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ADJD Will Registration

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) provides a will registration service for non-Muslim expats with assets in Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates. Insight Advisory prepares and registers ADJD wills, covering property, financial assets, and guardianship arrangements for residents across Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.

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Quick answer

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) provides a will registration service for non-Muslim expats with assets in Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates. Insight Advisory prepares and registers ADJD wills, covering property, financial assets, and guardianship arrangements for residents across Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.

Who this is for

  • Non-Muslim expats with property or assets in Abu Dhabi
  • Residents in Sharjah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, or Ajman
  • Individuals looking for a lower-cost alternative to DIFC registration for non-Dubai assets
  • Parents needing a guardianship will for children living in Abu Dhabi or Northern Emirates

What we handle

  • 01ADJD will drafting in English and Arabic
  • 02ADJD registration - document preparation, notarisation, and submission
  • 03Asset mapping - confirming which assets fall under ADJD jurisdiction
  • 04Guardianship will preparation for parents
  • 05Coordination with ADJD for registration and any clarifications

ADJD will registration is often overlooked by expats in Abu Dhabi who assume DIFC wills are the only option. The ADJD Wills Register covers assets in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah. It is a government-administered service that provides legal certainty at a lower cost than DIFC registration. It is particularly suitable for Abu Dhabi property owners and Northern Emirates residents.

Process

How it works

  1. 01

    Asset & Jurisdiction Review

    We confirm whether your assets fall under ADJD jurisdiction and advise on whether ADJD alone or a combined ADJD/DIFC structure is appropriate.

  2. 02

    Will Drafting

    We draft the will in English and Arabic in accordance with ADJD requirements.

  3. 03

    Notarisation

    We coordinate notarisation of the will in Arabic, as required by ADJD.

  4. 04

    ADJD Submission

    We submit the registration pack to ADJD and follow up through to the issued registration certificate.

Documents required

  • Valid passport copies of testator, executors, and beneficiaries
  • UAE residence visa
  • Property title deeds (for Abu Dhabi or Northern Emirates property)
  • Company documents (if applicable)
  • Photographs

Frequently asked questions

DIFC Courts cover Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. ADJD covers Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah. If your assets are spread across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you may need both. We advise on the right combination.
Insight Advisory's fee starts from AED 3,499 depending on estate complexity. ADJD government registration fees are separate and lower than DIFC — typically AED 950–2,500 depending on the will type. We provide a full cost breakdown before you commit.
Yes. ADJD jurisdiction is based on where your assets are located, not where you live. If you own property in Abu Dhabi but live in Dubai, you need an ADJD will for those assets.
It depends on where the company is registered. Abu Dhabi mainland companies and ADGM free zone companies fall under ADJD jurisdiction. Dubai or DMCC companies should be covered by a DIFC will.

Watch out

Common mistakes to avoid

  • 01Registering an ADJD will for Dubai assets - ADJD jurisdiction does not cover Dubai property.
  • 02Submitting a will that has not been properly notarised in Arabic - ADJD requires this.
  • 03Not including a guardianship provision if you have minor children in Abu Dhabi.
  • 04Forgetting to update the ADJD will after purchasing new property in Abu Dhabi.
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Written by Insight Advisory Legal Team · Reviewed by Wills & Estates Advisory Team · Last updated: May 2026

This page provides general information about ADJD will registration. Requirements and fees are subject to change. Contact Insight Advisory for current guidance specific to your asset profile.