ADJD Wills for UAE Property Owners
ADJD registration lets non-Muslim expatriates record their wishes for UAE property and other assets. This guide provides general information, not legal advice.
Updated October 2026 · 8 min read
Why UAE property needs its own succession plan
Property succession should be considered alongside ownership documents, family circumstances and debts. Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status, in force since 2023, provides civil default inheritance rules for non-Muslims. Without a registered Will, the applicable default rules may not match your wishes.
A registered Will lets you decide how you would like your estate to be distributed, subject to applicable rules and court procedures. Consult a licensed lawyer for advice on the rules that apply to your specific situation.
What an ADJD Will actually is
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) provides Will registration for any non-Muslim adult. Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 concerns civil marriage and personal status for non-Muslims in Abu Dhabi. It should not be read as a guarantee of a particular probate outcome.
A Will can record intended beneficiaries, an executor and preferred guardians for minor children. Guardian nominations are subject to applicable rules and the court’s consideration of the child’s welfare.
How an ADJD Will protects freehold property
Real estate anywhere in the Emirates
An ADJD Will can address real estate in the UAE. The relevant court determines succession entitlements, and the competent land department registers a transfer on the basis of the required documents and its procedures.
Administration and timing
Timelines vary case by case. A registered Will does not guarantee immediate access to an estate or a particular time for probate or property transfer.
Mortgaged property
A Will does not extinguish a mortgage. Lender requirements, estate debts and the relevant court procedures should be considered with a licensed lawyer before assuming how a mortgaged property will pass.
Eligibility and scope
The ADJD registration service is available to any non-Muslim adult, including non-residents with UAE assets. Confirm current document and application requirements for your circumstances.
Registration: how it works
Registration can be completed remotely by a video appointment with the ADJD. A translation may be required. The current language, document and appointment requirements should be checked for your application.
LEX Services assists with Will preparation and the registration process, including documents and appointment arrangements.
Costs
A Single Will is offered at 2,000 AED and Mirror Wills at 3,000 AED. The package scope includes preparation and registration support. Notarisation and translation included. Work outside the agreed scope is quoted separately.
Common pitfalls
Assuming a home-country Will is enough
A home-country Will may not address all procedures applicable to UAE real estate. Ask a lawyer licensed in the relevant jurisdictions to check its interaction with a proposed UAE Will.
Leaving guardianship out
Parents can record preferred guardians in their Will. Discuss the practical arrangements with the proposed guardians and seek licensed legal advice on the applicable rules; the court’s role is not removed by a nomination.
Forgetting to update
Review your wishes when your family circumstances or assets change. Any amendment, preparation or registration fees should be agreed separately before work begins.
Next steps
LEX Services offers a confidential first conversation by appointment, in person or by video call. We assist with preparing and registering Wills; for legal advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.