Dubai Property Inheritance, Wills and Selling from the UK

What happens to Dubai property when an owner dies, how British owners plan with UAE wills, and how to sell from the UK with a power of attorney.

Written and reviewed by Live Dubai’s Marketing Team · Last reviewed 7 October 2026

In short

There is no inheritance tax in the UAE, but Dubai property does not pass on automatically: a Dubai court letter is needed before the title deed can change.
Without a UAE-registered will, a non-Muslim owner’s estate is split under UAE law: with a spouse and children, half goes to the husband or wife and half is shared by the children.
Many British owners register a separate UAE will, for example with the DIFC Courts Wills Service.
You can sell without being in Dubai, signing through a power of attorney, and report any gain to HMRC if you are UK resident.

What happens to Dubai property when an owner dies

Bank accounts are typically frozen when an owner dies, and a court letter is needed before the title deed can change, so a little planning makes things much easier for your family.

If a non-Muslim owner dies without a UAE-registered will

Half to the husband or wife
Half shared equally by the children, sons and daughters alike (two children shown)
With no children, parents and then brothers and sisters also inherit; the exact shares depend on who survives

Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status, in force since February 2023. Any heir can instead ask for the law that UAE civil law would otherwise apply to a foreigner’s estate, the law of the deceased’s nationality, unless a registered will says otherwise.

Transfer to heirs needs a letter from the Dubai courts to Dubai Land Department before the title deed can change.
Joint ownership does not mean the survivor automatically inherits the other share.
A UK will can be used, but usually needs UK probate, legalisation, Arabic translation and recognition by the Dubai courts.

Ways British owners plan ahead

A UAE-registered will, for example through the DIFC Courts Wills Service, which non-Muslims can use for UAE assets. Its published fees in October 2026: AED 7,500 for a property will covering up to five properties, AED 10,000 for a full will.
Owning through a company or foundation, which some owners use for succession. It has costs and trade-offs, including for the Golden Visa.
UK Inheritance Tax: if you are a long-term UK resident, your Dubai property is part of your estate for UK Inheritance Tax. See our UK tax guide.

We are not lawyers. For a will or structure, take advice from a qualified lawyer in the UAE and, if you are UK resident, in the UK. Our owner services team can introduce trusted partners.

Selling Dubai property while living in the UK

You do not need to be in Dubai to sell. Most of the process runs through your agent, and the transfer can be signed through a power of attorney.

Valuation and Form AYou sign a listing agreement with your agent, who gets the advertising permit.
Offer and Form FYou agree a price with the buyer and both sign the sale agreement.
Developer NOC and your mortgageThe developer confirms service charges are paid. If you have a mortgage, your bank issues a liability letter and the loan is cleared from the sale money.
TransferOwnership moves at a trustee office, with you there or your attorney signing for you.
Your moneyProceeds are normally paid by manager’s cheque in your name, so most overseas sellers use a UAE bank account, then send the money to the UK.
Tell HMRCIf you are UK resident, report any gain on your Self Assessment return for that tax year.

Get a free valuation Work out your net proceeds

Making a power of attorney in the UK

Sign before a UK notaryUse wording that names the specific transaction, such as the purchase or sale of your property.
FCDO legalisationThe UK government legalises the notary’s signature.
UAE attestationAttested for the UAE by the UAE Embassy and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The UAE does not accept an apostille alone.
Arabic translationBy a legal translator approved in the UAE.

Under a 2025 Dubai Land Department circular, powers of attorney made abroad should be less than two years old and name the transaction. Allow a few weeks.

Planning what happens to your Dubai property? Talk to us about wills, succession and selling.

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Questions UK buyers ask

Will my UK will cover my Dubai property?

Not automatically. A UK will can be used, but your family would usually need UK probate, legalised and translated into Arabic, and then recognised by the Dubai courts, which takes time. Many British owners register a separate will in the UAE, for example with the DIFC Courts Wills Service, for their UAE assets.

Does my spouse automatically inherit our jointly owned Dubai property?

No. Joint ownership does not mean the survivor automatically inherits the other share. Without a UAE-registered will, the deceased owner’s share is divided under UAE inheritance rules, unless an heir asks for the law of the owner’s nationality to apply.

Can I sell my Dubai property without travelling to Dubai?

Yes. Your agent handles most of the process, and the transfer can be signed by someone holding your power of attorney. A power of attorney made in the UK has to be notarised, legalised by the FCDO, attested for the UAE and translated into Arabic.