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Wills & Estate Planning

Protect your assets and your loved ones with properly registered wills in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Without a registered will in the UAE, your bank accounts can be frozen and the distribution of assets may be determined by default inheritance laws. For non-Muslim residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, registering a will — either with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) or the DIFC Courts Wills Service — is the best way to ensure your wishes are respected. DocuBay coordinates the entire process with licensed professionals, making it easier to structure, draft and register your will.

DIFC & ADJD Wills
Asset & Guardianship Planning
Dubai & Abu Dhabi Focus
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    500+

    Applications Processed/Month

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    25+

    Skilled Team Experts

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  • Successful business executives in UAE enjoying improved efficiency
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Why a will matters in the UAE

When someone passes away in the UAE without a registered will, banks freeze personal accounts until the court decides who inherits. This can prevent dependants from accessing funds and delay the settlement of urgent obligations. For Muslims, inheritance follows Sharia-based rules; for non-Muslims, the courts apply civil personal status laws, which may still involve lengthy proceedings. Having a registered will spells out your wishes clearly and helps avoid confusion and disputes. Many residents postpone will registration, thinking it's only for the very wealthy. In reality, a will gives anyone with dependants or assets a simpler way to transfer property, nominate guardians and minimise complications — especially if their family is abroad.

How DocuBay simplifies wills & estate planning

Instead of navigating multiple law firms, translators and authority portals, DocuBay provides a single platform where you can request your will, submit required information and track each step. Our service includes licensed legal consultation, drafting, translation, submission and coordination with the relevant authority — ADJD or DIFC. DocuBay makes the process more predictable. From structuring your will through to final signing — often via video appointment — you'll know what comes next, how long it takes and what information is needed.

Wills and estate planning services

Scope of Services

Consultation & Structuring

DocuBay organizes consultations with licensed legal professionals to confirm your wishes, identify beneficiaries, executors and guardians, and ensure that your will is structured in a clear, enforceable manner.

Drafting & Review Management

Experienced legal drafters produce a tailored will in 5–7 business days after receiving complete information and payment. Review rounds refine the document until it's ready for submission.

Translation & Submission Support

Certified translators prepare Arabic translations and DocuBay compiles all documentation in line with ADJD or DIFC requirements.

Registration & Issuance Coordination

We submit the will for authority review, book your video or in-person signing appointment, and monitor the process through to issuance of the registered will.

DocuBay facilitates the process; legal drafting is performed by licensed lawyers. DocuBay does not offer legal advice.

Benefits

Peace of Mind

Your wishes for asset distribution and guardianship are formally recorded, reducing uncertainty for your family.

Trusted Support

DocuBay coordinates consultations, drafting, translations and authority submissions so you don't have to manage multiple parties.

Clear & Transparent

You'll receive straightforward guidance on requirements, timelines and fees — no surprises mid-way.

Digital Convenience

Much of the process is handled remotely, including the ADJD video appointment for verification and signing.

Structured Process

A defined workflow (consultation, drafting, review, submission, registration) keeps your will drafting efficient and consistent.

Confidential by Design

Your personal information is handled through a controlled and professional process.

Required Documents

Testator (Person Making the Will)

Passport copy, UAE visa copy, Emirates ID copy (if applicable), proof of UAE address and documents supporting ownership of assets.

Executor

Passport copy and Emirates ID copy (if applicable).

Beneficiaries

Passport copy and Emirates ID copy (if applicable).

Guardian (If Appointing for Minor Children)

Passport copy and Emirates ID copy (if applicable).

Additional documents may be requested depending on your specific circumstances.

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How Will Registration Works on DocuBay

A clear path from will request to drafting, review, and registration.

  • 1

    Start the Request

    Submit your will request through DocuBay with the basic personal, family, and asset details.

  • 2

    Consultation & Structuring

    A UAE-qualified lawyer or legal professional reviews your requirements and helps structure the will correctly.

  • 3

    Drafting & Review

    The will is drafted and shared with you for review, edits, and final approval.

  • 4

    Translation & Submission

    Where required, the will is prepared for Arabic translation and official submission.

  • 5

    Registration & Signing

    The signing and registration process is arranged through the relevant authority. Depending on the route, this may be completed by video appointment or may require an in-person visit.

!

