ADGM Wills

Why Choose an ADGM Will?
Who Can Register?
Required Documents
Our Process
Why Choose ADGM over DIFC?
Fees Involved

Designed specifically for non-Muslims, ADGM Wills allow you to take control of your estate planning, with certainty over who inherits and who is appointed as guardian for your children.

What Makes ADGM Wills Different?

The ADGM Wills regime is based on English common law principles. It gives non-Muslims full freedom to choose how their estate is distributed, making it a highly effective option for residents and international investors alike.

Key features include:

• Testamentary freedom – your estate passes according to your instructions, not fixed rules

• Guardian appointments – nominate guardians for minor children directly in your Will

• UAE-wide coverage – include assets located in any Emirate, from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah

• International utility – supports recognition in overseas probate processes

• Bilingual format – executed in both English and Arabic for local enforceability

Who Can Register?

ADGM Wills are open to:

• Non-Muslim individuals aged 21 or above

• Residents and non-residents alike

• Those with assets in the UAE or abroad

Wills can be structured to cover assets only, guardianship only, or both in a combined format. All registrations are processed through the ADGM Notary Public, operating under the authority of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.

What You’ll Need

To begin, we typically require the following:

• A clear copy of your passport

• Emirates ID (if available)

• Proof of address (such as a utility bill or lease)

• Names and details of your chosen executors and beneficiaries

• Any specific documents relevant to your assets or guardianship preferences

We will guide you through the rest during our instruction process.

How the Process Works

We’ve designed our approach to be simple, clear, and aligned with official requirements.

Initial engagement – We issue our engagement letter and invoice for your review

Instruction meeting – We meet to discuss your estate, family circumstances, and wishes

Confirmation – Your instructions are documented in writing for your sign-off

Drafting – We prepare a bilingual draft of your Will that complies with ADGM formalities

Execution – The Will is signed in wet ink, as required by the Notary Public

Submission – We handle submission and pre-approval through the ADGM Notary

Scheduling – Appointments for final notarisation are typically offered within 3 to 5 working days

Why Choose ADGM over DIFC?

Both ADGM and DIFC offer recognised Will registration systems, but ADGM has several practical advantages:

• Lower government fees, especially for couples drafting mirror Wills

• Direct notarisation through Abu Dhabi Judicial Department

• Unified Will format covering both guardianship and asset distribution

• Bilingual execution with smoother acceptance across UAE courts and civil law jurisdictions

For clients with assets across multiple Emirates or simpler family structures, ADGM is often the more efficient option.

Fees and Costs

ADGM WILL	OUR FEE (single)	OUR FEE (mirror)	DIFC REGISTRATION (single / mirror)
Guardianship Will	AED 3500	AED 5,500	ADJD Fee 950 / ADGM Fee USD 155
Full Will	AED 4500	AED 7500	ADJD Fee 950 / ADGM Fee USD 155

Why Work with Shallon Legal?

We are one of the region’s leading legal advisors for succession planning and international structuring. Clients choose us because:

• All Wills are drafted by qualified common law solicitors

• We ensure full compliance with ADGM and ADJD requirements

• Our fixed-fee model ensures no hidden charges

• You receive clear advice, responsive service, and ongoing support

• We advise on cross-border estate planning and trust structuring when needed