Can a Power of Attorney be Transferred in the UAE?

In the UAE, business moves fast, and trust drives every transaction. Investors, entrepreneurs, and families often rely on a Power of Attorney (POA) to keep life and business running smoothly. It allows someone you trust to act for you- such as signing contracts, managing assets, or handling financial matters.

But here’s the challenge: what happens when that authority needs to shift? Can a POA holder delegate their powers to someone else?

This guide breaks it down for you. You’ll see when a POA can shift hands, when it cannot, and how to protect your rights while keeping your business and personal matters running smoothly.

A Power of Attorney in the UAE empowers one person to make decisions and act on behalf of another. It plays a vital role in business, property, and personal matters. Knowing its types and legal requirements helps you use it effectively and avoid compliance issues.

Importance of POA in the UAE

In a country where most residents are expatriates and global mobility is high, the role of POA becomes even more significant. It serves as a practical solution for different groups with unique needs:

• For Expats: As per the World Bank, nearly 89% of the UAE’s population is expatriates. Many use POA to manage property, banking, or legal issues while living abroad or traveling frequently.
• For Digital Nomads: In 2025, the UAE secured second spot globally as a preferred destination for digital nomads, as per the Visa Guide Digital Nomad Visa Index. POA allows nomads to keep moving across borders while a trusted person in the UAE handles local obligations such as contracts, visas, or utilities.
• For Investors Abroad: International investors use POA to authorize property purchases, rental agreements, and business operations without needing to be in the country.
• For Families: Families rely on POA to manage healthcare, guardianship, and property matters when members are away or unable to act personally.

Types of Power of Attorney

In the UAE, you can choose from three main types of POA depending on the scope, purpose, and duration, including General Power of Attorney, which grants broad authority to act on behalf of the principal and is commonly used for managing business operations, banking, and signing routine documents.

Another option is a Special Power of Attorney, which grants limited authority for specific tasks such as buying/selling property, completing a transaction, or signing contracts.

The Healthcare Power of Attorney remains effective even if the principal becomes incapacitated, allowing the agent to manage medical and financial affairs when the principal cannot act personally.

A Power of Attorney (POA) gives authority to one person to act for another. Sometimes, the question arises—can this authority be passed on to someone else? This process is called delegation or issuing a sub-POA. 

Under UAE law, you cannot freely transfer or delegate a POA. The POA holder can only appoint another person if the original document clearly allows for sub-delegation. Without this permission, the agent must act personally and cannot pass the authority to others.

Situations Where POA Transfer May Be Allowed

In some cases, UAE law permits delegation if the POA itself mentions this right. These situations usually involve business or property dealings.

• Banking or business-related delegations: Some POAs permit the agent to appoint others to handle banking or business tasks.
• Real estate transactions: If the original POA explicitly grants this right, the agent may delegate authority for buying, selling, or registering property.

Note: Sub-delegation must also be clearly stated in the document. It usually requires a new notarized POA or explicit approval by the notary public to be legally valid.

Situations Where POA Transfer is Not Allowed

Certain powers are too sensitive to transfer. The agent must handle them directly, and only the principal can approve.

• Legal or court-related matters: Only the original principal can authorize representation in lawsuits or court hearings.
• Government approvals: Authorities require direct authorization from the principal, not a delegated agent..

Transferring a POA in the UAE requires careful adherence to legal procedures. Follow these steps to ensure compliance and reduce risks:

• Review the Original POA

  • Check if the POA allows delegation or transfer.
  • Identify the powers granted and any limitations.
  • Ensure the original principal consents to the transfer.

• Draft a Sub-POA or Amendment

  • Prepare a legal document specifying the new agent and the scope of authority.
  • Clearly define the responsibilities and limits of the delegated powers.
  • Consult a UAE legal expert to ensure compliance with local laws.

• Notarize the Document

  • Take the sub-POA or an amendment to a UAE notary public.
  • Obtain proper signatures from the principal and the new agent.
  • Ensure notarization meets all UAE legal standards for validity.

• Register with Relevant Authorities (If Required)

  • Submit the notarized POA to government or regulatory bodies when necessary.
  • For property-related POAs, register with the relevant land department.
  • For banking or business purposes, provide copies to the concerned institutions.

• Keep Records and Communicate Changes

  • Retain copies of the original POA, the sub-POA, and notarization proof.
  • Inform banks, business partners, or government authorities about the transfer.
  • Monitor the actions of the new agent to ensure they act within legal limits.

Did You Know: A POA issued abroad must go through:

• notarization in that country

• attestation by the UAE Embassy there

• legalization by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

Transferring a POA in the UAE involves several costs. These can vary based on the type of POA, the services required, and the emirate in which the services are rendered. Below is a breakdown of the typical expenses you might incur:

Transferring a Power of Attorney (POA) in the UAE carries several risks. Understanding these is crucial before proceeding.

• Misuse of Authority: The appointed agent may exceed their granted powers, leading to unauthorized actions.
• Legal Disputes: Improper transfers can result in challenges from banks, government authorities, or third parties.
• Non-Recognition: Some UAE institutions may not accept a transferred POA, causing delays.
• Fraud Risk: Without proper documentation, the risk of fraudulent activities increases.
• Accountability Issues: The original principal remains responsible for the agent’s actions if the transfer violates UAE law.
• Personal Liability for Agents: Agents might become personally liable for financial decisions made on behalf of the principal.
• Revocation Challenges: Difficulty in revoking a POA once transferred, especially if the principal becomes incapacitated.
• Overstepping by Agents: Agents may act beyond the scope of their authority, leading to potential legal consequences.

Proper documentation and notarization reduce risks and ensure compliance. Always consult a UAE legal expert before transferring a POA. Contact Safe Ledger today to get expert guidance and secure your Power of Attorney with full legal compliance.

If you want to avoid the risks of transferring a Power of Attorney (POA), you can explore several alternatives. These options allow the agent to act while keeping the principal in control.

• Draft a New POA: The principal can create a fresh POA directly for the new agent. This ensures clarity and legal compliance.
• Limit the Scope of Authority: Modify the existing POA to restrict the agent’s powers to specific tasks.
• Joint POA Arrangement: Appoint multiple agents in the same POA. They can act together, reducing the need for transfers.
• Time-Bound POA: Issue a temporary POA for a short period or a specific task.
• Revocable POA: Create a POA that the principal can revoke at any time. This allows flexibility without transferring authority permanently.
• Task-Specific POA: Issue a POA for a very specific action, like signing a contract or handling a bank transaction, instead of transferring the entire POA.
• Proxy Authorization: Authorize someone to act as a proxy for meetings or votes without altering the original PoA.
• Legal Representative Appointment: Appoint a legal representative under UAE law for certain transactions, especially for minors or incapacitated individuals.
• Corporate Delegation: For businesses, delegate authority internally without changing the PoA. The principal retains legal control.
• Escrow or Trustee Arrangement: Use a neutral third party, like a trustee or escrow agent, to execute actions on behalf of the principal instead of delegating the POA.

These alternatives help you maintain control, reduce legal complications, and protect your interests while allowing the agent to act effectively. Moreover, the principal can also cancel a POA at any time, ensuring full control over delegated powers.

A Power of Attorney in the UAE is a powerful tool, but transferring it requires caution. Delegation works only in limited situations and under strict legal rules. By understanding the risks, exploring safer alternatives, and following proper procedures, you protect your interests. 

Always act with clarity, document every step, and seek expert advice to stay compliant and secure.