Important Notes

  • DocuBay provides coordination and facilitation; legal drafting/advisory work is performed by licensed professionals, and translations by certified translators

  • Scope, timelines and fees are outlined in your proposal; terms govern process dependencies, risk allocation, and refunds

  • Authority processes and timelines are subject to ADJD or DIFC rules and scheduling

  • Authority and third-party fees (e.g., translation, notarisation) may vary and are payable by the client

  • Full payment is typically required upfront for drafting to begin

  • Timelines for drafts (5–7 business days) apply after complete information and payment are received; final signing depends on authority appointments

  • Clients must provide accurate and complete information; delays or rejections due to incomplete or incorrect inputs are the client's responsibility

  • Included revisions (if any) are limited; additional changes may incur further fees

  • Authority decisions and final outcomes are beyond DocuBay's control; professional fees become non-refundable once drafting starts

  • DocuBay handles client data confidentially and shares it only with relevant professionals and authorities as required

The DocuBay Advantage

DocuBay gives businesses and individuals a more practical way to handle legal needs through one connected platform, making it easier to access documents, manage records, and move routine legal work forward with more clarity and control.

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Legal Templates

Access ready-to-use legal documents and templates through the platform, making it easier to create the right document without starting from scratch.

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Contract Storage

Keep contracts and legal documents organized in one place, so they are easier to access, review, and manage over time.

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Faster Drafting

Reduce the time spent preparing routine legal and business documents through a more structured digital process.

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UAE-Aligned Documents

Create legal and HR-related documents with wording better suited to UAE business and labour requirements.

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Centralized Records

Keep important legal files, supporting documents, and service history in one place for easier visibility and future reference.

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Expert Guidance

Get practical support to handle legal documents and processes with more clarity, confidence, and day-to-day convenience.

Limited Time Offer

Choose Your Compliance Plan

Launch Offer

Compliance Core

Essential compliance foundation

AED 4,000/ yearRegular price AED 5,250 / year
Get Started

What's included:

  • License, Visa & Permit Tracking
  • Smart Document Vault
  • Employee Onboarding & Records
  • Renewal Reminders and Alerts
  • Application and Task Tracking
  • Legal Hub Access
  • Automated Backups
  • Onboarding & Account Setup
Recommended

Compliance Pro

Expanded compliance and risk control

AED 12,500/ year
Get Started

What's included:

  • Everything in Core
  • KYC and KYB Verification Support
  • AML Screening and Monitoring
  • Compliance Dashboard
  • WPS & Payroll Management
  • Fines and Penalty Tracking
  • Emiratization Tracking Support
  • Advanced Reporting and Insights
  • Priority Support

Compliance Enterprise

Advanced compliance operations at scale

Custom pricing

Built for high-volume, multi-entity, and enterprise compliance environments.

What's included:

  • Includes Everything in Core & Pro
  • Dedicated Relationship Manager
  • Custom Workflows and Approvals
  • 24/7 Priority SLA Support
  • Unlimited Users & Workspaces
  • On-Site Training & Enterprise Onboarding
  • High-Volume KYC, KYB & AML Screening

Do you need ⎯
some help?

Will registration can feel daunting, especially when it involves ADJD or DIFC processes. Let our team help you understand the right path and get started.

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What is an ADJD or DIFC will?

A properly registered will prepared through either the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department or the DIFC Courts Wills Service. It documents your asset distribution and guardianship instructions in a formally recognized format.

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What happens if I don't have a registered will?

Without a registered will, bank accounts can be frozen and assets may be distributed under default inheritance laws. Families may need to go through lengthy court processes to access funds.

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Does Sharia apply if someone dies without a will?

For Muslims, inheritance generally follows Sharia principles. For non-Muslims, UAE civil personal status rules can apply, but the process may still involve formal court procedures.

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How long does the process take?

Drafting usually completes within 5–7 business days after receiving all documents and payment. Final signing and issuance depend on authority appointment availability.

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Do I need to visit the court?

Often the final signing is completed via video appointment, depending on authority policies and availability.

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Who are the main parties in a will?

Testator (will maker), executor (handles the will after death), beneficiaries (inherit assets) and guardian (if minor children are involved).

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Can I include guardianship for minor children?

Yes. Guardian details and supporting documents are required so the will can be drafted correctly.

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Does one will cover assets across the UAE?

In many cases, a properly registered will supports asset distribution across the UAE. Coverage varies with asset type and authority requirements.

