An inheritance certificate is an official, court-issued document that identifies the legal heirs of a deceased person and their shares of the estate. It is the document used to transfer the deceased’s property to the heirs. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Where you’ll see it
You’ll need an inheritance certificate to deal with a deceased owner’s property in the UAE. The court determines the heirs — under the applicable law — and issues the certificate, which then supports registering the transfer of the property to those heirs.
Why it matters
Property cannot pass to heirs without legal proof of who they are and their entitlements. The certificate is that proof, and obtaining it is usually the gateway step before any inherited property can be transferred or sold.
What it is not
An inheritance certificate is not a will, and it is not itself the property transfer — it establishes the heirs, after which the heir transfer registers the property to them. The applicable law depends on the deceased’s circumstances.
Example
After an owner passes away, the heirs obtain an inheritance certificate from the court confirming their shares, then use it to register the property into their names.
Connected documents and parties
Death certificate, inheritance certificate, will if any, title deed; heirs, court, DLD.
Going deeper: for transferring an inherited property, see a Dubai conveyancing specialist; for your situation, take professional legal advice.
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