Who can register a will through the ADGM Wills Registry?

The ADGM Wills Registry is available exclusively to non-Muslims of any nationality. There is no restriction by country of origin - non-Muslims holding assets or residing in the UAE can use the registry. Muslims wishing to formalise their estate wishes in the UAE should seek guidance on Sharia-compliant will options and consult a qualified legal adviser.

What does an ADGM will cover?

An ADGM Full Will covers all movable and immovable assets held in the UAE, as well as guardianship provisions for minor children under the age of 21. An ADGM Guardian Will is limited to guardianship provisions for minors under 21 and does not address asset distribution. Consult a legal adviser to determine which type suits your circumstances.

How much does an ADGM will cost?

ADGM wills start from AED 4,000. Fees payable to the ADJD are due at the time of the notary appointment, while ADGM Courts fees are paid separately via a payment link sent by email. Always verify current fees directly with ADGM before proceeding, as these figures can change.

Does my ADGM will cover assets I hold outside the UAE?

No. A UAE-registered will governs assets held within the UAE. Assets in other jurisdictions - such as property, bank accounts, or investments in your home country or other GCC states - may require separate legal instruments or probate processes in those countries. Consult a qualified cross-border legal adviser to address your full asset picture.

Is a DIFC will the same as an ADGM will?

No. The DIFC Courts Wills Service and the ADGM Wills Registry are separate systems operating under different legal frameworks and in different emirates. Both are available to non-Muslims holding UAE assets, but they have different procedures, fee structures, and institutional arrangements. This guide does not recommend one over the other. Consult a qualified legal adviser to determine which registry - or combination of registries - is appropriate for your situation.

I am a British national living in the UAE. Does UK inheritance tax still apply to me?

Potentially, yes. HMRC's inheritance tax rules are linked to domicile, not just residency. A UK-domiciled individual may remain subject to UK inheritance tax on worldwide assets even after years of UAE residency. Domicile under UK law is a distinct legal concept from tax residency. This is not tax advice - consult a qualified UK tax adviser and refer to HMRC's published guidance on domicile and inheritance tax for your specific situation.

ADGM Wills for Expats

For non-Muslim expatriates holding assets in the UAE, dying without a registered will can expose an estate to prolonged legal proceedings and outcomes that may differ significantly from the deceased's intentions. The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Wills Registry is one of several formal mechanisms available in the UAE for non-Muslims to record testamentary wishes in a legally recognised framework. This guide sets out how the ADGM Wills Registry works, who it covers, what it costs, and how it sits alongside other UAE will registration options - consult a qualified legal adviser before proceeding with any filing.

Key takeaways

-The ADGM Wills Registry is available exclusively to non-Muslims of any nationality who reside in or hold assets in the UAE.
-ADGM offers two distinct will types: a Full Will covering all movable and immovable assets, and a Guardian Will covering guardianship of minors under 21.
-Fees for ADGM wills start from AED 4,000, payable at the time of the appointment with the Notary Public.
-ADGM wills must be in bilingual format (Arabic and English) certified by a legal translator licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice.
-The ADGM Wills Registry works in conjunction with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), which licenses the Notary to attest and notarise wills.
-Expats with assets across multiple emirates or jurisdictions should consult a cross-border legal adviser, as other will registries - including DIFC and ADJD - may also be relevant.

What Is the ADGM Wills Registry?

The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is an international financial centre located on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. Within its legal infrastructure, ADGM operates a Wills Registry designed specifically for non-Muslim residents and asset holders in the UAE. The registry allows expatriates to document and formalise how their assets should be distributed upon death, according to their own wishes rather than by default under another legal framework.

The ADGM Wills Registry works in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD). It is the ADJD that licenses the Notary Public to attest and notarise wills submitted through the ADGM system. This institutional arrangement means that wills registered through ADGM carry formal recognition within the Abu Dhabi judicial system.

Eligibility is restricted to non-Muslims. There is no nationality restriction - non-Muslims of any nationality, including Indian nationals and other expatriate communities, can use the ADGM Wills Registry. The registry covers assets that are movable and immovable and held within the UAE.

