Which law governs non-Muslim inheritance in the UAE?

The civil personal status laws for non-Muslims apply; in some cases the law of the deceased’s nationality or a registered will can be applied.

Is a will compulsory?

No, but without one the estate is distributed under the law, which may not match your wishes.

How do Abu Dhabi law and federal law differ on inheritance?

Each has its own provisions, procedures and competent authorities; we identify the applicable law and authority for each estate.

Can the estate be distributed under my home country’s law?

This may be possible in some cases, especially where a will provides for it, depending on the applicable law and the type of asset.

What documents are needed to start estate proceedings?

Usually the death certificate, proof of kinship, the heirs’ IDs, any will and records of the assets.

Inheritance

الميراث

Specialist legal solutions for administering and distributing an estate under UAE law, with regard to the deceased’s nationality, wishes and family.

Book a consultation Assess your case first

Full procedural support Records and documents
Heirs’ rights protected And the deceased’s wishes carried out
International law And the relevant treaties
Non-Muslim focus Specialist experience

About our inheritance service

We advise on inheritance for non-Muslims in the UAE, with or without a will. Where a registered will exists it is carried out as written, within the limits of the law; where there is none, the civil law’s provisions decide how the estate passes to the spouse, children and other heirs. We work with the competent authorities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the other emirates, and handle international estates, mixed nationalities and assets abroad.

Protecting your family’s legacy starts with a clear view of each heir’s rights.

Our inheritance services

From listing the estate to distributing it and completing the formalities.

Wills for non-Muslims Drafting and registering wills Learn more
Estate administration Listing and managing assets and liabilities
Dividing assets Fair distribution under the will or the law
Disputes between heirs Negotiation and settlement
International estates Assets abroad and mixed nationalities Learn more
Completing the formalities Courts, banks and registries

Inheritance across the emirates

See all

Protect your legacy and your loved ones

Focused experience in non-Muslim inheritance
Knowledge of each emirate’s procedures
Experience with international estates and mixed nationalities
Amicable solutions that reduce conflict between heirs
Complete confidentiality and respect for the family

How we handle an estate

Clear steps from the first consultation to transferring assets to the heirs.

1
First consultation

The estate and the heirs
2
Gathering documents

Death certificate, will and proof of kinship
3
Opening the estate file

With the competent authority
4
Listing and distribution

Under the will or the law
5
Completion

Transfers and closing the file

Documents usually needed

Death certificate
Registered will, if any
Proof of kinship and marriage certificate
Heirs’ passports and IDs
Asset and account records

Frequently asked questions

All questions

The civil personal status laws for non-Muslims apply; in some cases the law of the deceased’s nationality or a registered will can be applied.
No, but without one the estate is distributed under the law, which may not match your wishes.
Each has its own provisions, procedures and competent authorities; we identify the applicable law and authority for each estate.
This may be possible in some cases, especially where a will provides for it, depending on the applicable law and the type of asset.
Usually the death certificate, proof of kinship, the heirs’ IDs, any will and records of the assets.