Yes, online wills are completely legal and enforceable in the UAE, provided they comply with the legal and procedural requirements set by official authorities such as the DIFC Wills Service Centre and the ADJD. These platforms ensure proper protocols are followed, including remote witnessing and electronic signatures, to guarantee the will’s validity.
What Is a Will?
A will is a legal document that allows individuals to specify how their assets should be distributed after their death. In the UAE, wills can be registered through the Dubai Courts or DIFC Courts. Having a will ensures control over asset distribution, legal guardianship of minor children, and clarity in inheritance matters. There are several types of wills available to suit the needs of residents and investors in the UAE.
Online Wills in the UAE
Previously, Property Wills, Business Owners Wills, and Financial Assets Wills were available for virtual registration through the DIFC. Now, Full Wills can also be registered online. The DIFC Courts’ system allows registration via video conferencing, enabling the testator and two witnesses to participate from different locations. The platform supports direct uploads of approved wills and electronic signatures, making the process seamless and entirely remote.
How to Make a Will in UAE
- Consult a Registered Legal Practitioner: Start by contacting a legal practitioner registered with the DIFC Courts. They will draft your will in compliance with UAE legal standards. This step is crucial—if your will doesn’t meet the required criteria, it won’t be considered valid or enforceable.
- Draft Your Will: This is the most detailed stage. You’ll need to:
- Identify your beneficiaries
- Appoint an executor
- Name a guardian for minor children
- Clearly specify how your assets should be distributed
- Book a Registration Appointment: Once the will is ready, you can book your registration appointment online or via the DIFC Wills mobile app (available on iOS and Android).
- Attend the Online Registration Hearing: The hearing is held virtually. You and two witnesses must attend. Be prepared with the following documents:
- Valid IDs of both witnesses
- Your unsigned draft will
- Your Emirates ID, passport, and proof of payment.
After reviewing the documents, all parties will electronically sign the will to finalize registration.
Why Is Having a Will Essential?
1. Control Over Asset Distribution
A will allows you to distribute your estate, bank accounts, and investments according to your wishes. It gives you full control over who inherits what.
2. Protecting Your Loved Ones
A properly drafted will ensure your loved ones and dependents receive the financial support and assets you intend to leave them, providing peace of mind for the future.
3. Avoiding Family Disputes
Having a will helps prevent family conflicts and secures the legal rights of beneficiaries. It reduces the risk of disputes and costly legal battles.
4. Appointing Guardians for Minor Children
If you have children under 21, your will allows you to appoint a guardian. Without a will, guardianship decisions may be made by the courts, which might not reflect your preferences.
5. Foreign Wills Are Difficult to Enforce
Wills made in your home country are not automatically enforceable in the UAE. Proving a foreign will locally is a complicated and time-consuming process. In the meantime, financial issues may arise, making it critical to have a UAE-registered will.
Who is eligible to have a will?
To create a legally binding will, you must be a non-Muslim and at least 21 years of age, because this is the legal age to make a will in the UAE. If you meet this criterion then we highly advise you to establish a will and our legal team guarantees to secure your assets and respect your preferences.
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