Financial Power of Attorney in the UAE: Documents, Process and Cost 

A Power of Attorney (POA) in the UAE is a legal document that gives one person the authority to act for another in defined matters. The person granting authority is called the principal, and the person receiving authority is the agent or attorney.

A Financial POA, in this sense, is a power of attorney for financial decisions. It authorizes the agent to manage financial matters only on behalf of the principal. In the UAE, financial matters may include operating bank accounts, handling property transactions, and auditing services.

A Financial POA in the UAE must be executed and authenticated by a UAE Notary Public or the relevant authority that issues the POA. Without proper notarization, UAE authorities will not recognise the Financial POA.

A Financial Power of Attorney in the UAE can be classified into:

1. General Power of Attorney: A general power of attorney grants broad authority to the agent. It can cover activities such as managing bank accounts, handling property-related transactions, and dealing with government or private authorities.

However, financial powers are not automatic in a general POA. They apply only when the document clearly and specifically authorizes the agent to perform financial actions. Those who draft a general power of attorney in the UAE enjoy several advantages and operational reliefs.

2. Special Power of Attorney: A special power of attorney grants limited and clearly defined authority to the agent for a specific purpose. It is used when the principal wants the agent to perform only certain tasks rather than broad responsibilities. This may include completing a property transaction, representing the principal before an authority, or handling a single business matter.

The agent’s authority is restricted to what is stated in the document and ends once the task is completed or the specified time period expires. This category includes POAs, such as a personal POA, a healthcare POA, or a business POA, etc.

Note: Healthcare PoAs have limited applicability in the UAE and may not be accepted by hospitals.

Some people also confuse a Will and a POA in the UAE. Learn the difference between a will and a power of attorney in the UAE from the detailed guide to help your confusion.

Durable vs. Non-Durable Financial POA

A Durable Financial Power of Attorney remains valid even if the principal becomes incapacitated or unable to make decisions. On the other hand, a Non-Durable Financial Power of Attorney is valid only while the principal is mentally and physically capable. It automatically ends if the principal becomes incapacitated.

In the UAE, the concept of durability is not always expressly defined in law. However, the scope and validity of a power of attorney depend on how the document is drafted and approved by the relevant authority. Clear wording is essential to avoid misuse or rejection by banks and institutions.

Note: A financial POA does not relate to business compliance in the UAE; it specifically manages financial affairs.

A Financial POA is useful whenever you need someone to handle your financial matters in your absence. In the UAE, common scenarios include:

• Managing bank accounts while abroad: Expats or frequent travelers can authorize an agent to operate accounts or transfer funds without being physically present.
• Property transactions: Buying, selling, or leasing property in the UAE often requires a trusted agent to sign documents and complete legal formalities on your behalf.
• Handling financial disputes: An agent can represent you in resolving financial disputes, managing investments, or making timely financial decisions.
• Business account management: Business owners can authorize someone to manage corporate accounts, pay vendors, or sign contracts when they are unavailable.
• Signing official documents: A Financial POA allows the agent to submit paperwork, obtain approvals, and complete transactions with government authorities smoothly.

These examples highlight how a Financial Power of Attorney helps UAE residents, expats, and investors maintain financial control.

Creating a Financial POA in the UAE or any type Power of Attorney creation involves the following key steps to ensure it is legally valid and accepted by institutions:

1. Drafting the Document

The document should clearly state the following relevant terms and conditions of executing a financial power of attorney:

• Clearly identify the principal and the agent in the drafting document.
• Define the scope of financial powers the agent can perform.
• Include any limitations on the agent’s authority.
• State the duration of the POA.
• Mention conditions for termination or revocation, if applicable.
• Specify the condition to transfer a power of attorney  (if allowed).

2. Language & Translation

All Financial POAs must be drafted in Arabic or as an official bilingual copy (Arabic and English). This ensures that UAE authorities, banks, and courts can recognize and enforce the document without disputes.

Professional translation may be required for documents prepared outside the UAE.

3. Notarization & Legalization

The Financial POA must be notarized by a UAE Notary Public or a court. The Notary verifies identities, ensures the principal is giving consent voluntarily, and confirms that the POA meets UAE legal requirements.

For documents executed outside the UAE, additional attestation is required. This includes certification by the relevant foreign authority, such as:

• Attestation from the UAE Embassy or Consulate

• Approval by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs

These steps ensure the foreign-issued POA is legally recognized in the UAE.

4. Registration with Authorities (if required)

While not all Financial POAs require formal registration, certain transactions may need submission to specific UAE departments. For example:

• Banks may require registration before allowing account operations.
• Property authorities may ask for a notarized POA before approving property transactions.
• Government or regulatory bodies may request the POA for official filings or contract signings.

Following these steps carefully ensures that the execution of a Power of Attorney is valid, enforceable, and accepted across all relevant UAE institutions.

Also, learn about the expiry of a Power of Attorney from the SafeLedger’s guide for more detailed insight on the topic.

The documents required to execute a Power of Attorney in the UAE vary depending on whether the principal is a UAE resident or a non-resident. The requirements for both differ in the following ways:

Documents Required for UAE Residents

The following documents are required for residents of the UAE:

1. Passport and Emirates ID of the principal (original and copy).
2. Passport and Emirates ID of the agent (original and copy).
3. Drafted Financial Power of Attorney with clearly defined powers.
4. Proof of ownership or account details, if the POA covers property or bank transactions.
5. No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from relevant authorities if required for specific transactions (e.g., property, corporate accounts).
6. Supporting legal documents for businesses, if the POA involves corporate matters.

Documents Required for Foreigners (Outside the UAE)

Foreign residents must submit the following documents to assign a legally valid POA in the UAE:

1. Valid passport of the principal (original and copy).
2. Drafted Financial Power of Attorney with clearly defined powers.
3. Attestation from foreign authorities (e.g., notary, government office) confirming the authenticity of the principal’s signature.
4. UAE Embassy or Consulate attestation in the country of execution.
5. Translation into Arabic, if the original document is in another language.
6. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UAE) attestation for final recognition in the UAE.
7. Agent’s passport and Emirates ID (if already a UAE resident).

Having the correct paperwork ensures the POA is legally valid, accepted by banks, government authorities, and other institutions. It also helps avoid delays or rejection during notarization and registration.

The fees of a financial POA in the UAE are approximately AED 600 to 2,000 for UAE residents and AED 1000 to 2000 for non-residents. The cost may rise based on the complexity and services required.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the cost required:

Notes: Additional charges may apply for urgent processing or specialized legal services.

If you want to appoint a Financial Power of Attorney in the UAE, SafeLedger can help. Our team provides professional support in drafting, notarizing, and attesting Financial Powers of Attorney to ensure a legally compliant process.

Explore the cost of a Power of Attorney in the dubai for a detailed understanding of cost distribution.

A Financial Power of Attorney is one of many types of POA recognized in the UAE helps expats manage financial matters without unnecessary delays. It allows a trusted person to act on their behalf under a clear legal framework. This arrangement supports continuity in banking, property, and business transactions.

When drafted and executed correctly, it reduces misunderstandings and avoids procedural complications. It also ensures financial decisions continue smoothly when the principal is not physically present in the UAE.