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Estate Planning for Expats in Dubai and Beyond

A Unique Challenge for Expatriates

Living in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE offers exciting opportunities, but it also brings complexities when it comes to estate planning. Most expatriates have assets spread across multiple countries—property in their home country, bank accounts in the UAE, investments abroad. Each jurisdiction has its own inheritance rules and tax laws, which can overlap or even conflict.

 

Without careful planning, this can lead to unintended heirs, frozen accounts, lengthy disputes and in some cases, double taxation. Many expats assume a Will from their home country is enough to cover their UAE assets, but local courts may not recognise it. The result? Families face unnecessary stress and delays at the very moment they need stability.

Why Expats Need a Different Approach

Estate planning as an expatriate is not just about drafting a Will—it’s about creating a plan that works across borders.

 

In the UAE, Sharia inheritance rules apply by default unless you have a registered Will. That means your estate could be divided in ways you never intended. Joint accounts can be frozen, property transfers delayed and guardianship of children left to court decisions. At the same time, your home country may apply inheritance tax to your worldwide assets, even if you’ve lived abroad for years.

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How We Help

At Smart Planning Consultants, we specialise in expatriate and international estate planning. Our role is to simplify the process, protect your wealth and ensure your wishes are respected—both in the UAE and abroad.

 

We can help you:

 

  • Register a Will in DIFC, ADGM or Dubai Courts to protect your UAE assets.

  • Coordinate multiple Wills across different jurisdictions to avoid conflicts.

  • Put in place guardianship documents so your children are cared for by the right people.

  • Prepare a Power of Attorney to ensure trusted decision-makers can act on your behalf.

  • Structure your estate through trusts, foundations or holding companies for long-term protection.

  • Minimise inheritance tax exposure in your home country with tax-efficient strategies.

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Planning for the Future

Your legacy deserves protection. Don’t leave your estate to chance.

An effective estate plan does more than protect assets—it provides peace of mind. With the right documents in place, you know your wealth will be passed on according to your wishes, your family will be cared for and your legacy will be secure.

 

At Smart Planning Consultants, we combine in-depth knowledge of the UAE’s legal framework with international expertise, giving expatriates complete confidence in their estate plans.

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