If you are residing in Dubai, a city that attracts a large number of expatriates and locals, you might have considered the fate of your belongings after your death. The topic is certainly not the most pleasant one, but arranging a will drafting in Dubai is one of those wise moves that will definitely ease the burden on your family. From our experience of dealing with legal matters in Dubai, we can assure you that it is a simple process once you are aware of the fees involved. To be honest, it is not free but it is certainly cheaper than what you have been thinking, particularly with the recent changes in UAE law that have made the process more straightforward for non-Muslims.

Dubai has been in a position to enable the laws of their homeland to regulate the wills of non-residents by the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry. Now that the year 2026 is coming closer, things are even further to the same as they were after the adjustments of the year 2022. However, the total cost of the writing of a will does not leave insignificant because it comprises several various aspects such as lawyer fees, fees of a registry and some other minor costs. And we had better take a closer look and see.

Upfront Costs: Hiring Help for Your Will

Firstly, you require the service of a person who is a professional in the field of law. The UAE courts will not accept the DIY templates. An efficient law firm in Dubai will make the documents such that it will be Sharia-compliant where it has to or wholly under common law in the case of expats, thus avoid any conflict in future.

The will drafting services in Dubai are between AED 2,500 and AED 10,000 based on the intricacy of the case. Simple will of a man? On the lower end of the spectrum. Do you own other emirates mixed families, business or real estate? This is a cost increment because the consultants will take the calculation in consideration of the asset lists, witnesses and notarization.

The following is a brief description of what is affecting the price:

• Your assets: It includes UAE property listing, bank accounts, or guardians of children increments research time.
• Type of will: The international standards of DIFC (expats) are typically 20-30% higher than the local (Dubai Courts).
• Urgency: Rush jobs? Add 50% or more.

We recall one client who believed a quick online form would do the job. It was rejected, and they ended up spending twice the money to fix it.

*Pro tip: explore, but don’t rush towards the cheapest.

Government Fees: The official Sting

When the document is composed, it is high time that it is registered. As much as Dubai streamlines it, fee is inevitable in line with the Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022 regarding the Civil Personal Status of non-Muslims.

The registration and drafting package at the DIFC Wills Service Centre (preferred by the expats) is AED 10,000 and includes the worth of assets up to AED 1 million. Do you have other property besides that? Extra AED 100,000 will cost you AED 50. The other cost that will be incurred is that notarization will cost AED 250-500.

Dubai Courts route (light cases or more Muslim friendly) is not that serious: AED 500-1,000 to file, and AED 100-200 stamp.

Other bites:

• Translation: Non-Arabic will? AED 300-800 per page.
• Witnesses: Often included, but extras run AED 200 each.
• Copies: AED 50-100 per certified set.

Total for a basic expat will via DIFC? AED 12,000-15,000 inclusive of all. Locals possibly around AED 5,000. These are the 2025 September rates- official sites will contain the right rates that vary occasionally.

Hidden Costs That Sneak Up on You

Budget busters are hidden in the details. Consider storage, amendments, or probate after.

• Annual Storage: after being registered DIFC levies AED 1,000/year -peace of mind, right?
• Updates: Life changes (divorce, new kid)? Redraft for AED 2,000-5,000.
• Probate charges: When one passes on, the court charges 1-2 % of the value of the estate but registered will reduces the time taken in probate by cutting the executors expenses.

Taxes? Huge win inheritance is nonexistent in UAE. However, in other scenarios the home country rules can be applied in cases when the assets are located in offshore location.

The issue of unattended assets across different jurisdictions is a recurring concern for lawyers and legal consultants in Dubai. For example, a British citizen who owns a flat in the UK may fall under DIFC jurisdiction; however, in cases where a will is one-sided, the estate may be settled through two installment payments.

DIY vs. Professionals: Is it Worth it to Cut Corners?

Do you get tempted by the free applications? The UAE law (Article 17 of the Personal Status Law) also needs two witnesses and official attestation. In the event of a mistake, your will will be invalid, and Sharia distribution will follow (two-thirds to Islamic heirs, the rest of the will will be divided as per your wish in the event you specified it).

Professionals like legal consultants in Dubai control compliance and may provide advice about trusts or powers of attorney alongside. It may appear to be a costly attempt at first but saves a lot of conflicts.

Here's how the options stack up:

• DIY: AED 0-500 but it is very risky-the will you will write is likely to be invalidated and useless in court.
• Basic lawyer: AED 3,000-6,000 when there is minimal risk when you choose one experienced.
• Full DIFC service: AED 12,000 + but low risk as it is enforced by the court and is bulletproof.

Ongoing and Long-Term Expenses

A will is never in a “set it and forget it” kind of a thing. It should be reviewed after every five years or major life changes. Dubai lawyers also recommend making medical decisions through a living will alongside your main will-that will cost you an extra sum between AED 1,500 and 3,000.

In the case of businesses, nominate executors carefully; otherwise, this will cost the business AED 20,000 or more in legal suits.

Why Bother? Real Savings in the End

Concisely, the assets worth millions can be safeguarded by spending of AED 10000-20000 which go into the preparation of a will. Avoid it and your family could end up in family disputes, frozen bank accounts and drawn-out lawsuits that may eat up a tenth to even half of your wealth in attorney fees.

Ready to Get Your Will Sorted?

Then get your thinking to Alqada Claims Recovery Services. We are addressing the legal services of the UAE such as writing of wills, reclaiming of their claims, and consultancy-making it a hustle free affair in Dubai. Send us a message and we will complete your legacy without making it a pain.

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