DIFC Wills: Complete Guide to Costs, Process, and Alternatives (2026)
Key Takeaways
- DIFC will registration costs AED 10,000 for a single will or AED 15,000 for mirror wills — legal drafting fees are extra (AED 3,000–6,000+)
- Under Dubai Law No. 2 of 2025, DIFC wills have exclusive jurisdiction and direct enforcement for Dubai-based assets
- DIFC now offers both in-person and virtual registration via its Virtual Registry
- DIFC offers specialised will types including a Digital Assets Will secured on the Hedera blockchain
- The ADJD alternative provides similar legal validity across all seven emirates from AED 1,749 total with blanket.ae
What Are DIFC Wills?
A DIFC will is a will registered with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts through the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry. It provides a common-law framework for non-Muslim residents to distribute their UAE assets according to their wishes.
The DIFC Wills and Probate Registry was established in 2014 by the DIFC Courts to provide non-Muslim UAE residents with a recognised legal mechanism for estate planning. It operates under its own set of rules modelled on English common law, which is familiar to many Western expats.
DIFC Courts Wills Service Centre
The DIFC Courts Wills Service Centre handles all aspects of will registration, from initial consultation to final registration. The centre is located in the DIFC Courts building in Dubai, though registration can now also be completed remotely through the DIFC Virtual Registry via video conference.
Legal Framework and Jurisdiction
A key development is Dubai Law No. 2 of 2025, which grants DIFC wills exclusive jurisdiction and direct enforcement for assets located in Dubai. This means a DIFC-registered will can be enforced directly through the DIFC Courts without needing to go through the Dubai Courts — a procedural advantage for Dubai-based assets.
For assets in other emirates, DIFC wills are still recognised, but enforcement may require additional procedural steps through the local courts.
Who DIFC Wills Are For
DIFC wills are designed for non-Muslim residents of the UAE who want a common-law framework for their estate planning. They are particularly relevant if you have significant assets concentrated in Dubai and want the enforcement advantage of Dubai Law No. 2 of 2025, or if you prefer the familiarity of a common-law legal framework.
For residents whose assets are spread across multiple emirates, or who prioritise cost over enforcement speed, an ADJD-registered will may be a more practical choice.
DIFC Will Types
The DIFC Courts offer several types of wills to suit different needs:
Full Will — Covers all your assets in the UAE, including property, bank accounts, investments, and personal belongings. This is the most common type.
Property Will — Covers only specific real estate assets in the UAE. Useful if you already have a will in your home country and only need UAE property covered.
Financial Assets Will — Covers bank accounts, investments, and other financial holdings. Can be used alongside a Property Will.
Guardianship Will — Appoints legal guardians for your minor children in the event of your death. Can be registered as a standalone will or included in a Full Will.
Digital Assets Will — A specialised will for cryptocurrency and digital assets. The DIFC uses a non-custodial wallet secured on the Hedera blockchain to protect these assets. This is currently the most technically advanced digital estate solution offered by any will registry in the UAE.
Business Owners Will — Covers company shares and business interests held in the UAE.
DIFC Will Registration Process
Step 1: Choose Your Will Type. Select the type of will that matches your needs (Full, Property, Financial Assets, Guardianship, Digital Assets, or Business Owners). You can register multiple will types if needed.
Step 2: Engage a Legal Practitioner (Optional). Many applicants use a DIFC-registered legal practitioner for drafting. You can select from the DIFC Courts' list of registered practitioners. Legal drafting fees typically range from AED 3,000 to AED 6,000.
Step 3: Draft Your Will. Your legal practitioner drafts the will according to DIFC rules and your instructions. The will must be in English (Arabic translation is not required for DIFC wills).
Step 4: Register with DIFC Courts. Submit your will for registration through the DIFC Courts. You can register in person at the DIFC Courts building in Dubai or remotely via the DIFC Virtual Registry (video conference). Two witnesses are required at the time of signing.
Step 5: Receive Your Registered Will. Once registered, you receive a certified copy of your will. The original is securely stored by the DIFC Courts. The process typically takes 2–4 weeks from initial engagement to final registration.
DIFC Will Costs: Full Breakdown
Registration Fees (Government)
The DIFC Courts charge the following registration fees:
| Will Type | Single | Mirror (Couple) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Will | AED 10,000 | AED 15,000 |
| Property Will | AED 7,500 | AED 10,000 |
| Financial Assets Will | AED 7,500 | AED 10,000 |
| Guardianship Will | AED 5,000 | AED 7,500 |
| Digital Assets Will | AED 5,000 | AED 7,500 |
| Business Owners Will | AED 10,000 | AED 15,000 |
DIFC Courts fees are exempt from VAT.
Legal Drafting Fees (Professional)
Using a DIFC-registered legal practitioner is not mandatory, though many applicants opt for professional drafting — particularly for Full Wills and Business Owners Wills where estate complexity is higher. Drafting fees are separate from the registration fee and typically range from AED 3,000 to AED 6,000, depending on the complexity of your estate and the law firm you choose.
