July 22, 2026
UAE Age of Majority Set at 18: Changes to Wills, Trusts, Guardianship and Estate Planning Explained
The new Civil Transactions Law redefines legal adulthood in the UAE, potentially reshaping inheritance timelines, guardianship rules and succession structures.
The UAE has officially reduced the age of legal majority from 21 lunar years to 18 Gregorian years under Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025, which comes into force on 1 June 2026, replacing the long-standing Civil Transactions Law of 1985.
This reform marks a significant shift in the UAE’s civil legal framework. Individuals who have completed 18 years of age and possess full mental capacity are now recognised as legal adults, capable of independently entering contracts, managing assets, and participating in legal proceedings.
While the change appears straightforward, its impact on estate planning, inheritance, guardianship, and trust structures is far-reaching.
What the New Law Says
Under Article 15 of Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025, a person attains the age of majority at 18 Gregorian years.
In addition, the law introduces an important provision allowing a minor aged 15 or above to apply, through a guardian or trustee, for court authorisation to manage assets. This remains subject to judicial approval and oversight.
This reflects a broader policy shift towards enabling earlier financial responsibility under controlled legal supervision.
Why This Reform Matters for Estate Planning
The reduction in the age of majority is not merely procedural — it directly affects how wealth transfer structures operate.
Many existing wills, trusts, and succession plans in the UAE were designed on the assumption that beneficiaries remain minors until 21 years of age.
With adulthood now beginning at 18, the timing of asset distribution, guardianship oversight, and trust control may shift significantly.
Key Implications of the New Law
1. Impact on Wills and Inheritance
Many UAE wills, including those registered under the DIFC Wills Service, reference 21 years as the age of inheritance or full access.
Under the new framework, a beneficiary aged 18 or above may now be legally entitled to receive and manage inherited assets unless the will explicitly states otherwise.
This creates a potential mismatch between intended inheritance timelines and the new legal reality.
2. Guardianship Ends Earlier
Existing guardianship arrangements — whether through wills, court orders, or notarial instruments — generally end when a child reaches the age of majority.
With the threshold reduced to 18, guardianship may now terminate up to three years earlier than previously expected.
Families who intended extended oversight must now consider alternative legal tools such as trusts, conditional distributions, or structured inheritance mechanisms.
3. Trusts and Wealth Structures Need Reviewe
Many trust arrangements are structured around staged distribution of assets until a beneficiary reaches a specified age, often 21 or older.
The new law may affect:
Timing of beneficiary entitlement
Trustee control and discretion
Structure of wealth protection strategies
Transition of family business ownership
Without revision, some trust objectives may no longer align with their original purpose.
4. Probate and Estate Administration Changes
Under the revised law, individuals aged 18 and above can directly:
Receive estate assets
Sign legal documents
Participate in probate proceedings
Previously, such actions often required guardian involvement until age 21.
This may streamline estate administration, but also accelerates asset transfer timelines.
Legal Summary Table
| Area | New Position (From 1 June 2026) |
|---|---|
| Age of majority | 18 Gregorian years |
| Minor asset management | From age 15 with court approval |
| Guardianship termination | Ends at 18 |
| DIFC Wills threshold | Updated to align with 18 rule |
| Existing wills | Valid but may require review |
Broader Economic and Legal Impact
The reform also supports wider financial independence for young adults. At 18, individuals can now:
Enter binding contracts
Manage business interests
Hold and transfer assets
Initiate or defend legal proceedings
This may lead to earlier involvement of younger family members in family businesses, investment portfolios, and entrepreneurial structures.
Why Existing Estate Plans Should Be Reviewed
While the law does not invalidate existing documents, it changes the legal baseline.
This means:
Wills drafted with 21 years in mind may now operate differently
Trust structures may release assets earlier than intended
Guardianship protections may end sooner than planned
A proactive review can help ensure that wealth transfer intentions remain intact.
FAQs
Q1: What is the new age of majority in the UAE?
A: The UAE has reduced the age of majority to 18 Gregorian years under Federal Decree-Law No. 25 of 2025.
Q2: Does this law affect existing wills?
A: Yes, while existing wills remain valid, the way they operate may change if they were based on the age of 21.
Q3: Can an 18-year-old now inherit assets directly?
A: Yes. Individuals who have reached 18 years of age and have full mental capacity can now receive and manage inherited assets.
Q4: What happens to guardianship at 18?
A: Guardianship generally ends at 18, unless alternative legal structures such as trusts are in place.
Q5: Do trusts need to be updated after this law?
A: In many cases, yes. Trusts built around the 21-year threshold should be reviewed to ensure they still reflect the settlor’s intentions.
Q6: Can minors manage their own assets before 18?
A:A minor aged 15 or above may apply for court-approved asset management, subject to judicial discretion.
Conclusion
The UAE’s reduction of the age of legal majority to 18 represents a significant evolution in civil law. While it simplifies the legal definition of adulthood, it introduces complex implications for estate planning, inheritance structures, and wealth succession strategies.
Families, investors, and business owners should consider reviewing existing arrangements to ensure they remain aligned with their long-term objectives under the new legal framework.
Kaden Boriss advises on wills, trusts, guardianship, and succession planning across the UAE, assisting clients in adapting to the evolving legal landscape.