The Two Types of ADGM Will

ADGM offers two distinct will products. The first is the Full Will, which covers all assets - both movable (such as bank accounts, investments, and personal property) and immovable (such as real estate) - as well as guardianship provisions for minor children under the age of 21. The second is the Guardian Will, which is limited in scope to the appointment of guardians for minors below the age of 21 and does not address asset distribution.

Choosing between a Full Will and a Guardian Will depends on the individual's circumstances and what they want to protect. A parent with young children and significant UAE-based assets may require both functions, which the Full Will addresses in a single document. A person whose primary concern is ensuring a named guardian for their children - perhaps because their assets are held elsewhere - may find the Guardian Will sufficient for that specific purpose.

It is worth noting that guardianship provisions and asset distribution are legally distinct matters. The way courts interpret and enforce these provisions can depend on the specifics of the registered document and the jurisdiction involved. Consult a qualified legal adviser to determine which will type is appropriate for your situation.

ADGM, DIFC, and ADJD: Understanding the UAE Will Registry Landscape

The UAE has several will registration mechanisms available to non-Muslim expatriates. Beyond the ADGM Wills Registry, the two other principal options are the DIFC Courts Wills Service (based in Dubai) and the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) Wills service. Each operates under its own legal framework and has its own coverage, eligibility criteria, and fee structure.

The DIFC Courts Wills Service is available to non-Muslims residing in the UAE who hold property or assets - movable and immovable - in the UAE. The ADJD offers its own wills service operating under Abu Dhabi's civil law framework. The ADGM sits alongside these options, specifically serving non-Muslims who wish to operate within the ADGM's common law-influenced framework and the ADJD's notarisation process.

This guide does not recommend one registry over another. The right choice for any individual depends on the location of their assets, their country of domicile, existing cross-border legal arrangements, and personal circumstances. Consult a qualified cross-border legal adviser before deciding which registry - or combination of registries - is appropriate.

Document Requirements for an ADGM Will

ADGM sets specific formal requirements for wills submitted to its registry. The will must be prepared in a bilingual format - both Arabic and English - and the translation must be certified by a legal translator who is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice. This is a mandatory requirement, not an optional formality.

The will must include specific personal information about the Testator. According to the ADGM Courts Notary Public information, this includes the Testator's name as stated in their official identification documents, along with other identifying details. You should check the ADGM Courts website directly for the current and complete list of required fields, as requirements can be updated.

Fees payable to the ADJD are due at the time of the appointment with the Notary Public. ADGM Courts' fees are paid separately, and a payment link is provided via email. ADGM wills start from AED 4,000. Always verify current fee schedules directly with ADGM before booking an appointment, as fees are subject to change.

Wills Alongside Trusts and Foundations

A registered will is one component of an estate plan, not a complete solution on its own. Expatriates with complex asset structures - such as business interests, investments across multiple jurisdictions, or significant UAE real estate holdings - may also consider structures such as trusts or foundations as complementary tools for asset protection and succession planning.

Trusts and foundations can be used in conjunction with a registered will to protect business interests and manage the distribution of assets across borders. The legal and tax implications of these structures vary significantly depending on the laws of the countries involved, particularly the expatriate's country of citizenship, tax residency, and any double taxation treaties in force.

This article does not provide guidance on whether a trust or foundation is appropriate for your circumstances. These are complex legal and tax structures requiring specialist cross-border advice. Consult a qualified adviser before establishing any such arrangement.

Cross-Border Considerations for Expat Estates

A UAE-registered will - whether through ADGM, DIFC, or ADJD - governs assets held within the UAE. It does not automatically govern assets held in other jurisdictions. Expatriates who also hold assets in their home country, in other GCC states, or in third countries should be aware that separate legal instruments or probate processes may be required in those jurisdictions.

