Many expats living in Dubai enjoy the benefits of an international lifestyle career opportunities, tax efficiency, and global mobility. But with this lifestyle often comes overseas property, foreign bank accounts, and international investments.
While building assets across borders is smart, failing to plan for them properly can create serious legal problems for your family later. This is exactly why expats with overseas property need a Global Will.
The Hidden Problem with Overseas Property and Assets
Owning assets in another country means those assets are governed by local inheritance laws, not UAE law.
Each country has its own rules regarding:
- Who can inherit
- How probate works
- Whether forced heirship applies
- How long estate administration takes
What is a Global Will?
A Global Will is an estate planning approach that ensures your assets across multiple countries are handled smoothly and legally.
Instead of relying on:
- One UAE will that may not be recognised abroad, or
- Multiple uncoordinated local wills
- Aligns your estate plan with laws in each country
- Prevents legal conflicts between jurisdictions
- Protects your family from delays and disputes
Why a UAE Will alone is often not enough?
Many expats assume that having a UAE will solves everything. Unfortunately, this is rarely true when overseas property is involved.
A UAE will:
- Is designed primarily for UAE-based assets
- May not be recognised by foreign courts
- Does not override local inheritance laws abroad
Key Reasons Expats with Overseas Property Need a Global Will
1. Overseas Property is Governed by Local Law
If you own property in another country:
- That country’s courts usually control inheritance
- Forced heirship rules may apply
- Your UAE will may be ignored
2. Avoiding Frozen Assets and Long Probate Delays
Without a proper Global Will:
- Overseas properties may be frozen
- Bank accounts may be inaccessible
- Probate can take months or even years
3. Preventing Conflicting or Invalid Wills
Multiple wills drafted without coordination can:
- Accidentally revoke each other
- Create contradictions between jurisdictions
- Trigger legal disputes between heirs
4. Protecting Bank Accounts and Investments Abroad
Many expats maintain:
- Foreign bank accounts
- Investment portfolios
- Shares in overseas companies
5. Supporting Families Living in Different Countries
If your spouse, children, or beneficiaries live in different countries, a Global Will:
- Reduces confusion
- Minimises cross-border disputes
- Ensures faster access to inherited assets
Real Life Example Scenarios
- Scenario 1: An expat owns a home in Dubai and rental property in the UK – A Global Will prevents conflicting probate processes.
- Scenario 2: An investor holds property in Europe and bank accounts in Asia – A Global Will ensures legal compliance in each country.
- Scenario 3: A family plans to retire outside the UAE – A Global Will future-proofs the estate plan.
How a Global Will works in practice?
Step 1: Asset Mapping
All assets are listed and grouped by country:
- Real estate
- Bank accounts
- Investments
- Business interests
Step 2: Legal Review by Jurisdiction
Inheritance laws, probate procedures, and recognition rules are reviewed for each country.
Step 3: Coordinated Drafting
Wills are drafted so that:
- Each applies only to specific assets
- None revoke or override the others
- Your intentions remain consistent worldwide
Common Mistakes Expats Make Without a Global Will
- Assuming one will works everywhere
- Using online templates for international estates
- Forgetting to update wills after buying new property
- Ignoring forced heirship laws abroad
FAQs - Global Wills for Expats with Overseas Property
1. Do I need a Global Will if I only own one overseas property?
Yes. Even a single foreign asset can require separate legal treatment.
2. Is a Global Will only for wealthy individuals?
No. Anyone with overseas assets can benefit.
3. Can a Global Will reduce probate delays?
Yes, significantly, when structured correctly.
4. Are Global Wills legally recognised internationally?
Yes, when drafted in compliance with each country’s laws.
5. How often should a Global Will be updated?
After acquiring new assets or moving countries.
6. Is a Global Will expensive?
It costs more than a single local will but often saves far more in future legal fees.
Conclusion
Why Expats with Overseas Property Need a Global Will is ultimately about protection and peace of mind.
If your assets span borders, relying on a single local will or no will at all can leave your family facing:
- Legal uncertainty
- Long delays
- Unintended inheritance outcomes
A professionally structured Global Will ensures your overseas property, bank accounts, and investments are handled legally, efficiently, and according to your wishes.