Key takeaways
- The Dubai Courts Inheritance Court issues inheritance certificates confirming the legal heirs.
- Dubai Courts set up its first division for non-Muslim inheritance and wills in July 2023, under Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017.
- DIFC Courts registers wills for people aged 18 or over who aren't and have never been Muslim, with UAE assets or minor children living here.
- Without a will, DIFC Courts says the local courts' laws where the assets are located apply by default.
- DLD transfers inherited property for AED 1,000 per property plus an AED 250 title deed fee and smaller service fees.
If someone has died: the heirship route
- 1. Collect documents: the death certificate, the deceased's passport and Emirates ID, and the heirs' IDs and proof of relationship (marriage and birth certificates).
- 2. Attest foreign documents in the issuing country, at the UAE embassy there and by MOFA, and translate them into Arabic.
- 3. Apply to the Inheritance Court online through Dubai Courts for the inheritance certificate.
- 4. Use the certificate with banks, DLD and other holders of assets.
Dubai Media Office reported that in 2024 the Dubai Inheritance Court resolved 84% of inheritance and guardianship asset matters amicably, in an average of 24 days, and issued 1,407 inheritance certificates.
Non-Muslims: wills and the dedicated division
Dubai Courts established the first division for the inheritance of non-Muslims and the execution of their wills in July 2023, under Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017, which applies across the emirate including DIFC. It aims to let non-Muslims execute their wills under their personal laws.
DIFC Courts' Wills Service is open to people aged 18 or over who aren't and have never been Muslim and who own assets in the UAE or have minor children living with them here; UAE residency isn't required. Its options include a Full Will covering movable property and immovable property in a specified jurisdiction, a Property Will for up to five real estate properties, a Business Owners Will for up to five shareholdings, a Financial Assets Will for up to ten accounts, and a Guardianship Will for minor children.
| DIFC Courts will fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Modifying a will | AED 550 per will |
| Cancelling an appointment before registering (non-refundable) | AED 1,000 per will |
| Refund processing | AED 200 |
| Grant of probate | USD 1,500 |
What happens without a will
DIFC Courts says that without a registered will, the laws of the local courts in the emirate where the assets are located apply by default. Heirs then usually need the inheritance certificate before banks or DLD release assets. A licensed lawyer can advise whether a registered will suits you.
Transferring inherited property
Heirs apply to the Dubai Land Department for inheritance registration with the inheritance certificate or court declaration. DLD lists AED 1,000 per property, an AED 250 title deed fee and smaller service fees, with other charges for some transactions.
How we help
Global Sky PRO is not a law firm and doesn't give legal advice. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2022, representing clients before the courts is reserved for licensed advocates, apart from limited exceptions for close relatives. We organise documents, arrange attestation and legal translation, and type applications for you or your lawyer. See heirship certificate and death certificate paperwork.
Sources
- Dubai Media Office: Dubai Inheritance Court and its online services
- Dubai Media Office: Dubai Courts establishes first division for non-Muslim inheritance
- DIFC Courts: Wills FAQ
- Dubai Land Department: inheritance title transfer
- HCCH: Apostille Convention status table
Official sources checked on 7 November 2026. This guide explains published rules in plain English and is not legal or tax advice. Rules change; we check the current position for your case before you act.