Wills and Power of Attorney in the UAE: Registration, Costs, and Legal Options Explained

Planning for the future is not just about savings or investments, it is also about ensuring that your wishes are respected if you are unable to speak or act for yourself. In the UAE, Will registration and appointing a power of attorney are crucial legal steps for both residents and expatriates. This guide covers everything you need to know about Wills and power of attorney, including living Wills, local registration options, legal costs, and how to find trusted legal help near you.

What Is a Will and Why Is It Important in the UAE?

A Will is a legal document that outlines how your assets will be distributed after your death. In the UAE, particularly for expatriates, having a registered Will ensures your estate is handled according to your wishes, not default local laws, which is the Sharia Law in the UAE.

There are several types of Wills recognized in the country, and where you register them can significantly affect their legal standing. This is where the register of wills comes into play—an official record of registered documents, which helps prevent disputes among heirs.

Understanding Wills and Power of Attorney

While a Will addresses what happens after you pass away, a power of attorney (PoA) allows someone to make decisions on your behalf while you're still alive but incapacitated. Together, they form a complete estate planning package.

A living Will and power of attorney deal specifically with medical and end-of-life decisions.

Understanding the differences and benefits of each is crucial for long-term peace of mind.

Where to Register a Will in the UAE

There are multiple avenues to legally register a will in the UAE:

1. DIFC Wills

A DIFC Will is ideal for non-Muslim expatriates and allows you to distribute your UAE and overseas assets according to your preferences. The DIFC Wills Service Centre provides an English-language common law framework, making it highly accessible and expat-friendly.

2. Dubai Courts Will

The Dubai Courts Will system is an option if you want to register your will through the local Sharia-based judicial system. While it may be more cost-effective, it typically follows local inheritance laws, unless clearly overridden by your Will.

3. Abu Dhabi Court Will

In Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Court Will process has become more streamlined, particularly with the introduction of new laws allowing Muslim and non-Muslim expats to register Wills under civil law. This offers more flexibility for expat residents.

All three options connect back to the register of Wills, ensuring your document is stored in an official legal database.

Cost of Will and Power of Attorney in the UAE

The cost of Will and power of attorney services in the UAE can vary depending on the provider and the emirate. Here's a general breakdown:

• DIFC Will: AED 5,000–10,000 depending on the type (single or mirror will)

• Dubai/Abu Dhabi Courts Will: AED 2,000–4,000

• Power of Attorney: AED 1,000–3,000 depending on complexity and whether it's general or specific.

  
  

While these may seem like upfront costs, they can save your family significant legal headaches and financial losses in the future.

Finding a Will registration Lawyer Near You

If you're searching for a living Will lawyer near me, make sure to look for licensed professionals with expertise in UAE inheritance law.

Need a living Will attorney who understands both UAE regulations and international estate planning? At Chakra Legal and Corporate Services, we take care of your Will registration and PoA requirements from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create both a Will and power of attorney? Yes, and it’s highly recommended for full legal coverage in medical and financial matters.

Is a DIFC Will valid across the UAE? DIFC Wills are recognized within the UAE, and increasingly respected elsewhere due to legal reforms.

What happens if I don’t register my Will? Without Will registration, local Sharia law may be applied to asset distribution—even for non-Muslims.

Conclusion

Whether you are a long-time UAE resident or newly arrived expat, preparing your Will and power of attorney documents is one of the most responsible decisions you can make. From choosing between a DIFC Will, Abu Dhabi Courts or a Dubai Courts Will, to understanding the cost of a Will and power of attorney, the process doesn't have to be overwhelming.

Take action today—speak with us and register your documents with your local court or DIFC. Your future self—and your loved ones—will thank you.