ADJD Will Registration in Abu Dhabi. Under the latest Abu Dhabi Law No. 14 of 2021 (Civil Family Law), securing a Civil Will is the most critical step for expatriates to protect UAE-based assets. However, generic guides often miss the practical “insider” details that impact your actual court timeline. This 2026 guide covers the exclusive procedural shortcuts, including how to register without a UAE Pass and from anywhere in the world.
🌍 1. Eligibility: Residents, Non-Residents, and Muslim Expats
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) offers the most inclusive will registry in the Middle East. Unlike other jurisdictions, eligibility is broad:
- Non-Resident Property Owners: You do not need to be a UAE resident to register. If you own a property or investment in the UAE, you can secure it with an ADJD Will.
- All Religions (Including Muslims): A major 2026 update confirms that non-Emirati Muslim expatriates can now register Civil Wills to opt-out of Sharia-based distribution.
- Strict Exclusion: This service remains unavailable to UAE and GCC Citizens, who are governed by mandatory local Sharia laws.
💰 2. Official ADJD Registration Fees (2026)
The ADJD remains the most cost-effective legal jurisdiction in the UAE.
| Service Category | Government Registration Fee |
| Single Will Registration | AED 950 |
| Mirror Wills (Couples) | AED 1,900 |
| Official Amendment | AED 950 |
Note: These fees are for the court registration. Legal drafting & Legal Translation by a Ministry of Justice-certified translator is a separate but mandatory requirement for the bilingual (Arabic/English) document.
🚀 3. The “Insider” Registration Process & Timelines
Step 1: The UAE Pass Professional Shortcut
While individual applicants typically need a UAE Pass, there is a specialized bypass. If you register through a company officially registered with the Abu Dhabi Courts, you do not need a personal UAE Pass. This is essential for international investors who do not have a local Emirates ID.
Step 2: Realistic 2026 Timelines
Do not be misled by “instant” claims. Here is the actual 2026 court reality:
- Initial Approval: Typically takes 2–3 working days.
- The Hearing Gap: Depending on the court’s schedule and high demand, the actual hearing date can take up to 30 days.
- Global Attendance: The final notarization is a Video Court Session. You can attend this from any place in the world via a secure link provided by the court.
Step 3: Verification & Digital Issuance
Upon successful notarization during the video call, you receive a Digital Registered Will with a verifiable QR code. This document is recognized by all UAE authorities, including the Land Department and Central Bank.
🛡️ 4. Why an ADJD Civil Will is Legally Superior
- Nationwide Enforcement: Although registered in Abu Dhabi, it is legally binding for assets in all seven Emirates (Dubai, Sharjah, etc.).
- Guardianship Security: It allows you to name interim and permanent guardians immediately, preventing children from being placed in temporary state care during emergencies.
- Asset Freezing Protection: A registered Will prevents the immediate freezing of bank accounts and properties, which is the default procedure for intestate (no Will) deaths in the UAE.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use an ADJD Will if my property is in Dubai? Yes. Law No. 14 of 2021 ensures that an Abu Dhabi-registered Civil Will is enforceable across the entire UAE.
Is the video hearing conducted in English? Yes, the ADJD Notaries for the Non-Muslim Wills Office are fluent in English. However, your document must be bilingual.
What happens if I don’t register? Without a Will, your UAE assets are distributed according to Sharia Law (for Muslims) or potentially complex home-country laws that require expensive court intervention in the UAE.