Those non-Muslims, who want to transfer their assets in the UAE or Dubai, can do so with the help of the DIFC Will and Probate Registry. This is the first registry for non-Muslims in the MENA region and is a useful tool for expatriates in the UAE. It is important for any foreigner living in the UAE to have the will to protect their family’s legal status. It also enables them to distribute their estate according to local laws.
Registration of a will with the Wills and Probate Registry requires the non-Muslim individual to be at least 21 years old and to have one asset in the UAE. The testator will be required to produce several documents, including a death certificate, ID documents, a list of assets, a signed statement of oath, and a fee. This process is relatively easy and can be completed in English. In addition, the will can be enforceable in other Emirates as well.
The DIFC Wills and Probate Registry focuses on providing testamentary freedom to non-Muslims. The government of Dubai lays out the rules for registering Wills and Probate. The rules also cover the distribution of the estate of the deceased. This service helps non-Muslims to transfer their assets without being affected by sharia law.
To register a will with the Wills and Probate Service, the testator must bring two witnesses to the registry. These witnesses must not be beneficiaries or heirs. The will must be written in English. The registry may require additional documents to authenticate the will. Once the application is submitted, the Will will be approved, and a lawyer will be appointed to guide the executor. The lawyer will draft the will and provide legal assistance.
When the testator dies, the executor of the Will will need to apply for a Grant of Probate. This court order gives the executor the right to administer the deceased’s estate. Typically, the Executor must be a creditor or a beneficiary of the deceased’s will. The timeframe for a Grant of Probate can range from a few days to a few months. The amount of time it takes to get a Grant of Probate will depend on the type of Will and the complexity of the estate.
