Creating a will in Dubai is a prudent step for expatriates and locals alike, offering peace of mind that assets will be distributed according to your wishes. However, it’s important to understand the associated costs, as they vary depending on factors like the chosen registry, legal assistance, and type of assets. Here’s a breakdown of the typical cost of making will in Dubai.
Registration fees at wills registry centers:
There are a few primary options for registering a will in Dubai, including the DIFC Wills Service Centre and Dubai Courts. The DIFC Wills Service Centre caters to non-Muslims and offers various options like full wills, guardianship wills, and property wills. Registration costs vary: a Single Will is around AED 10,000, while a Mirror Will for couples costs approximately AED 15,000. For simpler wills, such as property wills or financial asset wills, fees are generally lower, around AED 5,000-7,500. Alternatively, Dubai Courts offer registration for wills at a significantly lower fee, often under AED 1,000, though this process is generally conducted in Arabic and may require translation services.
Legal drafting fees:
While it is possible to draft a will on your own, hiring a lawyer to prepare the document ensures it meets legal standards and accurately reflects your wishes. The complexity of the will affects the cost: for a basic will covering primary assets, legal drafting fees may range from AED 2,500 to AED 5,000. If your estate is more complex, with multiple properties or international investments, the drafting fee may increase, reaching up to AED 10,000 or more. Legal consultation fees for expatriates steering Dubai’s inheritance regulations also add to this cost, typically at hourly rates of AED 500 to AED 1,500.
Translation services:
For wills registered with Dubai Courts, it’s usually required to have the document drafted in Arabic, necessitating professional translation services if the will is initially written in English. Translation costs vary but are generally around AED 500 to AED 1,500, depending on the document’s length and complexity.
Notarization and miscellaneous fees:
Some wills require notarization or additional documentation, particularly if they contain provisions for property or business shares. Notarization fees and attestation charges can range from AED 200 to AED 500 per document. Additionally, if you’re using a lawyer, some offices may charge for administrative support, such as document processing, which can add AED 500 to AED 1,000.
Annual updates and revisions:
Some people choose to update their wills over time, especially if their circumstances change. While updates aren’t required, most legal firms offer revision services, which typically cost AED 1,000 to AED 3,000 per update.