DIFC vs ADJD Will: Costs, Differences, and Which to Choose?

A DIFC vs ADJD Will differs mainly in cost, eligibility, and legal framework. A single DIFC Will costs AED 10,000 in government fees, is open only to non-Muslims, and follows an English common law framework. In contrast, a single ADJD Will costs AED 950, is open to both Muslim and non-Muslim expats, and follows the UAE Civil Law framework.

Therefore, DIFC suits non-Muslims with complex estates, while ADJD suits those who want a lower-cost, simpler route.

Key Takeaways

• DIFC Wills are for non-Muslims only, whereas ADJD Wills are open to Muslim and non-Muslim expats.
• A single DIFC Will costs AED 10,000 in government fees, while a single ADJD Will costs AED 950.
• DIFC follows English common law, while ADJD follows the UAE civil law framework.
• DIFC Wills are in English, but ADJD Wills must be registered in English and Arabic.
• DIFC suits non-Muslims with complex estates, while ADJD suits those who want a lower-cost, simpler route.

DIFC vs ADJD Will: A Side-by-Side Comparison

The DIFC vs ADJD Will comparison below highlights the key differences in eligibility, legal framework, fees, language requirements, and estate coverage.

Note: These are government registration fees for the respective Will options. Drafting, translation, and legal assistance may incur additional charges.

What Is a DIFC Will in the UAE?

A DIFC Will is a legally binding will registered with the DIFC Courts Wills Service Centre. It is open to non-Muslim expats and residents who want to control how their UAE assets pass on after death. A DIFC Will lets you name beneficiaries, appoint executors, nominate guardians, and include certain overseas assets, subject to local law.

Types of DIFC Wills

The DIFC Courts Wills Service provides five main Will options:

Therefore, you can match your DIFC Will to the assets you actually hold, whether that is property, bank accounts, company shares, or your whole estate.

What Is an ADJD Will in the UAE?

An ADJD Will is a civil will registered through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. It is open to Muslim and non-Muslim expats, including Dubai residents. That makes it a practical route for anyone who needs a will in Dubai without paying higher court fees.

Key features of ADJD Wills include:

• Eligibility: Available to both Muslim and non-Muslim expatriates who meet the registration requirements.
• Language: Requires the Will to be prepared in both English and Arabic.
• Will types: Offers single Wills and Mirror Wills for individuals and couples.
• Asset coverage: Allows you to specify how your UAE assets should be distributed, including property and financial assets.
• Remote registration: The process can be completed through a video-call appointment, without requiring an in-person visit to Abu Dhabi.
• Registration fees: A single ADJD Will costs AED 950, while Mirror Wills cost AED 1,900.

The ADJD Will registration process provides an alternative to the DIFC Wills Registry, particularly for eligible individuals who prefer a civil law framework and lower registration fees.

Legal Framework Governing DIFC and ADJD Wills

DIFC Wills follow Dubai law, whereas ADJD Wills follow Abu Dhabi’s civil law framework.

• DIFC: Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017 regulates wills and probate for non-Muslims registered through the DIFC Courts, under English common law. These wills are registered with the DIFC Courts Wills Service and administered through the DIFC Courts.
• ADJD: Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 regulates civil wills and inheritance in Abu Dhabi, under the UAE’s civil law framework. These wills are registered through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and are open to both Muslim and non-Muslim expats.

In practice, a DIFC Will follows English common law and the DIFC Courts probate process. In contrast, an ADJD Will follows the UAE civil law framework and its own court procedure.

This matters because the framework decides where your will is registered and which probate process your executor follows.

Key Differences Between DIFC and ADJD Wills

The key differences between a DIFC and ADJD Will are who can register, which language applies, how assets are covered, and which court handles probate.

1. Eligibility and Religious Considerations

DIFC Wills are for non-Muslims only, whereas ADJD Wills are open to Muslim and non-Muslim expats in the UAE.

• DIFC: Available to non-Muslims aged 18 and above who meet the registry’s eligibility requirements. Muslims are not eligible to register a DIFC Will.
• ADJD: Available to Muslim and non-Muslim expats across the UAE, including Dubai residents. It allows eligible individuals to specify how their assets should be distributed, rather than relying only on default Sharia inheritance rules.

2. Language and Translation Requirements

DIFC Wills are written in English, but ADJD Wills must be registered in both English and Arabic.

• DIFC: The will is prepared and registered in English under a common law framework. No Arabic translation step is needed.
• ADJD: An English draft must be accurately translated into Arabic before the application is submitted. Translation may be charged separately.

3. UAE and Overseas Asset Coverage

Both DIFC and ADJD Wills can cover UAE assets and include overseas assets. However, recognition and enforcement in another country depend on its local laws.

• DIFC: Offers five Will types to suit different estate-planning needs. For example, a Property Will covers up to five UAE properties, while a Full Will can cover movable and immovable assets, including worldwide assets.
• ADJD: A Single or Mirror Will can cover UAE properties, bank accounts, company shares, vehicles and other personal assets. The Will can specify how these assets should be distributed among your chosen beneficiaries.

