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Business Owners Will

Inheritance protection for your DMCC Company shares

The DIFC Courts Wills Service gives eligible non-Muslim business owners and residents the ability to register a Will that provides certainty over the succession of their UAE assets, including free zone company shares, UAE onshore company shares situated in the UAE.

For DMCC business owners, this can be an important part of business continuity planning. Without a registered Will, the transfer of company shares, and other assets may be subject to the applicable local succession laws, which may not reflect the wishes of the company owner.

Registering a Business Owners Will with the DIFC Courts Wills Service enables eligible shareholders to set out clearly how their company shares should be transferred in the event of death. The Will is registered in English through the DIFC Courts’ common law framework, providing greater certainty for business owners, families and beneficiaries.

The Business Owners Will can be completed online through a step-by-step process. It can cover up to five shareholdings in free zone or UAE onshore companies situated in the UAE, including DMCC companies. As business ownership changes, registered Business Owners Wills can also be amended and updated.

A well thought-out business succession plan should include the following:

  1. How company shares should be distributed in the event of a shareholder’s death
  2. Arrangements to support business continuity
  3. Identification of executors and beneficiaries
  4. Consideration of authorised signatories, banking access and trade licence renewal requirements
  5. Supporting documents confirming ownership of company shares

Business Owners Will

The Business Owners Will helps company owners and shareholders plan the succession of their business interests through a focused Will designed for shareholdings. It is suitable for eligible shareholders who wish to protect business continuity and provide clarity for their beneficiaries.

DMCC members can access the DIFC Courts Wills Service as part of the wider strategic partnership between DMCC and the DIFC Courts, which supports DMCC companies with access to legal certainty, estate planning and commercial justice services.

The Business Owners Will can be completed online

The DIFC Courts Wills Service provides an online facility that enables eligible persons to complete and submit a Business Owners Will for registration.

Before starting the process, applicants should:

  • Confirm the number of shares they own and have proof of ownership available
  • Identify their executors and prepare copies of their identity documents
  • Identify all relevant beneficiaries and alternative beneficiaries
  • Consider taking independent legal advice, particularly where company structures or family arrangements are complex
  • Review the guidance notes provided during the online process
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4 simple steps to registering your Company Business Owners Will

01

Choose ‘single’ or ‘mirror’ will

If you are registering an individual Will, select the Single Will option. If you and your spouse wish to register Wills at the same time, select the Mirror Wills option.

02

Consider legal advice

Legal advice is not mandatory for the online Business Owners Will template, but the DIFC Courts Wills Service strongly recommends that applicants consider taking legal advice before registration.

03

Create your Business Owners Will

Start the process through the DIFC Courts Wills Service portal, where you can access the online template and explanatory notes.

04

Register your will

Once prepared, the Will can be registered through the DIFC Courts Wills Service, either virtually or in person, subject to the applicable registration process and appointment availability.

Registered Will draftsmen in DMCC:

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TWS Legal Consultants

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HPL Yamalova & Plewka DMCC

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Swiss ILC DMCC

Part of the wider DMCC-DIFC Courts partnership

DMCC and the DIFC Courts have expanded their strategic partnership to support DMCC’s business community with access to a broader suite of legal and court-related services.

In addition to the Wills Service, DMCC members can access information and guidance on DIFC Courts services including opt-in jurisdiction, the Digital Economy Court, Mediation Service Centre and Notary Service.

These services are designed to support business certainty, dispute readiness, succession planning and asset protection for DMCC’s international community of companies, founders, investors and family offices.