Understanding the Cost of ADJD Wills in Abu Dhabi

The expense of preparing and registering a will with the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) in Dubai is shaped by the declared value of the testator's UAE-based estate, the intricacy of the testamentary provisions, and the statutory fees imposed by the department. Under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 5 of 1985 (Civil Transactions Law) and ADJD's internal fee schedule, the notary may levy a percentage-based charge that rises with the size of the estate, while fixed administrative amounts cover drafting, translation, certification and processing. The Arabic version of any UAE legislation published in the Official Gazette prevails over translations, so the figures cited below reflect the authoritative Arabic texts.

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WHAT FACTORS DETERMINE THE ADJD WILLS COST?

The total amount payable to ADJD consists of three core elements: a variable notary fee calculated as a percentage of the estate's declared value, a fixed processing fee that varies with the presence of trusts or overseas assets, and ancillary charges for services such as translation, certified true copies and notary attestation.

Article 12 of Federal Decree-Law No. 5 of 1985 permits notaries to charge up to 0.5 % of the estate value for will registration. ADJD supplements this with a AED 1,000 processing fee for a standard will and AED 2,500 when the instrument incorporates a trust structure or references assets situated outside the UAE.

If the estate exceeds AED 5 million, the percentage rate increases to 0.75 % pursuant to ADJD's 2022 fee amendment. The notary fee is capped at AED 25,000 for estates below the threshold and at AED 50,000 for larger estates, ensuring that the variable component does not grow without bound.

Additional costs arise when the testator requires a bilingual will (English/Arabic). Certified translation is typically priced at AED 300 per page. Should the testator request a certified true copy of the registered will, the Certified True Copy Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2020) prescribes a charge of AED 500 per copy.

HOW IS THE ESTATE VALUE CALCULATED FOR ADJD WILLS COST?

ADJD assesses the estate on the basis of all assets that are physically located within the UAE at the date the will is executed. The valuation process follows these steps:

1. Real estate - The latest appraisal issued by the Dubai Land Department (or the relevant emirate's land authority) provides the market value.
2. Bank balances - Certified statements from UAE-based banks reflect the exact amount on the execution date.
3. Shares in UAE-registered companies - The closing price on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (or the relevant exchange) on the day of signing determines the value.
4. Movable property - Items such as jewellery, vehicles, artwork or collectibles are evaluated by an approved valuer; the valuation report must accompany the will submission.

The testator must furnish a detailed asset schedule supported by title deeds, bank statements, share certificates and valuation reports. Assets situated outside the UAE are excluded from the ADJD-based fee calculation, although they must be disclosed for completeness and may be subject to the succession rules of the jurisdiction where they reside.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN AN ADJD WILL AND WHAT ARE THE ASSOCIATED COSTS?

To register a will with ADJD, the testator submits the following package:

• A completed will draft (in Arabic or a certified English/Arabic bilingual version).
• A valid Emirates ID or passport copy.
• A recent utility bill or tenancy contract proving UAE residence.
• An asset schedule accompanied by the supporting documents listed above.
• If applicable, a power of attorney authorising the nominated executor to act on the testator's behalf.

The drafting fee charged by a licensed legal document-drafting service in Dubai typically ranges from AED 1,500 to AED 3,500, depending on the number of clauses, the presence of trusts, and the need for bespoke language.

Once the documents are received, ADJD levies the registration fee: 0.5 % of the estate value (capped at AED 25,000) for estates up to AED 5 million, plus the fixed processing fee of AED 1,000. For estates exceeding AED 5 million, the registration fee rises to 0.75 % (capped at AED 50,000) while the processing fee remains AED 1,000 for a standard will and AED 2,500 for wills that contain trusts or overseas assets. Translation, certified true copy and notary attestation fees are added separately as outlined in the previous section.

HOW LONG DOES THE ADJD WILL REGISTRATION PROCESS TAKE?

After a complete application is lodged, ADJD normally issues the registered will within five to seven working days. The timeline proceeds as follows:

1. Identity verification - The notary confirms the testator's Emirates ID or passport and witnesses the signing.
2. Asset schedule review - The submitted schedule is cross-checked against the supporting documents.
3. Legal compliance check - ADJD's legal team examines the will for conformity with UAE succession rules, particularly the forced-heirship provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. 28 of 2005 (Personal Status Law).

If the will contains clauses that conflict with forced-heirship rules, ADJD may request amendments, which can extend the process by an additional three to five days.

Expedited service provides for an extra AED 500, requires completion within 48 hours, on the condition that all documentation is correct and complete at the time of submission.

CAN THE ADJD WILLS COST BE REDUCED OR WAIVED?

ADJD does not offer fee waivers or reductions for will registration; however, testators can influence the overall expense through strategic planning:

• Limiting the declared UAE estate value - By holding certain assets in offshore structures or in jurisdictions where they are not deemed UAE-based, the testator can lower the percentage-based component.
• Consolidating assets - Placing multiple holdings into a single UAE-registered company may simplify the asset schedule and reduce drafting complexity, though the underlying value remains unchanged for fee calculation.
• Choosing an alternative registry - The DIFC Wills and Probate Registry (Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2013) charges a flat fee of USD 1,000 irrespective of estate size. For estates valued above roughly AED 2 million, the DIFC option often becomes more economical than the ADJD percentage-based model.
• Holographic wills - A handwritten, signed will that is not registered with ADJD avoids the notary and processing fees altogether. Nevertheless, Article 265 of the Civil Transactions Law imposes stricter evidentiary requirements, and such wills are more susceptible to challenge in court, potentially leading to higher litigation costs.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the maximum notary fee for ADJD will registration under UAE law?
The maximum notary fee is 0.5 % of the estate value for estates up to AED 5 million, increasing to 0.75 % for larger estates, as stipulated in Article 12 of Federal Decree-Law No. 5 of 1985.

Are translation costs mandatory for an English-language will submitted to ADJD?
Yes. If the will is not drafted in Arabic, a certified translation into Arabic is required. Translation fees are typically AED 300 per page, pursuant to the Certified True Copy Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2020).

Can a will registered with ADJD cover assets located outside the UAE?
ADJD registration only governs UAE-based assets. Overseas assets may be mentioned in the will for completeness, but they are excluded from the fee calculation and are subject to the succession laws of the jurisdiction where they are situated.

What happens if the testator dies before the ADJD will is registered?
If the testator passes away prior to registration, the document is treated as an unregistered instrument. The estate will then be distributed according to intestacy rules under Federal Decree-Law No. 28 of 2005 unless a valid foreign will is recognised by the UAE courts.

Is there a difference in cost between a standard will and a will that includes a trust?
Yes. Wills that incorporate trust provisions attract a higher fixed processing fee of AED 2,500 (instead of AED 1,000) and usually entail additional legal drafting charges due to the complexity of trust structuring.

How does the ADJD wills cost compare to DIFC wills cost?
ADJD wills cost follows a value-based formula (0.5-0.75 % of estate value plus fixed fees), whereas DIFC wills impose a flat fee of USD 1,000 regardless of estate size. Consequently, for estates exceeding approximately AED 2 million, the DIFC option frequently proves more cost-effective, while lower-value estates may find the ADJD route cheaper when the percentage component remains modest.

The information above reflects the current fee structure and procedural requirements as outlined in the applicable UAE legislation and ADJD's published schedules. For advice tailored to your specific circumstances, consult a qualified legal practitioner familiar with UAE succession law.

If your matter involves adjd wills cost in the United Arab Emirates, you are welcome to request a consultation with Nour Attorneys. Our team can assess your position under the law currently in force and outline the options available to you. Request a consultation

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