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Can I revise my will later?

Revisions may be possible but could require new drafting work and additional fees. Any included revisions should be defined in your proposal.

Why DocuBay

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One platform for business operations

DocuBay helps businesses manage the workflows that are usually spread across different portals, providers, teams, and document trails. Instead of handling licenses, labour, permits, legal support, and entity updates through disconnected processes, businesses get one centralized environment with better visibility and stronger control.

Digital PRO Services & Government Liaison

License, Visa & Permit Tracking

Employment & Residency Workflows

Permits, Approvals & NOC Coordination

Legal, Corporate & Document Services

Entity & Multi-License Management

Compliance, risk, and record control

DocuBay is built to help businesses stay ahead of deadlines, document requirements, and compliance obligations without relying on manual reminders and scattered records. The platform brings tracking, verification, alerts, and reporting into one place so teams can operate with more confidence and fewer avoidable gaps.

Smart Pre-Submission Checks

Digital KYC, KYB & AML Screening

Compliance Dashboard & Risk Visibility

Centralized Document Vault

Reminders, Expiry Tracking & Audit Trail

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Expert support when it matters

Some workflows need more than software alone. DocuBay combines platform control with guided support, specialist coordination, and practical help across complex business processes in the UAE. That gives teams a clearer path when decisions, approvals, or higher-risk requirements need closer attention.

Guided Onboarding & Setup Support

Legal & Compliance Consultation

Dedicated Relationship Support

Knowledge Portal & Practical Resources

Priority Support, Training & Enablement

What Our Clients Say

  • Profile image of Matthias, CEO of TechnoGenius GMBH
    Matthias
    CEO of TechnoGenius GMBH
    I was overwhelmed keeping track of licences, visas and contracts across different portals. DocuBay brought everything into one place and their team jumped in whenever I had questions.
    KA
    Khalid
    CEO
    After expanding to Abu Dhabi, managing permits felt impossible. DocuBay’s team guided me step by step, handled every form and kept me updated. I finally have a reliable partner and can focus on serving clients instead of chasing approvals.
  • Profile image of Jayesh, Operations Manager
    Jayesh
    Operations Manager
    Our HR team was drowning in visa renewals and labour approvals. DocuBay turned it around, submissions are a breeze and someone is always on hand to help. We’ve cut processing time in half and can finally focus on our people.
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    Rania
    General Manager
    Opening our cafe used to mean endless trips for food-safety and health permits. DocuBay handled every NOC, inspection and renewal, with clear updates along the way. It feels like having our own compliance team on call.
  • Profile image of Aisha, Operations Director
    Aisha
    Operations Director
    We needed to get new hires through residency and contracts fast, but paperwork was holding us back. With DocuBay, everything is submitted online and approvals arrive on time, onboarding is smooth again.
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    Ravi
    Business Owner
    Deadlines used to sneak up on us and trigger fines. DocuBay’s reminders pop up exactly when we need them, and all our documents live in one place. Now we never miss a renewal, and the stress is gone.
  • Profile image of Anastasia, HR Manager of Gulf Gate Holdings
    Anastasia
    HR Manager of Gulf Gate Holdings
    Hiring across the UAE meant endless back-and-forth with government offices. DocuBay’s platform and team simplified every step, one upload, clear status updates and friendly support. It turned a painful process into a breeze.
    JA
    Jane
    Marketing Maven
    I was dreading the red tape when we launched in Dubai. DocuBay’s team explained everything in simple terms, handled our permits and legal docs, and kept us on track. It felt like having an expert advisor at my side.
  • MK
    Malik
    Managing Partner
    As an expat, UAE regulations felt like a maze. DocuBay guided me through every step, company setup, visas, renewals, and answered all my questions. They made a daunting process feel effortless.
    Profile image of Ahmad, Founder of Innovate Solutions
    Ahmad
    Founder, Innovate Solutions
    We used to chase visa renewals and updates daily. With DocuBay, applications are submitted in minutes and approvals arrive on time. Their reliable service has become our go-to for all legal and compliance needs.

Start Your Will & Estate Plan Today

Protect your assets and provide for your loved ones. Request your ADJD or DIFC will through DocuBay and get the process started.

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* Prices and services are subject to change. ** Timeframes are estimates and may vary. For full details, please review our Terms of Service.