Will Registration in Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Key Takeaways
- Two main registration options: ADJD (AED 950, fully online) and DIFC Courts (AED 10,000+, online or in-person)
- ADJD registration is the simplest: submit online, initial approval in 1–2 days, then a notary video appointment
- DIFC registration takes 2–4 weeks; a DIFC-registered legal practitioner is recommended but not mandatory
- Documents needed: valid passport and Emirates ID (both options)
- With blanket.ae, the entire ADJD process — from drafting to registration — starts from AED 1,749
Will Registration Options in Dubai
Dubai residents have two main options for will registration. Each operates under a different legal framework with different costs and processes.
Will registration is the process of filing your will with a government authority so that it becomes a legally binding document. In the UAE, an unregistered will has no legal standing — only a registered will can be enforced by the courts. Since 1 January 2026, under Federal Decree-Law No. 51 of 2024, if an expatriate dies without a will and without identifiable heirs, their UAE-based assets are frozen and may ultimately be transferred to a state-managed charitable endowment (Waqf) once authorities confirm that no heirs can be identified.
Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD)
ADJD will registration is the most affordable and accessible option. Despite being administered by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, ADJD-registered wills are valid across all seven UAE emirates under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022. The entire process can be completed online. See our detailed ADJD registration guide for a full six-step walkthrough including template and document requirements.
DIFC Courts Wills Service Centre
The DIFC Courts offer will registration through the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry. This operates under a common-law framework and has direct enforcement for Dubai-based assets under Dubai Law No. 2 of 2025. Registration can be completed online via the Virtual Registry or in person at the DIFC Courts building.
ADJD Will Registration Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Draft Your Will. Create your will using blanket.ae (under 30 minutes online) or with an independent lawyer. Your will must be in both English and Arabic — blanket.ae includes Arabic translation at no extra cost.
Step 2: Gather 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.
Step 3: Submit via ADJD Portal. Upload your signed will and supporting documents through the ADJD e-services portal. Pay the government registration fee: AED 950 for a single will or AED 1,900 for mirror wills (couples).
Step 4: Receive Initial Approval. ADJD issues initial approval within 1–2 business days of submission.
Step 5: Complete Notary Appointment. A notary video appointment is scheduled to finalise the registration. Once complete, your will is legally binding and enforceable across all seven UAE emirates.
ADJD Registration Costs
| Item | Single Will | Mirror Wills |
|---|---|---|
| ADJD government fee | AED 950 | AED 1,900 |
| blanket.ae drafting fee | From AED 799 | From AED 1,299 |
| Arabic translation | Included | Included |
| Total | From AED 1,749 | From AED 3,199 |
ADJD Timeline
- Will drafting with blanket.ae: under 30 minutes
- ADJD initial approval: 1–2 business days
- Notary video appointment: scheduled after approval
DIFC Will Registration Process
Step 1: 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 2: Draft Your Will. Your lawyer drafts the will according to DIFC rules. The will must be in English (Arabic translation is not required).
Step 3: Book Registration. Schedule your registration appointment. You can register online via the DIFC Virtual Registry (video conference) or in person at the DIFC Courts building in Dubai.
Step 4: Sign and Register. Sign your will in the presence of two witnesses. Your will is registered with the DIFC Courts and the original is stored securely.
Step 5: Receive Certified Copy. You receive a certified copy of your registered will for your records.
DIFC Registration Costs
| Item | Single Will | Mirror Wills |
|---|---|---|
| DIFC registration fee | AED 10,000 | AED 15,000 |
| Legal drafting fee | AED 3,000–6,000 | AED 5,000–10,000 |
| Total | AED 13,000–16,000 | AED 21,000+ |
DIFC Timeline
The process typically takes 2–4 weeks from initial engagement with your legal practitioner to final registration.
Cost Comparison: All Registration Options
| Factor | ADJD (with blanket.ae) | DIFC Courts | Typical Law Firm + ADJD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration fee | AED 950 / AED 1,900 | AED 10,000+ / AED 15,000+ | AED 950 / AED 1,900 |
| Drafting fee | From AED 799 / AED 1,299 | AED 3,000–6,000 | AED 3,000–6,000 |
| Total | From AED 1,749 / AED 3,199 | AED 13,000–21,000+ | AED 4,000–8,000 |
| Online process | Yes — fully online | Online or in-person | Typically in-person |
| Arabic translation | Included | Not required | Extra cost |
| Updates | Free (first 12 months) | New registration required | Per amendment fee |
Documents Required
For ADJD Registration
- Valid passport (copy)
- Emirates ID (copy)
- Title deed number (if including property)
- Signed will in English and Arabic
For DIFC Registration
- Valid passport (copy)
- Emirates ID (copy)
- Will drafted by DIFC-registered practitioner (English)
- Two witnesses present at signing
How blanket.ae Simplifies Registration
blanket.ae handles the entire ADJD will process from drafting to registration support:
- Guided online drafting — Answer questions about your assets, beneficiaries, and guardianship preferences. Under 30 minutes, no legal jargon.
- Arabic translation included — Your will is translated by a licensed translator at no extra cost.
- Registration support — We guide you through the ADJD portal submission and the notary video appointment.
- Free updates — Change your will as often as needed in the first 12 months at no additional cost.
Register your will from AED 1,749
Start Your WillFrequently Asked Questions
How do I register a will in Dubai?
The simplest option is ADJD registration: draft your will (blanket.ae takes under 30 minutes), gather your passport and Emirates ID, submit through the ADJD online portal, and complete a notary video appointment. Total cost from AED 1,749 with blanket.ae.
What documents do I need to register a will in Dubai?
For ADJD registration: a valid passport, Emirates ID, and your signed will in English and Arabic. If including property, you need your title deed number. For DIFC registration: passport, Emirates ID, and a will drafted by a DIFC-registered legal practitioner.
How much does will registration cost in Dubai?
ADJD registration costs AED 950 (single) or AED 1,900 (mirror wills). DIFC registration costs AED 10,000+ (single) or AED 15,000+ (mirror wills). Drafting fees are separate: blanket.ae starts from AED 799 for ADJD, while DIFC requires a lawyer at AED 3,000–6,000.
How long does will registration take in Dubai?
ADJD issues initial approval within 1–2 business days, with a notary video appointment scheduled to finalise. DIFC registration takes 2–4 weeks including legal drafting and the registration appointment.
Do I need a lawyer to register a will in Dubai?
Not for ADJD registration — blanket.ae provides a lawyer-designed guided process that requires no legal consultation. For DIFC registration, hiring a DIFC-registered legal practitioner is not mandatory but is highly recommended, especially for complex estates.
Can I register a will in Dubai online?
Yes. ADJD registration is fully online through the ADJD e-services portal. DIFC also offers online registration through its Virtual Registry (video conference). With blanket.ae, the entire ADJD process can be completed from home.