United Arab Emirates

Portugal has been a steady favourite for people building a base in Europe. Its mix of lifestyle, safety and accessible residency through property investment has attracted families and entrepreneurs for years. That model changed in 2023 when the government ended real estate as a qualifying route under the Golden Visa to steer capital into more productive areas. The decision left many asking which options still count, and whether property has any place at all in the updated rules. Interest hasn’t faded. Portugal still offers a clear path to residency in Europe, backed by stable governance and secure long-term rights. The sections below set out how the system now works, which routes are open, and where property fits. What changed in Portugal’s Golden Visa Law No. 56/2023 took effect in October 2023 and reset the criteria for residency by investment. It removed routes based on buying property or placing large capital in a local bank, both widely used for over a decade. The aim is to direct investment toward activity that supports jobs, research and cultural projects. For advisers and investors, this closed the easiest entry point and made room for more structured investments through licensed channels. Fund options have grown as investors look for compliant, diversified ways to participate while keeping exposure to steady sectors. The change has also brought in a broader mix of professionals, from managers to legal teams and administrators who know how to run regulated vehicles. The updated RBI routes Today the programme relies on a smaller set of paths that put money to work in the real economy. The most common is an investment of at least €500,000 in a regulated venture capital or private equity fund. These funds are licensed by Portugal’s securities regulator and run by professional managers who invest across energy, tourism, healthcare and technology. Other recognised routes include creating jobs through a Portuguese company, backing cultural or scientific projects, or setting up a new business that employs local staff. Each path has its own process, compliance checks and reporting, so early legal and financial guidance helps avoid delays. Taken together, these routes now form the core of the programme and replace passive property purchases with managed, transparent investment. The fund route: how it works Under this route, investors buy units in regulated funds run by licensed managers under CMVM supervision. Each fund follows a clear strategy and meets strict audit and reporting standards. Portfolios are often spread across sectors such as energy, technology and tourism, and some keep indirect exposure to property through hotel or development projects rather than individual units. The model is built for oversight and clarity. Investors join a managed structure with independent administration, due diligence and regular reports on performance. Fund terms typically run five to ten years with defined exit points, so timelines and liquidity are known in advance. For many, that mix of reporting, valuations and governance feels easier to live with than the upkeep, tenant issues and legal work that come with owning bricks and mortar abroad. Can real estate still play a role? Direct property purchases no longer qualify, though real estate hasn’t vanished from the picture. Some regulated funds invest in hotel, housing or mixed-use schemes. These count because the investor holds units in a managed vehicle under Portuguese regulation, not deeds to a flat. Before committing, investors should confirm the fund’s CMVM registration, understand its focus and look at its record. Audited statements, clear valuations and plain updates from the manager are good signs. This route keeps a link to property through a controlled structure, giving exposure to development risk and income while staying within today’s legal framework. Why Portugal still appeals Portugal keeps steady interest for straightforward reasons. It’s safe, well run and easy to settle in. The climate is mild, healthcare is strong and living costs compare well with much of Western Europe. The tax regime still helps new arrivals plan, with the Non-Habitual Resident regime and its successor offering defined reliefs for those who qualify. The five-year path to citizenship is a major draw for families who want EU access. And while the rules have tightened, investor confidence has held up. Most view the updates as evolution, and Portugal’s blend of lifestyle, predictability and clear rules keeps it high on shortlists. How The Knightsbridge Group can help The Knightsbridge Group has over a decade of experience advising international families and investors on residency, citizenship and cross-border planning. Our team supports clients through every stage of the Portuguese residency process, from eligibility checks and investment documentation to coordinating applications and renewals with licensed professionals. If you’d like guidance on Portugal’s residency routes or any other citizenship or structuring matter, contact us at [email protected].

On 15 October 2025, BSA LAW hosted the 4th edition of its flagship Mock Trial in collaboration with LexisNexis Middle East at the DIFC Academy. Spearheaded by Asim Ahmed, Partner and Head of the Litigation Department at BSA LAW, the event brought together over 50 participants for a simulated criminal case focused on unlicensed crypto trading. The interactive session offered practical insights into regulatory compliance and the workings of the UAE criminal justice system. The session featured a welcome note by Dr. Ahmad Bin Hezeem, Senior Partner at BSA LAW and former Director General of Dubai Courts, and a closing panel with Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority’s (VARA) General Counsel Ruben Bombardi, alongside BSA LAW’s Asim Ahmed, Partner and Head of the Litigation Department; Partner and Head of the TMT Department at BSA LAW, Nadim Bardawil; and Senior Associate Asma Siddiqui, discussing virtual assets trading and compliance in the UAE with the team presenting the trial from BSA LAW: Dana Hassan, Racha Kirouani and Hala Harb. The event was highly engaging, offering participants a unique opportunity to experience the dynamics of a courtroom setting while gaining practical understanding of virtual asset regulations. Its interactive format and expert-led discussions made it an insightful and impactful learning experience for all attendees.

