Inheritance in Dubai for foreigners: what happens to a foreign owner's property.
// Short answer
For a non-Muslim foreigner, Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017 sets the procedure and federal law decides who inherits, so the simplest protection is a registered will: the DIFC Wills Service registers wills for non-Muslims with assets in the UAE, with no UAE residency needed, and Dubai Courts keeps its own register. The Dubai Land Department moves the title to the heirs for a flat AED 1,000 per property plus small fees.
Rules and rates as of October 2026. This explains the rules and where they are written; it is not legal advice on an estate.
On this page
Which law governs a foreigner's Dubai property on death?
Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017 sets the procedure for non-Muslims' wills and estates in Dubai, including the DIFC, and for Dubai property points to the legislation in force in the emirate (article 4). Who inherits comes from federal law: Federal Decree-Law 41/2022 for non-Muslim foreigners residing in the UAE, the Civil Transactions Law (Federal Decree-Law 25/2025, article 17, in force since 1 June 2026) and Federal Decree-Law 41/2024.
Under Federal Decree-Law 41/2022 (article 11, in force since 1 February 2023), a non-Muslim foreigner residing in the UAE can leave a will over all UAE assets. Without one, half goes to the spouse and half to the children, unless the heirs ask for the deceased's national law, which they cannot do over a registered will. Check how the federal rules apply to your case before relying on the default.
Sources
- Dubai Law No. 15 of 2017 on wills and probate of non-Muslims (Dubai Legislation Portal)
- Federal Decree-Law 41/2022 on civil personal status, article 11 (UAE Legislation)
- Federal Decree-Law 25/2025, Civil Transactions Law, article 17 (UAE Legislation)
- Federal Decree-Law 41/2024 on personal status, article 1(3) (UAE Legislation)
How do I make a will that works for Dubai property?
Register it. The DIFC Wills Service registers wills for non-Muslims aged 18 or over covering assets in the UAE (a Property Will covers up to five properties in the UAE), remotely and without UAE residency. Dubai Courts also registers non-Muslim wills (testator at least 21, signed before two witnesses).
A beneficiary then has 60 days from notification to accept or renounce. Dubai Courts opened a non-Muslim inheritance division in 2023; a ruling issued abroad must be attested by the UAE embassy before a file can be opened.
A will made in the UK or US is carried out through a lawsuit at Dubai Courts, with a certified copy of the law that applies. DIFC fees: AED 7,500 for a Property Will, AED 10,000 for a Full Will, and USD 1,500 for probate.
Sources
Dubai estate pack
Own property in Dubai? What your heirs will face, worked out
No inheritance tax, and AED 1,656.50 to move an apartment's title, whoever inherits. Dubai law and the federal layers, the 2026 rule on foreigners' wills, DIFC or Dubai Courts wills and their fees, every step, and a 7-point checklist.
What does it cost to transfer inherited Dubai property?
The Dubai Land Department transfers the title to the heirs for AED 1,000 per property plus small fixed fees, with no percentage fee, on a court or Awqaf letter and the inheritance documents.
We found no UAE inheritance tax in any official source. Compare the 4% fee on a sale: Dubai property buying costs. The deed the heirs receive: the Dubai title deed explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a will for my Dubai property?
Can a non-resident register a DIFC will?
How much does it cost to transfer inherited property in Dubai?
Is there inheritance tax in Dubai?
Header photo: Francisco Anzola, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. All credits: image credits.