For British nationals, HMRC's rules on domicile continue to apply regardless of UAE residency. A UK-domiciled individual may remain subject to UK inheritance tax on worldwide assets even if they have lived in the UAE for many years. The concept of domicile under UK law is distinct from tax residency. Consult a qualified UK tax adviser and refer to HMRC's published guidance on domicile and inheritance tax if this applies to you.

For US nationals, the IRS taxes US citizens on worldwide income and estates regardless of where they live. US estate tax rules apply to global assets above the applicable exemption threshold. US expatriates in the UAE should consult a qualified US tax adviser with cross-border expertise. Similarly, expatriates from other countries should verify the inheritance and estate tax rules of their home jurisdiction with a qualified adviser in that country.

Returning expatriates should also take estate planning into account. Re-establishing tax residency in a home country can change the tax treatment of an estate significantly. If you are planning to leave the UAE and return to your home country, review your will registrations and overall estate plan with a qualified adviser before relocating.

The Registration Process: Key Steps

The process for registering a will through ADGM involves engaging a legal adviser or notary-approved drafter to prepare the document in the required bilingual format, obtaining certified translation from a UAE Ministry of Justice licensed translator, and then booking an appointment with the ADGM Notary Public.

At the appointment, the Testator appears before the ADGM Notary Public, who is licensed by the ADJD to attest and notarise the will. ADJD fees are paid at the appointment. ADGM Courts fees are paid separately via a link sent by email ahead of the appointment. Once the process is complete, the will is registered in the ADGM Wills Registry.

For step-by-step procedural details, appointment booking, and the current full list of required documents, consult the official ADGM Courts Notary Public page directly. Procedures and fees can change, and the official source takes precedence over any third-party summary including this guide. Always consult a qualified legal adviser before initiating the process.

Frequently asked questions

Who can register a will through the ADGM Wills Registry?: The ADGM Wills Registry is available exclusively to non-Muslims of any nationality. There is no restriction by country of origin - non-Muslims holding assets or residing in the UAE can use the registry. Muslims wishing to formalise their estate wishes in the UAE should seek guidance on Sharia-compliant will options and consult a qualified legal adviser.
What does an ADGM will cover?: An ADGM Full Will covers all movable and immovable assets held in the UAE, as well as guardianship provisions for minor children under the age of 21. An ADGM Guardian Will is limited to guardianship provisions for minors under 21 and does not address asset distribution. Consult a legal adviser to determine which type suits your circumstances.
How much does an ADGM will cost?: ADGM wills start from AED 4,000. Fees payable to the ADJD are due at the time of the notary appointment, while ADGM Courts fees are paid separately via a payment link sent by email. Always verify current fees directly with ADGM before proceeding, as these figures can change.
Does my ADGM will cover assets I hold outside the UAE?: No. A UAE-registered will governs assets held within the UAE. Assets in other jurisdictions - such as property, bank accounts, or investments in your home country or other GCC states - may require separate legal instruments or probate processes in those countries. Consult a qualified cross-border legal adviser to address your full asset picture.
What language must an ADGM will be written in?: ADGM requires the will to be in a bilingual format - both Arabic and English. The translation must be certified by a legal translator who is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice. This is a mandatory formal requirement. Check the official ADGM Courts website for the current and complete document specifications.
Is a DIFC will the same as an ADGM will?: No. The DIFC Courts Wills Service and the ADGM Wills Registry are separate systems operating under different legal frameworks and in different emirates. Both are available to non-Muslims holding UAE assets, but they have different procedures, fee structures, and institutional arrangements. This guide does not recommend one over the other. Consult a qualified legal adviser to determine which registry - or combination of registries - is appropriate for your situation.
I am a British national living in the UAE. Does UK inheritance tax still apply to me?: Potentially, yes. HMRC's inheritance tax rules are linked to domicile, not just residency. A UK-domiciled individual may remain subject to UK inheritance tax on worldwide assets even after years of UAE residency. Domicile under UK law is a distinct legal concept from tax residency. This is not tax advice - consult a qualified UK tax adviser and refer to HMRC's published guidance on domicile and inheritance tax for your specific situation.