Wills for business owners
Your company shares are part of your estate. A will, together with your company documents, helps your business keep running and passes your shares to the right people.
- Covers
- Shares in UAE companies
- Works with
- Your memorandum and shareholder agreement
- Helps avoid
- Delays to banking and renewals
- Good for
- Founders and shareholders
What you need to know
When a shareholder dies without a will, their shares form part of the estate and can take months to pass on. In the meantime, bank access, license renewals and decisions can stall, which is hard on co-founders, staff and family.
A will lets you say who inherits your shares. It works best alongside your company’s own documents, such as the memorandum of association and any shareholder agreement, which may set rules for transferring shares. We look at both together, and because we also set up and run companies, we can update your company documents too.
Good for
- Sole owners of free zone or mainland companies
- Co-founders with shareholder agreements
- Owners of holding companies
- Families running a business together
Business continuity
Plan who can step in and act for the company.
Clear inheritance
Say exactly who receives your shares.
Joined-up advice
Your will and company documents, reviewed together.
How it works
- 01
Review your company
We look at your shareholding, company documents and bank mandates.
- 02
Plan succession
You decide who inherits your shares and who can act for the company.
- 03
Prepare your will
Your will is drafted to match your company documents, and you review it.
- 04
Register and update
We guide registration and update company documents where needed.
Start your will application
Tell us a little about your family and assets. An adviser will explain your options, with no obligation.
What you’ll need later
- Passport, and Emirates ID if you’re a UAE resident
- A list of your main assets
- Names of the people you want to inherit
- Who you’d like as executor, and as guardians for any children
Step 1 of 4
Who is the will for?
What should it cover? Pick all that apply
Where do you live?
Where should we send your will options?
Thanks, there. Your will application has started.
An adviser will contact you on WhatsApp to talk through your options.
A few more details (optional)
- We explain which will and registry suit your family and assets.
- Your will is prepared and checked with you.
- We guide you through signing and registration.
Wills for business owners FAQs
Are company shares covered by a will?
Yes. Shares in a UAE company form part of your estate. Your company’s own documents may also set rules for transferring them, so both need to line up.
What happens to my company if I die?
Your shares pass through your estate, which can take time. Without planning, bank access, renewals and decisions can stall until the heirs are confirmed.
Do I need a special will for my business?
Registries offer different types of will, including options aimed at business owners. We recommend the right one for your company and family.
Can my business partner keep the company running?
It depends on your company documents and the authority’s rules. Planning ahead with a will and updated documents makes it far smoother.
Wills guides
All guides
How to Make a Will in the UAE: A 2026 Guide for ExpatsHow to make a will in the UAE as an expat: who can register, DIFC and Abu Dhabi options, what to include, documents, costs and the steps to registration.Read the guide
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in the UAE?What happens if an expat dies without a will in the UAE: default inheritance rules, frozen bank accounts, property, company shares and guardianship of children.Read the guide
DIFC Will vs Abu Dhabi Will: Which Is Right for You?DIFC will vs Abu Dhabi (ADJD) will compared: who can register, assets covered, process, language and cost, with examples of which suits your situation.Read the guideThis page is general information, not legal advice. Will rules and fees change, so we confirm what applies to you before you proceed.
Ready to protect your family?
Start your will application. An adviser will explain your options, with no obligation.
