Planning your estate may not be the easiest conversation to have or task to accomplish. Nevertheless, it is still the most meaningful thing you can do for your family. For many expats and long-term residents of the UAE, it all boils down to one key question: How long does it actually take to register a Will in the Dubai Courts?
The good news? The process is far simpler than most people expect. Irrespective of whether you choose the Dubai Courts route or the DIFC Wills channel, both options provide you with clear, structured steps. Knowing the timeline not only aids in your preparation but also guarantees the honouring and following of your wishes, as you had intended.
It is important to note that the Dubai Courts Will process applies specifically to non-Muslim individuals as Muslim residents follow different inheritance provisions as per UAE law.
Below is a timeline that takes you through the process of registering a Will in the Dubai Courts.
1. Drafting of the Will (1-5 working days)
The process starts with a carefully drafted document. Most individuals who want to draft Wills in Dubai begin this phase with a lawyer or a trusted professional. At this stage, you will need to:
- Clarify how you wish to distribute your assets
- Identify guardians for minor children
- Outline any other specific or special instructions to executors
Depending on the complexity of your assets, which may range from properties, assets, bank accounts and offshore holdings, drafting a Will could take just a day or stretch across a week. Well-prepared documentation and timely communication often speed things up.
2. Review of the draft (1-3 working days)
Once the draft is ready, it goes through a careful review. This is where you confirm that every detail truly reflects your intentions. It is quite common to make amendments at this stage, ranging from beneficiary updates and guardianship clauses to asset descriptions. Most professionals working with Wills in the UAE encourage a thorough review here, as even minor inconsistencies can slow down the next steps. After you approve the document, the Will is prepared in its final bilingual format (English and Arabic) as required by Dubai Courts.
3. Document Submission (1-2 working days)
Before making an appointment for your registration, you need to make sure you have the following required documents for Wills in UAE.
- Passport and Emirates ID copies
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Birth Certificate for minors (if applicable)
- Proof of asset ownership (for real estate and other listed assets)
- UAE residence visa copy
Taking the time out to have everything ready in advance ensures that there are no delays.
4. Getting an appointment for a Dubai Courts registration (typically 3-7 working days)
Dubai Courts appointments are generally available within a week, though you may find quicker options of availability during certain non-peak periods. In many cases, e-notary slots may be available. Your drafting service or legal representative usually books this for you, and you should receive a confirmation of the date, time and location.
5. Attending the Wills registration appointment (Same day)
On the day of your Dubai Courts Will registration appointment, you will need to present your original ID documents and review your Will on the system. You will then need to provide your signature in the presence of a notary public. The procedure typically takes around 30-60 minutes. Once notarized, your Will becomes an officially registered document, recognized by the Dubai Courts and enforceable under applicable UAE laws.
6. Receiving a registered Will (Within 24 hours)
Once the notary finalizes your registration, a digital copy of your certified Will is made available through the Dubai Courts system and accessible via your UAE Pass account or emailed to you. In some cases, you may also receive a printed and stamped copy. From this point forward, your Will is legally valid and ready to be executed when required.
Typical total timeline: 6-12 working days
Based on the minimum and maximum durations listed in the steps above, the overall process usually takes 7-14 working days. From drafting a Will to final notarization, most individuals are able to complete the process of making a Will within two weeks. However, it should be noted that timelines may extend in the case of more complicated estates. Delays in the submission of documents on the part of the individual may also cause the timeline to extend.
The Importance of Understanding the Timeline
Many residents only realize the importance of having a registered Will when they experience delays or complications involving someone close to them. Familiarizing yourself with the timelines helps you plan before major life events and changes and avoid last-minute stress related to unexpected events. For many families preparing Wills in Dubai, the peace of mind that comes after registration is often the biggest relief.
The Role of Professional Support
While you can technically draft a Will on your own, the truth of the matter is that, between the legal language and other formalities, it can get overwhelming. Working with a professional is an easy way to ensure that your Will is:
- Accurately drafted and meets the guidelines provided by the Dubai Courts
- Formatted and translated properly in English and Arabic
Most importantly, it ensures that your Will reflects your intentions with clarity, which is something that becomes invaluable for your loved ones.
