VAEtestament’s guidance fees are EUR 497, EUR 797 or EUR 1,499, depending on your situation. Known upfront, with no hourly rates. DIFC registration fees are paid separately, directly to the DIFC. This article describes what each package includes, who it is intended for and how the costs compare to the alternatives.
The three packages
Tier 1: Self-Guided (EUR 497)
For owners who want to go through the process independently with structured guidance.
What you get:
- Structured working document for all decisions (beneficiaries, executor, substitutions).
- Full DIFC submission and communication with the DIFC Wills Service Centre.
- Guidance throughout the entire process.
- Coverage for up to 5 properties in personal name.
For whom: owners with a straightforward situation (one or a few properties, clear wishes about who inherits what) who do not need a personal session.
Tier 2: Guided Registration (EUR 797)
For owners who want to discuss their decisions and for couples who want a mirror will.
What you get:
- Everything from Tier 1.
- Personal 40-minute session with André van Wijngaarden to review your situation and finalise decisions.
- Suitable for mirror wills (two wills in one procedure).
For whom: couples, owners who are uncertain about the right structuring, or owners who want to validate their decisions with someone who understands the subject matter.
Tier 3: Fully Managed (EUR 1,499)
For more complex situations that require legal expertise.
What you get:
- Everything from Tier 2.
- Referral to a DIFC-certified lawyer from VAEtestament’s network.
- Suitable for more than 5 properties, corporate structures, non-property assets in the UAE, or guardianship arrangements.
For whom: owners with an extensive portfolio, property in a holding or LLC, or situations where tailored legal work is needed.
How to determine which tier suits you
Three questions are enough:
- How many properties do you own in the UAE in personal name? Up to 5: Tier 1 or 2. More than 5: Tier 3.
- Are any properties in a corporate structure? Yes: Tier 3.
- Do you want a personal session or a mirror will? Yes: at least Tier 2.
Comparison with alternatives
Law firm in Dubai
The common route for foreign owners is a law firm in the UAE. Fees range from EUR 2,000 to EUR 5,000 or more. Communication is in English. Hourly rates can make costs unpredictable. For standard situations (up to 5 properties in personal name, no complex structures) this is a disproportionate investment.
Self-registration via the DIFC portal
The DIFC Wills Service Centre has an online portal where you can submit a will yourself. The portal is in English, offers no substantive guidance and expects you to fill in all fields and decisions correctly on your own. DIFC registration fees are paid directly to the DIFC and are not included in VAEtestament’s fees.
Doing nothing
The cheapest option in the short term is the most expensive in the long term. Without a DIFC will, your surviving family typically pays more than EUR 10,000 in probate costs, with a timeline of 12 to 24 months. Read more about what happens without a will.
What is included in the price?
All VAEtestament fees include:
- Intake and situation assessment.
- Guidance with gathering documents.
- Draft preparation and review rounds.
- DIFC submission and communication with the Wills Service Centre.
- Support during the signing appointment (video call).
- Guidance throughout the entire process.
Not included: any costs for requesting lost title deeds from local authorities, and the costs of external legal services for Tier 3 (these are quoted separately by the lawyer).