A DIFC will is registered entirely remotely, from wherever you live. The process consists of two phases: preparation (1 to 2 weeks) and DIFC execution (4 to 8 weeks). This article walks you through the complete process: which documents you need, what you handle yourself, what is guided and where most owners get stuck.
Phase 1: preparation (1 to 2 weeks)
Step 1: intake and situation assessment
The process starts with mapping your situation. The relevant questions:
- How many properties do you own in the UAE, and in which emirates?
- Are the properties held in personal name or in a corporate structure?
- Are you single or do you have a partner who is co-owner?
- Do you have minor children?
- Are there other UAE assets besides real estate (bank accounts, vehicles)?
Based on this information, the type of DIFC will you need and the appropriate VAEtestament tier are determined.
Step 2: gathering documents
You will need the following documents:
- Passport (valid, for all parties involved).
- Title deed(s) of your UAE property (the ownership certificate, issued by the local land authority).
- Emirates ID (if you have one; not required for non-residents).
- Marriage certificate (if applicable, for mirror wills).
- Birth certificates of children (if you wish to include them as beneficiaries).
Most owners already have these documents on hand. Gathering them typically takes a few days.
Step 3: making decisions
This is the part where most owners spend the longest. You need to determine:
- Who inherits which property. Per property, per beneficiary.
- Executor. Who executes your will after your death? This can be someone in your home country.
- Guardianship (if applicable). Who receives care of minor children?
- Substitute beneficiaries. What if your primary beneficiary predeceases you?
With Tier 2, you discuss these decisions in a personal 40-minute session with André van Wijngaarden. With Tier 1, you receive a structured working document to work through the decisions independently.
Step 4: drafting the will
Based on your documents and decisions, the draft will is prepared. You review this document and confirm whether everything is correct. Revisions are processed until you approve.
Phase 2: DIFC execution (4 to 8 weeks)
Step 5: submission to the DIFC Wills Service Centre
The finalised will is submitted to the DIFC Wills Service Centre. This is done digitally. Processing time varies but typically falls between 4 and 8 weeks.
Step 6: signing appointment
The DIFC schedules a signing appointment. This takes place via video call. You do not need to travel to Dubai. During the appointment, you confirm your identity and sign the will digitally.
Step 7: registration and confirmation
After signing, your will is officially registered in the DIFC Wills Register. You receive a registration confirmation. From that moment, your will is enforceable through the DIFC court system.
What VAEtestament does versus what you do yourself
| Component | You | VAEtestament |
|---|---|---|
| Gathering documents | Yes | Checklist and guidance |
| Making decisions (who inherits what) | Yes | Structure and session (Tier 2/3) |
| Drafting the will | Review | Preparation |
| DIFC submission | Fully handled | |
| Signing appointment | Present via video call | Planning and preparation |
| Communication with DIFC | Fully handled |
Where owners get stuck
Three points where the process commonly stalls in practice:
-
Postponing decisions. Gathering documents takes days. Making decisions about beneficiaries sometimes takes weeks. That is normal, but it is the primary reason the total process takes longer than the minimum timeline.
-
Unable to locate title deeds. If you no longer have your ownership certificate, you need to request a copy from the relevant land authority. That costs extra time.
-
Underestimating the DIFC processing time. The 4 to 8 weeks of DIFC processing time cannot be accelerated by VAEtestament. Plan accordingly, especially if there is a deadline (for example, a planned sale).