Power of Attorney for Family Members in UAE: 2026 Guide

In simple terms, a Power of Attorney (PoA) means granting formal authority to a trusted individual to handle specific legal, financial, or administrative matters. The law refers to the person granting authority as the principal and the recipient as the attorney or authorized representative.

• Managing property transactions
• Handling banking and financial activities
• Representing the principal before the courts
• Dealing with government authorities and departments

Why Grant a PoA to a Family Member in the UAE?

Imagine you are working overseas and need to complete a property registration in Dubai. The bank requires signed documents, the land department asks for personal authorization, and deadlines keep moving closer. Instead of delaying the process or flying back, you grant a Power of Attorney to a trusted family member to complete the formalities on your behalf.

A family PoA allows your relative to handle legal, financial, and administrative tasks confidently while you remain abroad. Most people choose close family members because trust is essential when dealing with sensitive matters.

A family Power of Attorney helps in situations such as:

• Managing property purchases, sales, or rental agreements
• Operating bank accounts and handling approved financial transactions
• Completing visa, immigration, and labor-related formalities
• Representing you before government authorities and departments
• Handling legal or court-related matters, where permitted by law

Granting a PoA lets these tasks move forward smoothly while keeping the scope of authority clearly defined.

While a PoA covers ongoing legal and administrative responsibilities, it differs from a will, which takes effect after death. For a detailed comparison, check out the blog on the difference between a PoA and a Will in the UAE.

In the UAE, you can classify a family law Power of Attorney based on its scope of authority. These types include:

In the UAE, you can appoint a trusted family member as your attorney through a PoA. Whether you are managing affairs through a Power of Attorney in Dubai or another emirate, authorities focus on clarity, trust, and proper documentation.

You can generally appoint the following family members:

• Spouse
• Parents
• Grandparents
• Siblings
• Children

Appointing a family member ensures reliable handling of your affairs even when you cannot be present in the UAE.

Note: Authorities do not always require residency, but they may require proper attestation. They may need additional documents to prove the relationship between the principal and the attorney.

For more details on legal formalities, read: Which court makes a PoA in Dubai for businesses.

When creating a PoA for a senior family member in UAE, you must include specific details to make it legally valid. Key elements to include are:

• Full Details of the Principal: Include your name, passport number, nationality, and contact information.
• Full Details of the Family Member (Attorney): Include their name, passport number, nationality, and contact information.
• Scope of Authority: Clearly state the tasks your family member can perform. Examples include property transactions, banking, visa processing, government formalities, or legal representation.
• Duration of the PoA: Specify when the PoA starts and ends, or the conditions under which it expires.
• Signatures: The principal must sign the document. The family member may also sign to acknowledge acceptance.
• Witness Details (if required): Include names, IDs, and signatures of witnesses if the authority demands it.
• Notarization and Attestation: Include sections for notarization by a UAE Public Notary and attestation by MOFA or the UAE embassy if executed abroad.

Clear and precise information ensures your family member can act confidently on your behalf.

Drafting a PoA for a family member in UAE typically involves the following steps:

• Decide the Type and Scope: Determine whether you need a general or specific PoA and clearly define the powers to be granted.
• Draft the PoA: Prepare a clear document including details of the principal, the family member, and the powers granted. Include key documents such as:
  • copies of the principal and attorney
  • Proof of relationship (birth or marriage certificate)
  • Relevant property or transaction documents, if applicable
  • Emirates ID (if applicable)
• Notarize the PoA: Notarize the document through a UAE Public Notary or Ministry of Justice (MOJ)-authorized digital notary. The UAE allows online notarization for a PoA through the MOJ website and the Dubai Courts portal. This enables residents and overseas nationals to notarize PoAs remotely. This process applies across emirates, including Power of Attorney in Abu Dhabi, where notarization standards remain strict and uniform.
• Attestation (if signed abroad): If you execute the PoA outside the UAE, notarize it in your home country and obtain attestation.
• Submit to Relevant Authorities: Provide the PoA to banks, government offices, or property authorities as required. Some UAE banks require PoAs to follow internal formats or request branch verification before acceptance.
• Keep Copies: Retain multiple copies of the notarized and attested PoA for records and future use.

The cost of a PoA in Dubai and other emirates is usually affordable and ranges between AED 500 and AED 1,500. It varies by notarization, attestation, and administration fees.

Want to create a Power of Attorney for your family safely and quickly? SafeLedger helps you draft, notarize, and store your PoA securely. Trust your loved ones to act on your behalf, while keeping your documents fully compliant and protected.

How Can You Execute a Power of Attorney for a Family Member Outside the UAE?

You can execute a PoA outside the UAE if you are living abroad by following these steps:

1. Draft the PoA: Clearly state the powers you are granting and include details of both the principal and the family member.
2. Notarize in Your Home Country: Have a local notary confirm the authenticity of the document.
3. Attest at the UAE Embassy: Submit the notarized PoA to the UAE embassy in your country for attestation.
4. MOFA Attestation in the UAE: Once the PoA reaches the UAE, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) must attest it to make it legally valid.

Executing a PoA outside the UAE allows expatriates to manage property, banking, and legal matters smoothly. This includes cases involving Power of Attorney in Sharjah, where authorities strictly verify attestation before acceptance.

Notes: 

• UAE authorities accept only properly attested documents.
• Include all supporting documents, such as passport copies and proof of relationship.
• Clearly define the scope of authority to avoid disputes or rejection.

Read why every expat in the UAE should have a Personal Power of Attorney for detailed guidance and best practices.

A PoA in the UAE remains valid only for the period stated in the document. The principal can cancel or revoke the PoA at any time if legally competent. Understanding its validity and revocation rules ensures your family member can act legally on your behalf.

Validity of a PoA

A PoA becomes effective only after you properly execute and attest it.

• A PoA remains effective for the period stated in the document.
• If you do not specify an end date, the PoA remains valid until the principal revokes it.
• Authorities, banks, and government departments accept only notarized and attested PoAs.

Understanding how long a Power of Attorney is valid in the UAE ensures that the powers granted are legally recognized and enforceable.

Refer to the guide on Can a Power of Attorney be Transferred in the UAE to learn when a PoA transfer is possible.

Cancellation or Revocation

A principal can regain control over a PoA by formally revoking or cancelling it when needed.

• The principal can revoke a PoA at any time, provided they are legally competent.
• To cancel a PoA, the principal must issue a revocation letter stating the cancellation and notify the attorney and relevant authorities. Hence, it’s crucial to know how to cancel a Power of Attorney in Dubai and other emirates properly.
• If the PoA was executed outside the UAE, the principal must notarize and attest the revocation as well, similar to the original PoA.
• Once the principal cancels the PoA, the attorney loses legal authority to act.

Granting a PoA to a family member can simplify legal and financial matters. However, mistakes in drafting or execution can create legal issues or disputes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Vague or unclear powers: Not clearly defining the powers can lead to misuse or rejection by authorities.
• Skipping notarization or attestation: A PoA is invalid without proper notarization in the UAE and attestation if executed abroad.
• Failing to include essential documents: Always attach passport copies, proof of relationship, and relevant transaction documents.
• Not specifying duration: Leaving the PoA open-ended can cause confusion about when it expires.
• Appointing the wrong person: Choose a trustworthy family member who can handle the responsibilities carefully.
• Ignoring cancellation procedures: Not knowing how to revoke the PoA can lead to unauthorized actions.

Want to avoid mistakes and create a secure, legally valid PoA for your family in the UAE? SafeLedger helps you draft, notarize, and store your PoA correctly. Contact us today!