What happens if I die in Dubai without a Will?

[Lukewalker]

I am a British Expat moving to Dubai and I am very concerned that if I die my assets will be distributed in accordance with Muslim Sharia Law.

This Sharia Law is very different from the law of the United Kingdom.

I have been advised by several people that the best company to make my will is Expatriate Wills based in Dubai. People I know that have used them to prepare their wills have told me they are experts in will writing for British Expats residing in Dubai and they have over 15 years experience.

Can anyone tell me if they have used Expatriate Wills?

[Geordie Armani]

do a search on Jim Berry Associates in Dubai.

[Elphaba]

If you die in the UAE without a will, any assets that you hold here will be subject to Shariah Law in terms of distribution. Generally assets that you hold elsewhere, including offshore, are subject to UK inheritance rules.

Many Brits do not realise that on death their worldwide assets are subject to inheritance tax, above the standard allowances/exemptions.

You can have a will written whilst you are in Dubai and your lawyer will assist you in having it authenticated by the British Embassy.

Please send me a personal message if you want a proper referral, as I deal with these matters on a regular basis

[Pasanada]

I have a will in Spain - my "worldwide" assets are solely in that country. Would it be applicable under Spanish law if I were to die in the Middle East?

Confused!!!

[Stravinsky]

Originally Posted by Pasanada

I have a will in Spain - my "worldwide" assets are solely in that country. Would it be applicable under Spanish law if I were to die in the Middle East?

Confused!!!

Where is your tax residency Pasanada ....... I am assuming that you are Spanish citizen?

[Pasanada]

Hi Stravinsky,

I'm a British passport holder but a fiscal resident of Spain (have resided here for over 4 years) I spoke to my Gestor this week and I can have my salary from Dubai paid into my Spanish bank account but as I will be out of the country for more than 183 days, I'll no longer be on the Social Security system although I will still be liable for taxes relating to my property here.

Hope that makes sense!!

[Stravinsky]

Originally Posted by Pasanada

Hi Stravinsky,

I'm a British passport holder but a fiscal resident of Spain (have resided here for over 4 years) I spoke to my Gestor this week and I can have my salary from Dubai paid into my Spanish bank account but as I will be out of the country for more than 183 days, I'll no longer be on the Social Security system although I will still be liable for taxes relating to my property here.

Hope that makes sense!!

OK, if you are a registered resident of Spain then that normally means your worldwide assets are subject to wealth tax & your worldwide income is subject to Spanish income tax. IHT is payable in Spain at horrendous rates, although if you leave your estate to another Spanish resident then it can be cut in some areas to 1% .... terms and conditions apply However if you were to leave it to, say, your children in the UK then they are well and truly stuffed on IHT.

As regards your salary, I do know of people who have salaries from other countries paid into their Spanish accounts. As I understand it, it is still subject to Spanish income tax but if tax is taken in Dubai at source then that can be deducted from your Spanish tax return.


However if you have a clever Gestoria then they can often find all kinds of ways around things

[Stravinsky]

Originally Posted by Stravinsky

OK, if you are a registered resident of Spain then that normally means your worldwide assets are subject to wealth tax & your worldwide income is subject to Spanish income tax. IHT is payable in Spain at horrendous rates, although if you leave your estate to another Spanish resident then it can be cut in some areas to 1% .... terms and conditions apply However if you were to leave it to, say, your children in the UK then they are well and truly stuffed on IHT.

As regards your salary, I do know of people who have salaries from other countries paid into their Spanish accounts. As I understand it, it is still subject to Spanish income tax but if tax is taken in Dubai at source then that can be deducted from your Spanish tax return.


However if you have a clever Gestoria then they can often find all kinds of ways around things

Oh and btw, its important to have both a Spanish and UK will if you have assets in both countries

[Pasanada]

Thanks for your reply. However, my worldwide assets are in Spain only so no need for a UK will.

I won't be taxed in Dubai and as I will be out of Spain for longer than 183 days, I won't be liable for Income Tax either. Wealth tax on worldwide assets is only appicable to foreigners NOT resident in Spain but who own property there.

I will seek further clarification on this matter with my Abagado/Gestor.

[Stravinsky]

Sorry Pasadena, wealth tax is applicable to residents and to non residents who own property in Spain.

If you are a resident you get quite good allowances though which can amount to €4 0r 500,000 for a couple.

Originally Posted by Pasanada

Thanks for your reply. However, my worldwide assets are in Spain only so no need for a UK will.

I won't be taxed in Dubai and as I will be out of Spain for longer than 183 days, I won't be liable for Income Tax either. Wealth tax on worldwide assets is only appicable to foreigners NOT resident in Spain but who own property there.

I will seek further clarification on this matter with my Abagado/Gestor.