Wills and inheritance for Dubai property

Why Dubai owners need to think about succession

Property is often the largest asset an expatriate holds in the UAE. If an owner dies without arrangements that UAE authorities will recognise, the family may need to go through a court process to establish heirs and transfer the property. During that time, the property may be difficult to sell, rent out or refinance, and joint bank accounts used for mortgage payments may be affected.

Outcomes can also differ from what the owner intended. Which rules apply depends on factors such as the owner's religion, nationality and any will registered in the UAE. We cannot advise on your position; a qualified lawyer can.

Will a will from my home country work?

A will made abroad may help, but relying on it alone can lead to delays. It may need to be translated, attested and accepted by a UAE court before it can be acted upon. Many owners keep their home-country will for assets abroad and register a separate UAE will for UAE assets, making sure the two documents do not contradict each other. Your lawyers should coordinate this.

Options in Dubai

DIFC Courts wills service

The DIFC Courts operate a wills service that non-Muslim individuals can use to register wills covering assets in Dubai and, in some cases, the wider UAE. It is a common choice for expatriate property owners. Check eligibility, will types and current fees directly with DIFC Courts.

Dubai courts and notaries

Non-Muslim residents also have options through the Dubai courts and notary public system, and UAE federal law on civil personal status for non-Muslims has expanded choices in recent years. Ask your lawyer which route suits your assets and family.

Muslim owners

Succession for Muslim owners generally follows Islamic inheritance principles. A lawyer or the relevant court can explain how this applies to your property.

Points to discuss with your lawyer

• Who should inherit the property, and in what shares.
• Guardianship for minor children, which is often as important as the property itself.
• How a mortgage on the property will be handled.
• Whether a co-owner's share is covered by their own will.
• Executors who are able to act in the UAE.
• How the UAE will interacts with any will in another country.

If you co-own, read our joint ownership guide. If you are buying through a company or holding structure, raise succession at the same time.

Practical record-keeping

Keep a simple file your family can find: title deed or Oqood, mortgage details, service-charge account on Mollak, tenancy contract and Ejari, DEWA account, insurance policy and your property manager's contact details. Our guide to title deeds and Oqood explains which document you hold.

If you let the property, a property manager for overseas landlords can keep rent, maintenance and renewals running while legal matters are resolved.