Is Your UK Will Valid Abroad? What Expats Need to Know

Published on: 15th January 2026

If you live abroad or own property in different countries, your UK will might not protect your assets as you expect. Many people think one will is enough, but is your will valid in other countries, and will it actually be followed?

A lot of countries have strict inheritance laws that can override your wishes, even if your will is valid in the UK. Without proper estate planning, your assets could face legal delays, extra costs, or end up with people you did not choose.

This article explains where your UK will is recognised, what foreign rules might affect your estate, and how expats can manage their international estate planning.

Is a UK will valid in another country?

A UK will might not be valid or fully effective in another country. It depends on that country’s laws and whether its courts recognise a UK will, and to what degree.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland (not Scotland), you have freedom of testation, meaning you can pass your assets to virtually anyone without restrictions. While a few other countries also allow this freedom, most countries have forced heirship laws.

What is forced heirship?

Forced heirship means the law requires you to leave part of your assets, such as a third or a half, to certain protected heirs. These heirs can include your spouse, children, or other relatives.

Many popular expat destinations, such as Spain and Portugal, enforce forced heirship rules.

It also applies in most of the Middle East, where Islamic Law governs inheritance. Islamic Law generally favours male beneficiaries over females and Muslims over non-Muslims. In the United States, only Louisiana follows this law.

Even if your UK will is valid, it might break forced heirship or other rules in another country. You could have problems if you want to distribute your assets differently. For example:

• If you wish to leave assets to individuals outside your immediate family. For example, you might face issues if you want to leave assets to:

• A charity

• A long-term partner you are not legally married to

• A stepchild not legally adopted

• If your family situation is complex. This includes:

• Second marriages

• Stepchildren

• Estranged family members you do not wish to benefit

Does a UK will cover foreign assets?

A UK will can sometimes cover foreign assets, but you need to check the laws in the country where those assets are, since some countries may require a separate will or have different inheritance rules.

Whether a UK will is valid overseas also depends on the type of assets you own. Usually, even if you live abroad, your UK will still covers your assets located in the UK.

However, most expats own assets in their new country. It is also becoming common for high-net-worth individuals to hold assets in several countries.

Assets outside the UK can be tricky. Each country has its own rules for property, inheritance, and probate.

A UK will, by itself, may not be enough for local courts to recognise and carry out your wishes. This can lead to complications, delays, and additional costs.

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Avoiding local succession laws

Some countries have estate-planning options made for expats.

There are services that help expats legalise their wills so they meet local laws. This can help you avoid the local succession rules in your country of residence.

This means expats can sometimes choose to have their will follow the laws of their home country. For example, in Dubai, non-Muslims can use their home country’s laws if their will is properly legalised.

You might also want to look into estate planning trusts, like revocable and irrevocable trusts, for more flexible solutions across countries.

Is a UK will valid in the USA?

A UK will does not automatically work in the USA. If someone owned assets in the USA, they might need a separate will or go through a process called "ancillary probate" in that state.

The United States has a federal system, so each state has its own laws for wills and probate. Many states will accept a UK will if it meets their requirements. The state where you apply for probate sets these rules.

If you are making a will in the USA, get advice from legal experts who specialise in both US and UK wills.

Legalising a UK will abroad

Local courts do not always accept a British will, even if it complies with British law.

Making a UK will valid abroad is often complicated and depends on the country. Even small mistakes or missing details can lead to big financial losses.

Even if the courts accept your will, the probate process can take a long time. Delays can happen because of language issues or unfamiliar legal systems, causing more stress and money problems for your family.

To give your loved ones peace of mind, get advice from legal experts who know both local and British law.

So, is my UK will valid abroad?

A UK will is not always valid in other countries.

The type and location of your assets matter. UK wills usually cover UK assets, but they may not be enough for assets in different countries.

Getting expert legal advice is essential to make sure your wishes are followed and to avoid complicated problems.

Are you making a UK will while living abroad? Protecting your assets starts with the right legal advice. Contact our team today to make sure your will is valid in every country you need.