Total Cost
For a standard Full Will, expect to pay AED 13,000–16,000 total (AED 10,000 registration + AED 3,000–6,000 legal drafting). Mirror wills for couples start from approximately AED 21,000.
DIFC vs ADJD Wills: Which Should You Choose?
Both DIFC and ADJD wills are legally valid in the UAE, but they differ in cost, enforcement, and process.
| Factor | DIFC Will | ADJD Will (with blanket.ae) |
|---|---|---|
| Drafting / service fee | AED 3,000–6,000 (legal practitioner) | From AED 799 (blanket.ae) |
| Government registration fee | AED 10,000 (single) / AED 15,000 (mirror) | AED 950 (single) / AED 1,900 (mirror) |
| Registration process | Online (Virtual Registry) or in-person | Online via ADJD portal |
| Dubai enforcement | Direct — exclusive jurisdiction under Dubai Law No. 2 of 2025 | Valid but may require deputisation process |
| Nationwide validity | Recognised but may need local court steps outside Dubai | Valid across all 7 emirates under federal law |
| Language | English only | English and Arabic (translation included) |
| Digital assets | Dedicated Digital Assets Will with Hedera blockchain | Covered as part of standard will |
| Will updates | New registration required (fees apply) | Free for first 12 months |
When DIFC Is the Better Choice
A DIFC will makes more sense if your assets are primarily in Dubai and you want the fastest possible enforcement through the DIFC Courts, or if you have complex digital asset holdings that would benefit from the DIFC's blockchain-secured Digital Assets Will.
When ADJD Is the Better Choice
For most UAE residents, an ADJD will provides the best balance of cost and coverage. At AED 799 + AED 950 government fee with blanket.ae (versus AED 13,000+ for DIFC), it offers similar legal validity across all seven emirates at a fraction of the cost. This is particularly true if your assets are spread across multiple emirates, since ADJD wills are enforceable nationwide under federal law. See our complete guide to wills in Dubai for a broader overview of all options.
The ADJD Alternative: How blanket.ae Works
If you decide that an ADJD will is the right choice, blanket.ae provides a fully online process:
- Answer questions online — The guided process takes under 30 minutes. No legal jargon, no appointments.
- Review your draft — Your will is generated in English and translated to Arabic by a licensed translator, included at no extra cost.
- Register with ADJD — Submit through the ADJD online portal. The government registration fee is AED 950 (single) or AED 1,900 (mirror wills).
- Receive confirmation — ADJD issues initial approval within 1–2 business days. A notary video appointment is then scheduled to finalise registration.
Total cost from AED 1,749 for an individual will or AED 3,199 for mirror wills, including drafting, Arabic translation, and ADJD registration support.
Create your ADJD-registered will from AED 799
Start Your WillFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a DIFC will cost?
A DIFC Full Will costs AED 10,000 in registration fees (AED 15,000 for mirror wills), plus AED 3,000–6,000 in legal drafting fees. Total cost is typically AED 13,000–21,000+. DIFC Courts fees are exempt from VAT.
Can I register a DIFC will online?
Yes. The DIFC Courts now offer a Virtual Registry that allows you to register your will remotely via video conference. You can also register in person at the DIFC Courts building in Dubai.
Is a DIFC will valid outside Dubai?
DIFC wills are recognised across the UAE, but their strongest enforcement advantage is in Dubai under Dubai Law No. 2 of 2025, which grants DIFC wills exclusive jurisdiction for Dubai-based assets. For assets in other emirates, enforcement may require additional procedural steps.
What is the difference between a DIFC will and an ADJD will?
The main differences are cost and enforcement. A DIFC will costs AED 10,000+ to register and has direct enforcement in Dubai. An ADJD will costs AED 950 to register and is valid across all seven UAE emirates under federal law. ADJD wills are the more affordable option for most residents. See our step-by-step registration guide for a detailed walkthrough of both processes.
Do I need a lawyer for a DIFC will?
It is not mandatory. Many applicants use a DIFC-registered legal practitioner for drafting, especially for complex estates, though it is possible to self-draft. You can select from the DIFC Courts' list of registered practitioners. With an ADJD will through blanket.ae, no lawyer is required.
Can a DIFC will cover cryptocurrency and digital assets?
Yes. The DIFC offers a dedicated Digital Assets Will that uses a non-custodial wallet on the Hedera blockchain to secure cryptocurrency and other digital assets. This is currently the most technically advanced digital estate solution in the UAE.
How long does DIFC will registration take?
The DIFC will process typically takes 2–4 weeks from initial engagement with a legal practitioner to final registration. This includes drafting time and scheduling the registration appointment.
What is Dubai Law No. 2 of 2025?
Dubai Law No. 2 of 2025 grants DIFC wills exclusive jurisdiction and direct enforcement for assets located in Dubai. This means a DIFC-registered will can be enforced directly through the DIFC Courts without needing to go through the Dubai Courts — a procedural advantage over other will types for Dubai-based assets.