4. Executors and Guardianship Provisions

Both routes let you appoint executors and name guardians, but DIFC adds a dedicated Guardianship Will.

• DIFC: You can appoint executors to administer your estate and nominate temporary or permanent guardians through a Guardianship Will or Full Will.
• ADJD: You can name an executor to handle your estate and include your wishes for your beneficiaries. Couples can also register Mirror Wills to record their respective wishes for asset distribution.

5. Registration and Probate Procedures

DIFC wills are registered and probated through the DIFC Courts, whereas ADJD wills are registered and administered through ADJD.

• DIFC: Will registration starts with an appointment at the DIFC Wills Registry, either in person or remotely, with two witnesses present. The DIFC Courts handle probate after the testator’s death.
• ADJD: Wills are registered online and notarised through a video-call appointment. Probate and estate matters are also handled through ADJD.

DIFC vs ADJD Will Cost: How Much Does Registration Cost?

An ADJD (Abu Dhabi Judicial Department) Will is far cheaper, with a Single Will costing AED 950 in government fees, while a single DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) Full Will costs AED 10,000.

Before proceeding with Will registration in the UAE, keep these additional costs in mind:

• Government fees: The amounts in the table cover the standard registration fees charged by each authority.
• Translation costs: ADJD Wills require English and Arabic versions, which may involve extra translation fees.
• Will amendments: Changes or re-registration may incur additional fees.
• Additional services: Drafting, legal advice, and registration assistance may cost extra.
• Probate fees: Executors may need to pay separate court fees when applying for probate.

For guidance on choosing the right route, speak to a MakemyWill legal consultant. Our team will explain the requirements, costs, and registration process for both DIFC and ADJD Wills.

How to Register a Will Through DIFC or ADJD

Registering a Will through DIFC or ADJD involves different application, documentation, and notarization requirements. Here is how the process works for each authority.

How to Register a DIFC Will

The general DIFC Will registration process involves these steps:

1. List your assets: Identify the UAE and overseas assets you want your Will to cover, including property, bank accounts, investments, and business interests.
2. Select a Will type: Choose the appropriate option based on your estate, family circumstances, and the coverage you need.
3. Arrange legal drafting: Work with a qualified legal practitioner to prepare your Will in line with the DIFC Courts Wills and Probate Registry Rules.
4. Finalise your instructions: Clearly state how you want your assets distributed and identify your chosen beneficiaries, executors and guardians, where applicable.
5. Book your registration appointment: Submit the required documents and arrange an appointment with the DIFC Wills Registry.
6. Complete the registration: Attend the signing appointment with two witnesses and fulfil the registry’s verification requirements.

Once registration is complete, you will receive your registered DIFC Will. Keep a copy safely and ensure your executor knows where to find it.

How to Register an ADJD Will

The ADJD Will registration process generally involves:

1. Identify your estate details: List your assets, beneficiaries, and chosen executor. Include guardianship instructions if you have minor children.
2. Prepare your Will: Have the document drafted by licensed lawyers according to your wishes and ADJD requirements, with the necessary English and Arabic versions.
3. Submit your application: The completed Will and supporting documents will be sent to ADJD for review.
4. Complete the review and payment: You’ll be asked to address any corrections or provide missing information, then pay the applicable ADJD Will registration fee after approval.
5. Attend the video appointment: Complete identity verification and confirm your intention to register the Will during the remote notarization session.
6. Receive your registered Will: Keep the certified document safely and review it whenever your family or financial circumstances change.

A well-drafted Will makes registration smoother and helps ensure your wishes are properly recorded. MakemyWill can guide you through every step of DIFC or ADJD Will registration, from drafting to the final appointment.

Which Will Registration Option Is Better for Your Estate: DIFC or ADJD?

Neither option is automatically better for everyone. The right choice depends on your eligibility, budget, religion, asset structure, and preferred legal framework.

Choose DIFC if you:

• Are a non-Muslim and meet the DIFC registration requirements.
• Prefer an English-language Will under an English common law framework.
• Want to select from different Will categories based on your estate.
• Have UAE and overseas assets that you want to address through a Full Will.

An ADJD Will may be more suitable if you:

• Are a Muslim or a non-Muslim non-UAE national.
• Prefer a more affordable government registration option.
• Want to register a civil Will through Abu Dhabi.
• Are comfortable with the English and Arabic documentation requirements.

Register Your DIFC or ADJD Will with MakemyWill

MakemyWill prepares a UAE Will for expatriates under either registry. Our team handles drafting, translation, and will registration in Dubai and across the UAE, so you can choose between a DIFC vs ADJD Will with clear advice.

We also guide you through the registration requirements, documentation, and appointment process to help ensure everything is in order. Contact us for a free consultation.