Cost is one of the first questions expats ask when preparing a will in the UAE. The two main non-Muslim registries — the DIFC Wills Service Centre and the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) — have different fee structures, registration formats and administrative steps. This guide compares them side by side so you can decide which fits your budget and asset profile.

Fee comparison at a glance

Fees are published by each registry and can change; treat the figures below as directional and confirm current amounts before you register.

  • DIFC Wills Service Centre — single will registration is typically the highest of the two, with a separate fee for mirror wills (spouses registering together) and additional fees for guardianship-only or business-owner variants. Registration can be completed in person at DIFC or via a virtual registration appointment.
  • ADJD (Abu Dhabi Judicial Department) — single will registration is generally lower cost than DIFC, with translation and notarisation fees added where the document isn't already bilingual. Registration is typically completed remotely for non-residents of Abu Dhabi.

What each fee actually covers

Both registries charge for the act of registration — logging the will onto an official registry and issuing a court-recognised record. Neither fee covers drafting the will itself, translation into Arabic where required, or optional lawyer review. Budget for those separately.

Timing and administrative steps

  • DIFC — book an appointment, present the signed will with valid passport and Emirates ID, and complete the registration in a single sitting. Virtual appointments require a stable video connection and a witnessing setup accepted by the registry.
  • ADJD — submit the will and identity documents for review, arrange notarisation and translation as needed, and complete the electronic registration. Processing times vary but are typically measured in days, not weeks.

Which registry fits which profile

  • Assets concentrated in Dubai or across multiple emirates, complex international estate — DIFC is a common choice for its established process with international estates.
  • Lower budget, straightforward estate, comfort with a remote process — ADJD is often the more cost-effective route and works well for a clear, single-jurisdiction will.
  • Guardianship-only wills for minor children — both registries support standalone guardianship wills; DIFC publishes a dedicated fee for this variant.

Costs beyond registration

The registration fee is only one line item. Full cost typically includes:

  • Drafting the will (DIY tool, template or lawyer-drafted)
  • Optional lawyer review before signing
  • Translation to Arabic where required
  • Notarisation of supporting documents
  • Witnessing fees where witnesses are provided by the registry

Next step

Before comparing quotes, take the TrustWill Estate Protection Check to understand which registry route matches your family and asset profile. The results include a recommended registration path and the specific documents you'll need.