Will registration
Business services
Wills in Dubai
Ever wondered what happens to your stuff after you're gone? A will is your way of making sure your wishes are known and your loved ones aren't left guessing. Think of it like a roadmap for your belongings, guiding them to the right people or causes you care about.
What Goes in a Will?
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Your stuff: House, car, savings, investments – basically, anything you own counts.
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Who gets what: From your spouse and kids to your best friend and even your furry companion, you decide who inherits what share.
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Charity love? Want to support a cause close to your heart? Wills can do that too!
Why is a Will Important?
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Peace of mind: Knowing your wishes are clear reduces stress for you and your loved ones during a difficult time.
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Avoid family feuds: Clear instructions prevent confusion and potential conflicts over your belongings.
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Especially crucial abroad: If you have property outside your home country, a will ensures it goes where you want it to.
Don't Wait, Create!
Making a will isn't morbid, it's responsible. It's about taking control and ensuring your legacy lives on the way you envision it. Don't leave your loved ones in the dark – write your will today!
While this text mentions visiting the Wikipedia link for legal details, it's important to remember that consulting a lawyer familiar with your specific situation is crucial for ensuring your will is legally sound and reflects your true wishes. They can guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
How to open a bank account in the UAE for non-residents?
Dreaming of a Dubai bank account, but can't commit to residency? Don't sweat it! Here's how non-residents can join the banking party:
Pack your bags and prep your paperwork:
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UAE adventure awaits: A trip to Dubai is necessary to kickstart the application.
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Document essentials: Don't forget your passport, proof of address (think utility bills), and bank statements from the past few months (3-6) to show your financial muscles.
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Your life story in a CV: Tell the bank about yourself with a quick rundown of your professional and personal background.
At the bank:
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Meet your financial partner: Head to your chosen bank and they'll handle your documents and get your signature on the application forms.
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Patience is a virtue: Don't expect instant access – account opening takes around 3-4 weeks.
Huzzah! You're officially a Dubai banking buddy:
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If your application shines, the bank will send you a welcome email with your account details and online banking instructions.
Remember:
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Banking rules can be fickle, so double-check with your chosen bank for the latest info.
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Consider getting help from business consultants - they're your banking guides in Dubai.
With a little preparation and the right guidance, you'll be managing your finances like a Dubai pro in no time!
Do you have money or assets in the UAE?
If your answer is “Yes” and planning for what happens to your belongings after you're gone is important, and the process differs depending on your faith.
For Muslims:
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Islamic law, or Shariah, dictates how assets are distributed.
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Your spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, and even some extended family members may inherit, depending on their relationship to you.
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For non-Muslims:
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The laws of your home country will determine who inherits your belongings.
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To avoid complications, make sure all your important documents, like wills and death certificates, are valid and recognized in your home country. This can save your loved ones time and hassle during an already difficult time.
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Consider creating a will to clearly outline your wishes and avoid any confusion or legal battles later.
Remember: Regardless of your faith, planning ahead can ensure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are taken care of.
What if you have no will in the UAE?
Thinking about death isn't fun, but taking some simple steps now can save your family a world of trouble later. Here's what could happen if you die without a will in the UAE:
Frozen funds: Bank accounts, even joint ones, could be locked for months or even years while the court decides who gets what. Imagine your family needing that money and not being able to access it during a difficult time.
Family left dangling: Your spouse's visa might be cancelled, leaving them struggling to stay in the country. Worse, children's custody could become a legal battleground, potentially tearing them away from their loved ones.
Inheritance surprises: Forget "happily ever after." If your husband dies without a will, his brother, not you, might inherit everything. And life insurance meant for your family could be used to pay off debts instead.
Lost in translation: Court proceedings will be in Arabic, adding confusion and stress to an already emotional time.
The good news: All this can be avoided with a simple will! It lets you clearly state your wishes, ensuring your family is taken care of and your assets go where you want them to. Don't leave your loved ones guessing – protect them with a will.
How to protect your UAE assets
Living in the UAE as an expat comes with many perks, but one crucial aspect deserves attention: your wealth, and what happens to it after you're gone. Unlike your home country, the UAE's rules for inheritance for non-Muslims can be confusing and even contradictory. Leaving things to chance could lead to a legal nightmare for your family.
Here's why an expat will is essential:
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Confusion reigns supreme: The UAE's laws on inheritance for non-Muslims are messy. Without a clear will, courts have to juggle two different laws, leading to unpredictable outcomes.
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Judge roulette: Your inheritance fate might rest on the whim of a specific judge, adding another layer of uncertainty.
