DIFC Will Experts
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Will Service Centre
80% of the UAE population consists of expatriates, majorly living in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. DIFC Wills formation gives certainty to the expatriates that are in UAE as well as internationally where they are allowed to pass on their assets to the beneficiaries of their choice.
The establishment of the DIFC Courts Wills and Probate Registry has given confidence, clarity, and freedom to testate to non-Muslims residing in the United Arab Emirates. A DIFC Will does not require that a testator complies with the forced heirship rules of Sharia Law and a testator can easily transfer the assets to anyone they wish upon their death.
Reasons for Getting a DIFC Will
- DIFC Wills are governed by DIFC Law which is the common law of England and Wales. It falls outside of Sharia law;
- DIFC Wills provide legal certainty for gifts on death and appointment of Guardians to children;
- DIFC Wills are written in English and are not translated;
- DIFC Wills are written by our expert lawyers and are registered before the Registrar. They do not require to be notarised;
- DIFC Wills are registered during your lifetime and there is certainty the Will has been correctly written and executed;
- You can register a Will pertaining to a specific type of asset, provide for Guardians to your children, or write a full Will covering your worldwide estate;
- On death, there is no requirement to present the Will at Dubai Courts, probate is granted by the DIFC Courts in English;
Types of DIFC Will
There are different types of DIFC Wills that are discussed below;
Guardianship Will
This is the DIFC Will that is concerned only with the appointment of guardians for your children.
Property Will
This DIFC Will is only for real estate. In this Will, you will be allowed to select and choose beneficiaries for your properties.
Business Owners Will
This DIFC Will allows you to leave your shares in any free zone or UAE onshore company that is in the UAE. Offshore companies are not included.
Financial Assets Will
This DIFC Will allows you to select beneficiaries to receive the proceeds from your bank accounts or your share of a bank account. The accounts should be with a bank or broker registered in the UAE.
Full Will
This DIFC Will allows complete freedom to testate. You can include any specific gifts, complex provisions for beneficiaries, assets located outside the UAE and even appoint Guardians to children.
Requirements for Registering DIFC Will
There are certain requirements to register DIFC Will:
- You should have assets within the UAE;
- You should be a non-Muslim and must never have been a Muslim;
- You should be an adult over the age of 21 years ;
- You should reside in either the Emirate of Dubai or Ras al Khaimah;
Process for DIFC Will Registration
There is no longer any requirement to visit the DIFC Courts to register the DIFC Will. This can now be completed remotely from any location worldwide. The DIFC Will can be executed electronically on a video link through the DIFC Courts Portal. Your two witnesses shall also join the video link to witness the DIFC Will. We provide this service to you at no additional cost.
What is Probate Process
On death, the DIFC Court issues the Grant of Probate which allows the appointed Executors to administer the estate and make distributions according to the terms of the Will. The probate process is simple, efficient and in English.
How DIFC Wills Experts Can Help You…!
Our aim is to provide a cost efficient, superior service and proper advice. Our team consists of DIFC Wills Lawyers and practising Solicitors who are accustomed to providing targeted, succinct, international advice well beyond the borders of the UAE. We shall discuss your circumstances, advise what is possible within the bounds of the law, and provide a Will tailored to your specific requirements. We take the time to fully understand your circumstances and wishes. We believe this human touch provides significant advantage over an automated form.
Contact us for more information. You can easily make a virtual appointment with one of our lawyers by clicking here
Make an Appointment for Your DIFC Wills Preparation