What to Do When Someone Dies in UAE: Complete 2026 Guide for Next of Kin and Executors

As next of kin or executor, your role is critical but manageable. This guide covers exactly what you need to do when someone dies in the UAE, from obtaining documents to claiming assets.

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Your 7 Critical Steps as Next of Kin

Step 1: Obtain Official Documents (Days 1-3)

Death Certificate (your starting point):

  • Hospital or morgue issues medical death certificate.
  • Ministry of Health (MoHAP) generates electronic death certificate (1-3 days).
  • Get multiple certified copies of the death certificate (10+ recommended), including one attested by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC) for international use.

What you need to do:

  1. Visit ICP (Federal Authority for Identity) with death certificate, deceased Emirates ID or passport, and your ID with relationship proof.
  2. Get the death extract for international use by MOFAIC stamping and embassy or consulate legalisation when required.

Step 2: Notify Banks and Freeze Accounts (Days 2-7)

UAE banks typically freeze accounts immediately after death notification (including joint accounts).

Your actions:

  1. List all known banks and accounts.
  2. Submit original death certificate, deceased ID, your ID with relationship proof, and legal authority documents to each bank.
  3. Request account statements (last 12 months).
  4. Get written confirmation of closure and balances.

Typical timeline per bank: 1-5 days with complete documents.

Step 3: Locate the Will (Week 1)

Check these locations:

  • Legacy Assured account (if used).
  • ADJD (Abu Dhabi Judicial Department) registry.
  • DIFC Wills Service Centre (Dubai).
  • Dubai Courts Will Registration.
  • Safe deposit box, lawyer, home safe.
  • Foreign jurisdictions (e.g., UK or US wills).

No will found: the court may appoint an administrator under UAE law.

Step 4: Start Probate Process (Weeks 1-4)

If a UAE will exists:

  • ADJD Will - Abu Dhabi Courts
  • DIFC Will - DIFC Courts
  • Dubai Courts Will - Dubai Courts

Documents needed:

  1. Death certificate
  2. Will registration certificate
  3. Asset inventory (banks provide)
  4. Heir relationship proofs

Typical timeline: 3-9 months total.

Step 5: Inventory and Claim Assets (Months 1-6)

Financial assets:

  • Bank statements (all accounts)
  • Investment accounts and pensions
  • Insurance policies (life, health)
  • Credit card final statements
  • Utility deposits and refunds
  • Company shares and dividends

Property:

  • Dubai: Dubai Land Department
  • Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Municipality
  • Other emirates: Local municipalities

Digital assets:

  • Crypto wallets and exchanges
  • Online banking access notes
  • Social media memorialisation
  • Cloud storage and email accounts

Step 6: Pay Debts and Taxes (Months 3-9)

  • Funeral costs
  • Medical bills
  • Outstanding loans and mortgages
  • Utility final bills
  • UAE estate taxes (generally none for individuals)

Step 7: Distribute to Heirs (Months 6-18)

  • Court approval of final accounts
  • Property title transfers
  • Bank transfers to heirs
  • Final tax clearances
  • Close estate file

UAE Next of Kin Timeline

Week/MonthPriority ActionsDocuments Needed
Week 1Death certificate, bank notificationsDeath certificate, IDs
Month 1Locate will, probate filingWill, asset list
Month 3Full asset inventory completeBank statements
Month 6Debts paid, court approvalCreditor clearances
Month 12Assets distributedFinal court order

Next of Kin Pain Points and Solutions

Problem: "We do not know what bank accounts or insurance existed."

Solution: Legacy Assured provides a complete list of relationships and assets.

Problem: "Banks froze everything, even joint accounts."

Solution: Submit death certificate and relationship proof to each bank.

Problem: "We cannot find the will."

Solution: Check Legacy Assured, ADJD, DIFC, and Dubai Courts registries.

Problem: "Digital assets like crypto are inaccessible."

Solution: DIFC wills can cover digital assets if documented clearly.

What You Must Have as Next of Kin

  • Death certificate (10+ copies)
  • Deceased Emirates ID or passport
  • Your Emirates ID or passport
  • Marriage or birth certificates (relationship proof)
  • Will registration certificate
  • Legacy Assured login (if applicable)
  • Bank account lists and statements
  • Property title deeds
  • Insurance policies

PDF checklist delivery can be enabled after the final file upload.

Why Next of Kin Struggle and How Legacy Assured Helps

Many families miss small accounts after death, including pensions, insurance, and utility refunds.

  • Complete asset inventory
  • Account details
  • Document storage
  • Clear next steps
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