Without a will, a court decides. About the account, the house and the children.
On the day of death the bank freezes every account, the joint one included. Without a registered will, a court settles the estate and guardianship, and that takes months. A will in the UAE settles both in advance.
As of 10/2026. Sources: DIFC Courts Wills Service, Dubai Courts. Not legal advice; registration through licensed partners.
How it runs without a will.
Accounts frozen
Personal and joint accounts are frozen. Rent, school fees and salaries keep running.
The court examines the estate
Without a registered will, the court decides under the rules that apply to the case. The family carries the burden of proof.
Guardianship open
Who looks after the children day to day until a guardian is appointed is not settled. For families with both parents abroad, this is the most critical point.
Months until release
Translations, legalisations, hearings. Access to assets stays blocked throughout.
A registered will replaces those steps with one: it is presented to the court, and release follows the document.
2 routes. Which one fits depends on assets, language and budget.
| Criterion | DIFC Will | Dubai Courts Will |
|---|---|---|
| Legal framework | Common law, DIFC Courts | Dubai Courts |
| Language | English | English and Arabic, both versions binding |
| Scope | Assets in the UAE, guardianship optional | Assets in the UAE, guardianship |
| Registration | DIFC Wills Service Centre, with witnesses | Dubai Courts, notarised |
| Typical for | Residents with property and company shares in Dubai, international families | Residents who prefer Dubai Courts jurisdiction, a cost-conscious route |
| Cost | on request | on request |
Both routes cover assets in the UAE. German assets are settled by a German will. The two documents should not contradict each other.
4 things that have to be in it.
Heirs and shares
Spouse, children, further people. Expressly, not by implication.
A guardian for minor children
A permanent guardian and interim care if both parents are gone. With the consent of the person named.
Executor
Who settles the estate and appears before the bank and the authorities.
Schedule of assets
Accounts, property, company shares, vehicles in the UAE. Keep it current.
A registered will in 4 steps.
First call, 15 minutes
Family, assets in the UAE, what you want for heirs and guardian. We recommend DIFC or Dubai Courts.
The questionnaire
You answer the questions in German or English, at your own pace, on a form we send you.
Draft in English and Arabic
Prepared through licensed partners, reviewed by you, explained in German.
Registration and appointment
We coordinate witnesses, the appointment and safekeeping. You receive the registered document and a reminder to update it.
Choose a time.
15 minutes, by video. Afterwards you know whether DIFC or Dubai Courts fits, what goes in it and what it costs.
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Common questions
Does my German will apply in the UAE?
It can be recognised, but only after translation, legalisation and court proceedings. The accounts stay frozen throughout. A registered UAE will avoids that.
Do both spouses need their own will?
Yes. A will covers one person. The two documents are aligned with each other.
What happens to the joint account?
It is frozen when the death is registered. Without a will, the surviving partner has no immediate access. A separate account for running costs is part of the planning.
Who looks after the children until the guardian arrives?
The interim guardianship in the will settles that. Without it, the court decides.
Do I have to change the will when I buy a property?
Only if the schedule of assets is specific. We recommend a review whenever family, assets or residence change.
Is Exit Palm a law firm or a notary?
No. We advise, structure and coordinate. Drafting and registration are done through licensed partners.
The decision takes 15 minutes. The procedure without it takes months.
The first call is free, by video.
Exit Palm does not provide legal or tax advice. For legal and tax questions we work with licensed partners in Germany and the UAE. All information without warranty; see the date for the version it reflects.
As of 10/2026