Wills & Probate in the UAE

Relevant for expatriates, founders, investors, property owners, and families with assets or personal ties in the UAE.

Useful when you want more certainty around inheritance, guardianship, succession planning, or the treatment of UAE-based assets.

The right solution depends on your family situation, nationality, residence, asset profile, and the jurisdictions connected to your estate.

Need clarity on wills or succession in the UAE?

Tell us what assets, family circumstances, or cross-border issues are involved. We will help you understand what should be planned and why.

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How we approach wills and probate planning

1

Personal & Asset Review

We review your family situation, nationality, residence status, and the types of assets or ownership interests involved in the UAE and beyond.

2

Succession Risk Assessment

We identify where uncertainty may arise around inheritance, control, guardianship, probate process, or the treatment of specific UAE assets.

3

Planning Route Selection

We help determine whether a will, a broader succession structure, or a combination of planning tools is the most appropriate route.

4

Document Coordination

We support the preparation and coordination of the relevant documents and help align them with the wider legal and practical context.

5

Practical Implementation

We help ensure that the planning is not only formally completed, but also consistent with ownership records, family logic, and real-world administration.

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Frequently asked questions

Why should expatriates in the UAE think about a will?

Because assets located in the UAE, and family arrangements connected to the UAE, can create uncertainty if succession planning has not been addressed clearly. A will can help reduce ambiguity and improve administrative certainty.

Is a foreign will always enough for UAE assets?

Not necessarily. Whether a foreign will is suitable depends on the assets involved, the jurisdictions connected to the estate, and how the succession process may need to work in practice.

What kinds of assets are relevant for UAE succession planning?

Common examples include real estate, company shares, bank accounts, business interests, and other property or rights located or administered in the UAE.

Can wills and probate planning matter for business owners too?

Yes. Founders and shareholders often need to think not only about family inheritance, but also about business continuity, control, ownership transfer, and what happens to company interests if a key person dies unexpectedly.

What is probate in the UAE context?

Probate generally refers to the legal and administrative process through which a deceased person’s estate is recognised, processed, and transferred. The practical route depends on the assets, documents, family circumstances, and legal framework involved.

When should I address wills and probate planning?

Earlier than most people think. These issues are easiest to resolve before there is urgency, dispute, or cross-border administrative pressure. Planning ahead usually gives more flexibility and clearer outcomes.

Marsel Shadmanov

«Anyone can open a licence. We focus on whether the structure still works in a year.»

Marsel Shadmanov, Head of Corporate Services at Garant Business Consultancy DMCC

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