated: February 2026
What Is an ADJD Will?
ADJD Definition and Legal Authority
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) is the government body responsible for will registration in the UAE. An ADJD-registered will is a formal legal document that records how you want your assets distributed and who should care for your minor children after your death. Once registered, it takes legal precedence over UAE default inheritance rules.
Who Should Get an ADJD Will
An ADJD will is the right choice for most UAE residents. It is the most affordable government-backed registration option and the only one that can be completed entirely online. You should consider an ADJD will if you are a UAE resident, you own property or financial assets in the UAE, you have minor children, or you want to ensure your estate is distributed according to your wishes.
The main alternative is a DIFC will, which costs significantly more (AED 10,000+ vs AED 950 for the government registration fee alone). Both are legally valid, but for most residents the ADJD route offers similar legal validity at a fraction of the cost.
Legal Basis
ADJD wills are registered under Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 and derive their nationwide validity from Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Personal Status for Non-Muslims. Together, these laws confirm that non-Muslim residents of the UAE can create a will that overrides the default statutory inheritance distribution. An ADJD-registered will is enforceable whether your assets are in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, or any other emirate.
How ADJD Will Registration Works
Registering an ADJD will is a straightforward process that can be completed entirely online. For a detailed six-step walkthrough including Arabic translation and document requirements, see our complete ADJD registration guide.
- 1
Prepare Your Will
Draft your will using blanket.ae’s guided online process (under 30 minutes) or with an independent lawyer. Your will must be in both English and Arabic — blanket.ae includes Arabic translation at no extra cost.
- 2
Gather Your Documents
You need a valid passport and Emirates ID. If your will includes property, have your title deed number ready. No notarisation or attestation is required.
- 3
Submit Through the ADJD Online Portal
Upload your signed will and supporting documents through the ADJD e-services portal. The government registration fee is AED 950 for a single will or AED 1,900 for mirror wills (couples).
- 4
Receive Registration Confirmation
ADJD issues initial approval within 1–2 business days. A notary video appointment is then scheduled to finalise registration. Once registered, your will is legally binding and enforceable across all seven UAE emirates.
ADJD Will Costs: Complete Breakdown
Government Registration Fee
The ADJD charges a fixed government registration fee of AED 950 for a single will or AED 1,900 for mirror wills (couples). This fee is paid directly to ADJD and is the same regardless of which drafting service you use.
Blanket Service Fee
Blanket.ae charges from AED 799 for an individual will or AED 1,199 for mirror wills. This includes guided online drafting and Arabic translation. Ongoing will updates are available with optional Blanket Membership.
Total Cost vs Competitors
| Provider | Individual Will | Mirror Wills | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blanket + ADJD | AED 1,749 | AED 3,099 | Online drafting, Arabic translation, ADJD registration, optional Blanket Membership for ongoing updates |
| DIFC Courts | AED 13,000+ | AED 21,000+ | Registration only — legal drafting fees extra (AED 3,000–6,000) |
| Typical UAE law firm | AED 4,000–8,000 | AED 6,000–12,000 | Drafting + registration, varies by firm |
ADJD vs DIFC Wills: Quick Comparison
Both ADJD and DIFC wills are legally valid in the UAE. The main differences are cost and administrative framework. For a deeper dive, read our complete DIFC wills guide.
| Factor | ADJD Will | DIFC Will |
|---|---|---|
| Government registration fee | AED 950 (single) / AED 1,900 (mirror) | AED 10,000 (single) / AED 15,000 (mirror) |
| Total cost with Blanket | From AED 1,749 | Not applicable — DIFC requires separate legal counsel |
| Registration process | Online via ADJD portal | Online or in-person at DIFC Courts, Dubai |
| Timeline | Initial approval in 1–2 days, then notary appointment | 2–4 weeks |
| Jurisdiction | Valid in all 7 UAE emirates | Administered by DIFC Courts |
| Legal basis | Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 + Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 | DIFC Wills and Probate Registry rules |
Not sure which option is right for you? Our guide to wills in Dubai covers all three options, or see our step-by-step registration guide for a detailed walkthrough.
What's Included with Blanket
Digital Estate Planning
Blanket.ae covers your digital estate alongside traditional assets: cryptocurrency wallets, online investment accounts, social media profiles, digital subscriptions, and other online accounts. You can specify who should receive access to each digital asset and how they should be handled.
Membership for Ongoing Updates
Life changes. You might have another child, buy property, or change your beneficiaries. You can add optional Blanket Membership for ongoing will updates as your circumstances evolve.
One-Time Checkout
Blanket.ae checkout is a single one-time payment. Once paid, we draft your will, provide the bilingual pack, and support your ADJD registration process.
Create your ADJD-registered will from AED 799
Start Your WillFrequently Asked Questions
What is the ADJD will process?
The ADJD will process involves four steps: draft your will (using blanket.ae or independently), gather your passport and Emirates ID, submit through the ADJD online portal, and complete registration via a notary video appointment. Initial approval is typically issued within 1–2 business days.
How much does an ADJD will cost?
The ADJD government registration fee is AED 950 for a single will or AED 1,900 for mirror wills (couples). With blanket.ae, the drafting service starts from AED 799 for an individual will or AED 1,199 for mirror wills. Total cost with blanket.ae: from AED 1,749 for an individual or AED 3,099 for a couple.
How long does ADJD will registration take?
ADJD issues initial approval within 1–2 business days of submission. A notary video appointment is then scheduled to finalise registration. The will drafting process with blanket.ae can be completed in under 30 minutes online.
Is an ADJD will valid in all emirates?
Yes. ADJD wills are registered under Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 and derive nationwide validity from Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022. This means your will applies across all seven UAE emirates, regardless of where your assets are located.
Can I update my ADJD will?
Yes. You can update your ADJD will at any time by submitting a new version through the registration process. With blanket.ae, ongoing updates are available through optional Blanket Membership.
Do I need a lawyer for an ADJD will?
No. You do not need a lawyer to create or register an ADJD will. Blanket.ae provides a fully guided online process designed by lawyers, so you get legal-grade quality without the cost of hiring one. The entire process can be completed from home.
What documents do I need for an ADJD will?
You need a valid passport and Emirates ID to register an ADJD will. If you are including property, you may also need your title deed number. Blanket.ae guides you through exactly what is required during the will creation process.
What is the difference between an ADJD will and a DIFC will?
Both are legally valid in the UAE, but differ mainly in cost. An ADJD will costs AED 950 to register and can be submitted online. A Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) will costs AED 10,000+ to register. Both now offer online registration options. ADJD wills are valid across all emirates under federal law; DIFC wills are administered through the DIFC Courts.
Can Muslim expatriates register an ADJD will?
Yes. ADJD allows Muslim expatriates to register civil wills, giving them the option to distribute their estate according to their own wishes. This is a key distinction from the Dubai Courts, where Muslim expatriates must follow default inheritance rules.
What happens if I die without a will in the UAE?
Without a registered will, your estate is distributed according to a default statutory split under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 — you lose all control over how specific assets are allocated, and guardianship of your minor children may be decided by the court rather than by you. Registering an ADJD will ensures your estate is distributed according to your instructions.
Does an ADJD will expire?
No. An ADJD-registered will does not expire and remains valid indefinitely. However, it is good practice to review and update your will when your circumstances change — for example, after having children, buying property, or changing beneficiaries. With blanket.ae, ongoing updates are available through optional Blanket Membership.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal questions about your situation, consult a qualified legal professional. Contact us if you have questions about the blanket.ae service.