The 2026 Expat Guide: ADJD Will Registration & Legal Translation in Abu Dhabi
For expats in the UAE, securing your family’s future is no longer a complex legal hurdle. As of 2026, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has revolutionized asset protection under the Civil Family Law (Law No. 14 of 2021).
However, there is one non-negotiable requirement for every Will, Power of Attorney, or Court application: Certified Legal Translation. At Aburuf Legal Translation, located in the heart of Abu Dhabi on Hamdan Street, we bridge the gap between your drafting and the final ADJD stamp. Here is everything you need to know to rank your legal security at the top of your priority list.
Why Abu Dhabi is the Gold Standard for Wills
Unlike other jurisdictions, the Abu Dhabi Civil Family Court offers a streamlined, 100% digital process for non-Muslims and non-Emirati Muslim expats. A Will registered here is legally binding across all seven Emirates, including Dubai and Sharjah.
Key Benefits of an ADJD Civil Will:
- Total Testamentary Freedom: You decide exactly who inherits your assets and who becomes the guardian of your children.
- Cost-Effective: Government fees are set at 950 AED for a Single Will and 1,900 AED for Mirror Wills (for couples).
- Fully Remote: From the initial upload to the final video hearing with a Notary Public, you never have to leave your home.
The “Translation Trap”: Why Accuracy is Mandatory
The ADJD portal requires all documents to be submitted in a Bilingual format (Arabic and English). This is where most applications fail. A “general” translation will be rejected immediately.
To be accepted by the Abu Dhabi Notary Public, your translation must be performed by a Ministry of Justice (MOJ) Certified Translator.
What We Translate for ADJD Compliance:
- Last Will & Testament: Ensuring the legal terminology matches Law No. 14 of 2021.
- Power of Attorney (POA): Bilingual drafts for property management, child custody, or business representation.
- Affidavits and Witness Statements: Prepared for the Civil Family Court’s specific formatting.
Your Step-by-Step Abu Dhabi Registration Roadmap
- Drafting: Prepare your Will in English.
- Certified Translation: Visit our Al Saman Tower office on Hamdan Street. We provide the mandatory bilingual formatting and the official MOJ stamp.
- ADJD Upload: Submit your bilingual document via the ADJD digital portal.
- The Hearing: Attend a 5-minute video call via WebEx with the Abu Dhabi Notary.
- Digital QR Code: Receive your registered Will via email, featuring a verifiable QR code recognized by the Land Department and UAE banks.
Visit Our Abu Dhabi Hub: Al Saman Tower, Hamdan Street
Location is authority. While many agencies are “online-only,” Aburuf has been a physical part of the Abu Dhabi legal community for over 25 years. Our office is strategically located near the city’s key legal landmarks.
- Address: Office No. 17, 2nd Floor, Block A, Al Saman Tower, Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi.
- Proximity: Just minutes from the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) and major government hubs.
- Local Expertise: Our team understands the specific “Internal Notary Protocols” that change frequently in the capital.
FAQs: Legal Translation & Wills in Abu Dhabi
Q: Do I need a UAE Pass to register a Will? A: Yes, the ADJD portal requires a UAE Pass. However, if you are an international investor without an Emirates ID, we can assist you through authorized law firm channels.
Q: Is the Abu Dhabi Will valid for property in Dubai? A: Absolutely. Under UAE Federal Law, an ADJD-notarized Will is enforceable across the entire country.
Q: How long does the translation take? A: At Aburuf, we offer Same-Day Legal Translation for urgent Abu Dhabi court matters.
Secure Your Legacy Today
Don’t let a translation error delay your family’s security. Trust the experts who have served the Abu Dhabi community since 1999.
Contact Aburuf Legal Translation Abu Dhabi: 📞 Call Now: +971 56 8270466
💬 WhatsApp: https://wa.me/971568270466
📍 Visit Us: Al Saman Tower, Hamdan Street.