Do UAE banks freeze accounts after death? What expats need to know

Dubai: Thinking about what happens after death is never pleasant but what’s far worse is the emotional and financial stress your family may face if you pass away without a plan in place.

Many expats don’t realise that their UAE bank accounts do not automatically transfer to a spouse or family member, and this can quickly lead to complications, delayed access to funds and frozen accounts.

All of this can be prevented with proper planning and a locally recognised will.

What really happens to your UAE bank accounts when you pass away?

According to Lara Barbary, Partner at BSA Law, it is standard practice in the UAE for banks to freeze an individual’s accounts as soon as they are notified of the account holder’s death.

This freeze applies even to joint accounts, and it remains in place until the bank receives a court order to release or distribute the funds.

Having a valid, locally recognised will makes the court process more predictable and often faster. Without one, families can face long delays before gaining access to essential funds.

“If there is no will, the court applies the default inheritance rules, which can lead to outcomes that differ from family expectations, delays in access to funds and potential hardship for dependents while probate or succession proceedings are completed,” Barbary said.

What happens if I don’t have a will in the UAE?

In the absence of a legally recognised will or other formal legal election, UAE courts apply the default succession regime. How your assets are distributed depends on your background:

• For Muslims: Inheritance is generally governed by Sharia-based rules.

• For non-Muslims: The process varies by emirate. Some frameworks allow estates to be distributed under home-country laws — but only if the correct steps have been taken in advance and recognised by the court.

Barbary added that recent regulations suggest the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) may allow Muslims to register wills, but eligibility and scope differ case by case. Without clear planning, the default rules may apply, often producing outcomes that families did not expect.

Why every expat should have a UAE-recognised will

Thousands of expats have built lives in the UAE — buying property, growing businesses, and securing financial assets. But without a will, those assets may not pass to the people you intended, creating unnecessary stress during an already difficult time.

“For expats, a locally recognised will is one of the most effective tools to ensure assets, including UAE bank accounts, real estate and personal property, are transferred according to their wishes and with fewer procedural hurdles,” Barbary said.

Non-Muslim expats often choose to register a will with an approved UAE registry to minimise uncertainty and protect their family.

Families should also consider:

• Account titling

• Beneficiary designations (where allowed)

• Powers of attorney for incapacity

• Guardianship plans for minor children

Since rules vary by emirate and can change, personalised legal advice is crucial.

Key things to consider when drafting a will in the UAE

If you’re ready to create a will, here are the essentials to keep in mind:

• Choose a qualified, registered wills draftsman in a regulated jurisdiction

• Decide on the type of will you need (single, mirror, property-specific, guardianship, etc.)

• List your assets or keep it open if you expect your estate to grow

• Decide who will inherit your assets

• Appoint an executor

• Name guardians for minor children

• Include any charitable gifts

• Ensure your will is properly witnessed when signed

Note: This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Individuals should consult a qualified UAE lawyer to understand their specific circumstances and prepare or register a will that is legally valid in the appropriate jurisdiction.