Three routes. One right answer for you.
There are three ways to register a UAE will: DIFC, ADJD (Abu Dhabi) or Dubai Courts. Here is what actually differs, in plain English, with the public government fees.
ADJD
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department route, open to the widest audience.
- Language
- English + Arabic (certified translation)
- Who can use it
- Muslim and non-Muslim expats
- Witnesses
- None
- Process
- Online, fully remote
- Government fee, single will
- 950 AED
- Government fee, mirror wills
- 1,900 AED
The lowest government fee of the three and open to both Muslim and non-Muslim expats. Requires a certified Arabic translation, which we handle.
Government fees are public information and are paid directly to the government. Timelines depend on the route, we tell you exactly what to expect for yours.
The choice depends on three things
Where your assets are
Property, bank accounts, business interests: the map of what you own shapes which route makes the most sense.
How fast you need it
Each route moves at its own pace, and timelines can change. We tell you what to realistically expect for yours, never a promise we cannot control.
Your budget
Government fees range from 950 AED to about 15,000 AED depending on the route and on single vs mirror wills. The difference matters, especially for couples.
That is exactly what the free call clarifies.
In 30 minutes we map your assets, your family situation and your budget against the three routes, and tell you which one we would choose in your shoes, and why.
Do government fees change?
They can. Fees are set by the government and are public information. The figures on this page are the current published ones, and we always confirm the exact amount for your case before anything is filed. Government fees are paid directly to the government, never through us.
And government timelines?
They depend on the route and can change over time. We do not publish waiting times as promises. Instead, we tell you exactly what to expect for your route at the moment you register, and we follow up with the government every step of the way.
Your next step
Not sure which route fits? Ask us.
Most expats live here for a decade without ever sorting this out. Thirty minutes, zero pressure, and you finally know exactly what your situation needs.
- 1
Book your free Risk Profile Audit. It takes 2 minutes.
- 2
Understand your options: route, single or mirror, documents.
- 3
Decide if SmartWills is right for you. No obligation either way.
Our guarantee: Any time before we submit your will to the government, if you are not happy for any reason, you get a full refund. And if the court later rejects the application, we fix it and resubmit at our own expense.