Estate Planning & Asset Protection

Family Planning

We advise clients on succession and inheritance planning in the UAE

Whether you require a Will or a Foundation, we will assist you in taking the right decision for you and your heirs

As an expat living in the UAE, you may not have considered the implications of your death while away from home. But it's important to plan ahead to ensure that your family is taken care of and your wishes are respected.

You should make a Will to specify your funeral arrangements and how you want your assets to be distributed. If you don't have a Will, your assets will be distributed according to UAE law, which may not be in line with your wishes. A Foundation is another succession planning and asset protection tool that is available to UAE residents and citizens.

This is why you need to plan for today, even if you are brimming with life and health.

The peculiar circumstances of bank accounts

If you are an expat living in the UAE, it is important to know what happens to your bank accounts when you die. Under UAE law, all bank accounts held by expats will be frozen until probate is granted by a UAE court. Even accounts held in joint names, unlike in most other countries.This means that your heirs will not be able to access your money until the probate process is complete, which can be complex and time-consuming.

A DIFC Will does not prevent your bank account from being frozen after your death, but it will be much faster for your loved ones to 'unfreeze' it and get access to it when it goes through the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry rather than the UAE Courts.

Succession Planning tools available in the UAE

DIFC Will (for non-muslims only)

The DIFC Courts Wills Service is a joint initiative of the Government of Dubai and the DIFC Courts that gives non-Muslims investing and living in the UAE the option to pass on their assets and/or appoint guardians for their children, in accordance with the instructions in their Will.

UAE Foundations

Foundations can be registered in ADGM, DIFC or RAKICC. Foundations are a form of hybrid entity similar to both a private company and a trust structure. Combining the mechanisms of both. With the benefit of the independent legal personality, Foundations are well suited to offer practical and flexible structures for a multitude of purposes including succession planning, private wealth management and preservation, tax planning, charitable institutions, asset and creditor protection. A foundation does not have shareholders and cannot carry out commercial activities.

How can we assist?

Consultation

Our team has advised UAE expatriates from various nationalities on Succession and inheritance planning in the UAE. Whether you require a Will, a Foundation or a Trust we will assist you in taking the right decision for you and your heirs.

Registration

Your dedicated Account Manager will register your Will or set up your Foundation, whichever solution you choose. We minimize your involvement and ensure a seamless process by handling the process with the authorities directly.

Amendments

As your personal situation changes, you may want to update your DIFC Will or amend your Foundation. Our team will advise you on the best ways to implement these changes and process them with the authorities.

UAE Golden Visa

The Golden visa is a 10-year residence visa which enables eligible applicants to live, work or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits.

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PRO Services

PROs are Government liaison officers responsible for handling all the paperwork and bureaucratic procedures in the UAE. Check out the benefits or using our PRO services.