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Family feuds erupt: Imagine your loved ones fighting over your assets due to unclear intentions. A will prevents this heartache.
The good news: Expat wills are here to save the day! These special wills, introduced recently by the UAE government, are specifically designed for non-Muslims living in the country. They offer a clear and secure way to ensure your wishes are respected.
Don't wait! Creating an expat will is a simple step that can bring immense peace of mind. Protect your family and avoid potential legal battles by having a clear plan in place.
Remember, it's not just about money – it's about ensuring your loved ones are cared for and honouring your wishes, even when you're gone.
Types of will in UAE
Thinking about wills might not be the most exciting topic, but it's a crucial part of planning for your future and protecting your loved ones. Especially in the UAE, having a will in place can offer peace of mind and avoid confusion down the line. Here's what you can include in your will:
The essentials:
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Bank accounts: Whether personal or corporate, including your Dubai bank accounts ensures they're distributed according to your wishes.
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Real estate: This covers any properties you own in the UAE, making sure they go to the right people.
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Children's guardianship: Appointing guardians in your will gives you control over who cares for your kids if you're no longer around.
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Business interests: If you have companies or shares in UAE companies, including them in your will ensures they're handled smoothly.
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Other assets: Cars, jewelry, valuables – anything you own can be included in your will.
Will options:
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Single will: Expresses your wishes and distributes your assets to chosen beneficiaries.
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Mirror will: Created by two individuals, giving each other all their assets upon the first person's passing.
Having a will doesn't have to be complicated. Consulting a lawyer specialising in UAE wills can ensure your specific situation is addressed correctly, giving you and your loved ones peace of mind for the future.
Corporate will – it’s important!
Running a company in the UAE is exciting, but have you considered what happens to your business if you pass away? Unlike many countries, the UAE follows Sharia law for inheritance, which can lead to unexpected outcomes for your company.
Here's the reality:
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Shariah rules, company confusion: Forget automatic transfers to family or partners. Shares can be distributed based on Shariah, potentially placing control in unexpected hands, often the eldest male heir.
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Mainland, Free Zone, Offshore – no escape: This applies to all company types in the UAE.
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Protect your legacy, not just your wallet: A simple will registration can ensure your wishes are respected, safeguarding your company's future.
What you can do:
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Mainland with local partners: Add a specific clause in the Memorandum or a shareholder agreement, clearly stating who inherits your shares.
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Seek legal advice: A lawyer specialising in UAE wills can tailor a solution for your specific situation, giving you peace of mind.
Remember: Planning for the future isn't just about money. It's about ensuring your company's legacy and protecting the livelihood of your employees and partners. Don't leave your business to chance – take control today.
How to make a will in UAE
Living in the UAE as an expat brings amazing experiences, but planning for the future is crucial. One key step? Your will! But where do you register it? Here's your quick guide:
For any UAE assets:
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Abu Dhabi Judicial Department: Get your will attested here, regardless of where your assets are in the UAE.
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Dubai Courts: Another option for attesting your will, valid for all your UAE assets.
Specifically for Dubai & Ras Al Khaimah assets:
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DIFC Wills and Probate Registry: Perfect for expats with assets solely in these two emirates.
Remember:
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Think beyond Dubai: While Dubai is popular, consider your assets across the UAE and choose accordingly.
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Talk to a specialist: An expert lawyer can advise on the best option for your unique situation.
Don't wait! Having a registered will ensures your wishes are respected, giving you peace of mind and protecting your loved ones. It's an investment in their future, even when you're not there.
Will registration in UAE requirements
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You are not a Muslim and has never been a Muslim before
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You are over 21 years old
Cost of a will in UAE
Time frame
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Draft your will: Outline who gets what, just like a treasure map for your loved ones.
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Translate it to Arabic: The official language of UAE courts, so your wishes get understood perfectly.
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Get it attested: Make it official at your chosen authority.
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Most of the time, this can be done in just 2-3 days! So, skip the confusion and give your family the clarity they deserve. Remember, a will is about more than just stuff - it's about peace of mind for everyone.
FAQ
Q: Is it possible to do online will registration?
A: Unfortunately not. A will must be registered personally, because it requires attestation and authentication of your signature.
Q: Is it possible to do registration of a will after death if it was drafted but not registered?
A: No, that would not be possible. In case a will was not registered before death, the assets will be distributed according to Shariah and expatriates will need to go to a court in order to enforce foreign rules on wealth distribution.
Q: Is it mandatory to register a will?
A: No, it is not mandatory, but registration in Dubai is advisable. It will help you to avoid future expenses on lawyers and waste of time in the courts.