How do I apply for a legal heir certificate in Dubai?

In Dubai, an application for a legal heir certificate (declaration of heirs) is made through the personal status division of Dubai Courts. The heirs, or a representative, submit the death certificate, documents proving the family relationship to the deceased, the heirs' identity papers (Emirates ID or passports), and usually attend with witnesses who can confirm the family composition. For a Muslim deceased, the court applies Sharia (faraid) rules and issues a ruling listing each heir and their fixed share; for a non-Muslim, the civil personal status route or a registered will may apply instead. Documents issued abroad typically need attestation and legal translation into Arabic. Once issued, the certificate is the document banks, the Dubai Land Department, and other bodies rely on to transfer the estate. Because document checklists and any court fees are set by Dubai Courts and can change, confirm the current requirements directly with them. Verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI can guide expat families through the filing and translation steps.