The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) runs the most widely used civil will service in the UAE. You don't need to live in Abu Dhabi to use it, you don't need to visit a court, and the final step happens on a video call. This guide walks through the whole process in order.
Who can register a will with the ADJD
The ADJD's civil will service is open to residents who are not UAE nationals, whatever their religion. In practice you need:
- to be at least 21 years old
- a valid passport and Emirates ID (we ask for an Emirates ID with at least six months left, because registration can take a while and an expired ID holds things up)
- assets in the UAE, children here, or both
Dubai, Sharjah and Northern Emirates residents use the same process. A registered ADJD will is recognised across the UAE, although what happens to a particular asset later can depend on where that asset is held.
What the ADJD will looks like
An ADJD will is a bilingual document: English and Arabic side by side. The Arabic version must be a proper legal translation, not a machine translation, because it is the version the court works from. The will can cover:
- who inherits your UAE estate, or specific assets such as property, bank accounts, vehicles, company shares and digital assets
- who looks after your children if you die while they are minors
- who acts as executor to carry out your wishes
No witnesses are needed. The notary on the video call is what makes it official.
The process, step by step
- Gather your details. Names and passport details for everyone you plan to name: beneficiaries, guardians and executors. For specific assets, have the details to hand, such as a property's title deed or the last four digits of a bank account.
- Draft the will. The wording has to follow the format the ADJD accepts. A badly drafted will is the most common reason an application is sent back.
- Translate it into Arabic. A certified legal translator prepares the Arabic text so both languages say the same thing.
- Submit the application online. The draft, your ID documents and the application go to the ADJD's civil wills office.
- Registry review. The court checks the application and may ask questions or request corrections.
- Pay the court fee. Once the application is accepted, you pay the ADJD fee: AED 950 for a single will, or AED 1,900 for mirror wills for a couple.
- Attend the video appointment. A court notary confirms your identity and that you understand and agree with the will. It usually takes a few minutes.
- Receive your registered will. The ADJD issues the registered will electronically, and the court keeps the official record.
What it costs
There are two separate costs. The court fee is fixed by the ADJD and is the same whoever prepares your will. The preparation fee is what you pay for drafting, translation and handling the application.
| Cost | Single will | Mirror wills |
|---|---|---|
| ADJD court fee (paid to the court) | AED 950 | AED 1,900 |
| Emirates Wills fee (drafting, translation, support) | AED 699 | AED 1,099 |
Traditional law firms often charge several thousand dirhams for the same preparation work, usually billed separately from translation.
Common reasons an application is delayed
- names that don't match the passport exactly, including middle names
- a guardian or executor named without their passport details
- an Emirates ID that expires before the appointment
- percentages for beneficiaries that don't add up to 100
- assets described too vaguely for the court to identify them
Most of these are caught at the drafting stage if someone checks the details against your documents before submission.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register an ADJD will if I live in Dubai?
Yes. The process is online and ends with a video call, so it works the same wherever you live in the UAE.
Can a Muslim register a will with the ADJD?
The ADJD civil will service is open to non-UAE nationals regardless of religion. How the estate is treated later can still depend on your personal circumstances, so mention your situation when you give your instructions.
Do I need witnesses?
No. The court notary on the video appointment confirms the will, so no witnesses are needed.
Can I change my will after it's registered?
Yes. You can make a new will at any time. The new version has to be registered in the same way, with the court fee paid again.
What if the court rejects my application?
The court usually explains what needs to change. With Emirates Wills, if the rejection is caused by an error in our drafting or translation, we correct it at no cost.
This guide is general information about UAE wills, not legal advice for your situation. Court fees and procedures change, so check the current position with the court before relying on a figure. Emirates Wills is not a law firm.