Affidavit Of Inheritance Form Template for the United Arab Emirates

The Affidavit Of Inheritance Form is a legally binding sworn statement that establishes your inheritance rights in the United Arab Emirates. This document serves as official proof of your entitlement to a deceased person's assets and is required by UAE authorities before you can access bank accounts, transfer property ownership, or settle estate matters. The affidavit must contain comprehensive details about the deceased, all legal heirs, and a complete inventory of assets and liabilities.

When do you need this document?

You need an Affidavit Of Inheritance when you are claiming your inheritance rights following a family member's death in the UAE. This includes situations where you must access the deceased's bank accounts, transfer real estate or vehicle ownership, claim life insurance benefits, or settle business interests. The document is particularly crucial for expatriate families who may need to prove inheritance rights across multiple jurisdictions. UAE banks and property registration authorities require this affidavit before processing any asset transfers, making it an essential first step in estate settlement.

Key legal considerations

The most critical aspect of your affidavit is ensuring accurate identification of all legal heirs according to applicable inheritance law. For Muslim UAE nationals, inheritance distribution must follow Sharia principles outlined in the Personal Status Law, which prescribes specific shares for spouses, children, and other relatives. Non-Muslim expatriates can elect to apply their home country's inheritance laws under recent UAE legislation, but this choice must be clearly stated and properly documented. You must also provide a complete and accurate list of all assets and debts, as any omissions could invalidate the affidavit or lead to legal complications. The document requires notarization by UAE authorities and may need Arabic translation if originally prepared in another language.

Legal requirements in United Arab Emirates

Under UAE Federal Law No. 28 of 2005, your Affidavit Of Inheritance must meet specific formatting and content requirements. The document must include the deceased's full legal name, Emirates ID or passport number, date and place of death, and last known address. You must identify each heir with their full name, relationship to the deceased, age, and identification numbers. The affidavit must list all assets including real estate, bank accounts, investments, vehicles, and personal property, along with any outstanding debts or liabilities. For expatriate cases involving assets outside the UAE, additional authentication through embassy officials or apostille certification may be required. The completed affidavit must be signed before a UAE notary public or court official, and you may need to provide supporting documents such as death certificates, marriage certificates, and birth certificates to verify relationships and inheritance rights.