Dubai, UAE – 16 June – SAT & Co is pleased to announce the promotion of Ahmed Yehia Hamdalla to Partner within the firm’s Dispute Resolution team. Ahmed is a trusted advisor to regional businesses, high-net-worth individuals, and specialised trading companies, particularly within the UAE’s gold and commodities sectors. Known for his sharp analytical skills and methodical approach to litigation, Ahmed regularly advises on high-stakes commercial disputes, insurance claims, and cross-border enforcement matters. His work has contributed to key precedents before the Dubai Court of Cassation, and he is often recognised by clients and peers alike for his ability to simplify complex procedural issues while remaining focused on practical outcomes. Ahmed’s promotion is a strategic step for SAT & Co as it continues to strengthen its next generation of leadership. His rise within the firm reflects both the success of SAT & Co’s Dispute Resolution practice and the firm’s long-term commitment to nurturing talent that blends technical excellence with client-focused thinking. As SAT & Co expands its visibility across the UAE and internationally, Ahmed will play a key role in shaping the practice’s growth and deepening client relationships. Ahmed Yehia comments: “I’m honoured to join the partnership at SAT & Co. I’m proud of the trust our clients place in us and grateful for the mentorship and collaboration that have shaped my journey here. I look forward to playing a greater role in helping the firm expand its dispute resolution practice and continue delivering strategic, effective solutions for our clients.” SAT & Co co-founder and Head of Dispute Resolution Abubaker Karmustaji commented: “Ahmed has shown consistent excellence in handling highly complex matters, and his dedication, insight, and professionalism are valued not only by our clients but by the entire team. His promotion reflects the strength of our next generation of leaders and the ambition we have for the future of our disputes practice.” About SAT & Co SAT & Co is a full-service law firm based in the United Arab Emirates, known for its sharp legal expertise and deep roots in the local market. The firm advises a diverse portfolio of clients, from individuals to multinational corporations, across sectors such as oil and gas, real estate, finance, insurance, telecoms, and gold trading. Its Dispute Resolution department is recognised for handling high-value, complex litigation and enforcement proceedings, with matters exceeding AED 2.5 billion in claims over the past year. SAT & Co combines deep local knowledge with international experience, offering a pragmatic and strategic approach to legal problem-solving. For more information and interview enquiries, please contact Tanya Visakan +971 4 5514441 (Ext.113) [email protected] www.sat-law.com.

Many non-Muslim expats believe that once they’ve signed a notarial will, their plans for guardianship and inheritance are secure. But despite appearing compliant, these wills can still be subject to local interpretation and may not offer full protection. For greater legal certainty, many now turn to the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry, which provides a common law framework specifically designed for non-Muslims in the UAE. The result is a process that offers greater consistency and fewer unknowns. This article explains how notarial wills leave gaps, how the DIFC process closes them and why that difference matters if you have children, property or future plans tied to the UAE. What is a notarial will, and where it falls short A notarial will is signed in the presence of a Dubai Courts notary, usually in Arabic, sometimes with an English version attached. For expats, it’s often seen as a quick and affordable way to set out who inherits what and who should act as executor or guardian. It’s simple on paper, but in practice, the structure has clear limits. These wills are stored within the court system but aren’t part of a searchable registry. That can make them hard to retrieve or confirm, particularly if the family lives overseas or isn’t fluent in Arabic. There’s also no guarantee a notarial will is enforced as intended. Judges have wide discretion when deciding whether the document meets legal standards. If parts of it are vague, unregistered or poorly translated, the court may apply default rules instead of following what’s written. This has happened in practice. One case involved a European expat who left instructions for his Dubai property to go to his wife and children. The will was valid in form, but the court split the estate based on fixed shares, citing the way the document had been drafted and filed. Guardianship cases show the same kind of risk. Courts don’t always follow the named guardian if the will lacks clarity or hasn’t gone through a recognised system. Depending on the situation, guardianship could be granted to extended family, another party, or in rare cases, to the state, particularly when both parents are gone or unavailable. These outcomes don’t apply across the board, but where there’s legal ambiguity, the court has room to decide. That means, without a well-defined structure, families can lose control over key decisions. How DIFC wills ensure certainty The DIFC Will avoids this uncertainty by operating under a separate legal system. It’s prepared and registered under DIFC Courts, which follow common law and support full testamentary freedom for non-Muslims. That allows parents to appoint guardians, spouses to transfer property, and beneficiaries to be named without restrictions. These instructions are legally binding and enforced by the DIFC without needing approval from Dubai Courts. The process is clearly laid out. Wills are registered electronically, witnessed in person or remotely via video, and held securely in the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry. Disputes, if they arise, are resolved directly within the DIFC Court system. There’s no need for referral to a local court, no requirement for Arabic translation and no judicial discretion over the substance of the will. The outcome follows the document as written. DIFC Wills can be created as Single Wills or Mirror Wills for couples, and can cover real estate, bank accounts, business shares, personal belongings and guardianship appointments. The process is open to non-Muslim residents or property owners aged 21 or over with assets in the UAE. For families with children, interim and permanent guardianship provisions can be built into the will. These allow for short-term care decisions to be made immediately, without delay, while longer-term arrangements are formalised. This framework reflects recent changes in the law. Under Federal Decree Law No. 41 of 2022, non-Muslims can now manage inheritance and family matters through civil law, rather than Sharia principles. The DIFC Will provides a recognised way to do this, with a clear enforcement route and minimal procedural risk. The process can even be completed via remote video signing if you are based overseas. Most appointments are completed within a few days and the registration itself is typically handled by legal or corporate service firms familiar with the formalities. A simple step that protects what matters If you're a non-Muslim expat with dependents or assets in the UAE, a DIFC Will can give you structure, clarity and legal certainty. The DIFC system removes ambiguity, ensures your instructions are recorded in the right format, and offers a direct route to enforcement without the need to rely on secondary court approval. How can The Knightsbridge Group help? The Knightsbridge Group has over a decade of experience guiding international families through succession planning, DIFC Will registration and guardianship arrangements in the UAE. If you’re ready to put the right structure in place to protect your assets and dependents, we’re here to help. To speak with a specialist, email us at [email protected].