ADJD Wills in Abu Dhabi — Register Your Will with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department

Secure your family’s future with a legally registered ADJD will. Our team drafts, translates, and submits your will to the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department’s Non-Muslim Wills Office — fully online, with notary video verification, and valid across all seven emirates.

⚡ Quick Answer: What Is an ADJD Will?

An ADJD will is a will registered with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department under the UAE’s civil law framework (Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 and Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021). It allows non-Muslim expats (and, in practice, some non-GCC Muslim expats) to distribute their UAE assets according to their own wishes instead of default Sharia inheritance rules. The government fee is AED 950 for a single will and AED 1,900 for mirror wills, paid directly to the court. The process is witness-free and completed via the ADJD online portal plus a notary video appointment.

Why Choose ADJD

Why Register Your Will with ADJD?

ADJD has become the most popular will registry for expats prioritising cost, convenience, and federal coverage.

💰 Lowest Government Fee At AED 950 for a single will, ADJD is significantly cheaper than DIFC (AED 10,000) or Dubai Courts (~AED 2,167).
🌍 Valid Across All 7 Emirates ADJD-registered wills are recognised federally under FDL 41/2022, covering assets anywhere in the UAE.
🚫 No Witnesses Required Unlike DIFC, ADJD registration is witness-free. You only need your passport, Emirates ID, and a bilingual will.
📹 Fully Remote Process Submit documents online, pay the fee, and complete notarisation via video call — no office visit required.
🗣️ Bilingual (English/Arabic) The ADJD standardised template is fully bilingual, reducing translation disputes and ensuring clarity.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Guardianship Provisions ADJD wills can include explicit guardianship appointments for minor children, integrated into the same document.
Eligibility

Who Can Register an ADJD Will?

✅ Non-Muslim Expats All non-Muslim UAE residents and non-residents with UAE assets, aged 21 or above.
✅ Non-GCC Muslim Expats (Discretionary) In practice, the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court has permitted some non-GCC Muslim expats to register under the civil framework on a discretionary basis.
✅ Asset Holders in the UAE You can cover property, bank accounts, shares, gratuities, insurance proceeds, and other UAE-based assets.
✅ Parents with Minor Children ADJD wills allow you to appoint guardians and set out custody preferences for minor children.
How It Works

ADJD Will Registration Process

A straightforward six-step flow, typically completed within 3–5 working days.

1

Draft Your Will

We prepare a bilingual (English/Arabic) will based on your instructions, covering assets, beneficiaries, executors, and guardians.

2

Arabic Translation

A certified legal translation is prepared — ADJD requires a bilingual or Arabic document.

3

Online Submission

We upload your will, passport, Emirates ID, and supporting documents to the ADJD portal.

4

Pay the Government Fee

AED 950 for a single will, AED 1,900 for mirror wills — paid directly to ADJD.

5

Notary Video Appointment

You attend a video call with an ADJD notary to verify your identity and confirm the will’s contents.

6

Registration Complete

Your will is entered into the ADJD register, and you receive a registration certificate. The will is enforceable in UAE courts.

Costs

ADJD Will Fees

Government fees are paid directly to the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.

Single Will (ADJD) AED 950 — per person, paid to the court.
Mirror Wills (ADJD) AED 1,900 — for two spouses registering together.
Drafting & Processing Service charges apply separately for will drafting, translation, and submission support. Contact us for a quote.
Optional Translation Certified Arabic translation is included in our service; third-party translation fees vary.
Comparison

ADJD vs DIFC vs Dubai Courts

All three registries are valid under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022. The right choice depends on your assets, language preference, and budget.

FeatureADJD (Abu Dhabi)DIFC Courts (Dubai)Dubai Courts Notary
Government Fee (Single)AED 950AED 10,000~AED 2,167
Government Fee (Mirror)AED 1,900~AED 15,000~AED 4,334
Witnesses RequiredNoYes (2)No
LanguageBilingual EN/AREnglish onlyArabic or bilingual
Asset CoverageUAE-wideUAE + worldwideUAE-wide
EligibilityNon-Muslims + some MuslimsNon-Muslims onlyNon-Muslims only
ProcessOnline + video notaryIn-person or virtual registryIn-person or online

Source: Comparison based on published registry data as of 2026.

FAQ

ADJD Wills — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an ADJD will and a DIFC will?
An ADJD will is registered under UAE civil law, costs AED 950, requires no witnesses, and covers UAE-wide assets. A DIFC will is based on common law, costs AED 10,000, requires two witnesses, and can cover worldwide assets (though foreign enforcement is not guaranteed). ADJD is cheaper and simpler; DIFC suits those who want English common-law probate.
Can I register an ADJD will if I live in Dubai?
Yes. ADJD wills are valid across all seven emirates. You do not need to reside in Abu Dhabi to register with ADJD, and the process is completed online with a video notary appointment.
Does an ADJD will cover assets outside the UAE?
No. ADJD wills cover assets situated within the UAE only. For overseas assets, you should have a separate will in that jurisdiction. The ADJD will explicitly limits its scope to UAE assets.
What documents do I need for ADJD registration?
You need: a valid passport, Emirates ID (if resident), a signed bilingual English/Arabic will, and proof of ownership for any bequeathed property (title deed). Non-Arabic documents require certified legal translation.
How long does ADJD will registration take?
Typically 3–5 working days from complete submission, including document review, fee payment, and the notary video appointment.
Can Muslim expats register an ADJD will?
In practice, the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court has permitted some non-GCC Muslim expats to register civil wills on a discretionary basis. However, eligibility is not guaranteed, and legal advice is strongly recommended before proceeding.

Ready to Register Your ADJD Will?

Protect your family and ensure your UAE assets pass according to your wishes. Start your application today.

Dubai Legal Expert — ADJD Will Registration Services