Power of Attorney for Opening a Bank Account in the UAE: 2026 Guide

9 min read

Jan 27, 2026Jan 27, 2026

Power of Attorney for Opening a Bank Account in the UAE: 2026 Guide

The UAE attracts professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs from around the world. Many of them need a local bank account to manage finances and business operations, but cannot visit the bank in person. In such cases, a Power of Attorney for opening a bank account allows a trusted representative to act on their behalf. This legal document authorizes the representative to complete all banking procedures.

Banks require a Power of Attorney (POA) that clearly states the representative’s authority and follows UAE regulations. A well-prepared POA ensures the bank processes the account as requested in the draft without delays or issues. This blog walks you through how to open a bank account in the UAE using a POA, including the required documents, attestation steps, and practical tips.

What is a Power of Attorney in the UAE and its Role in Bank Account Opening?

POA means a legal document that lets one person authorize another to act on their behalf. The person granting the authority is called the Principal, and the person receiving it is the Agent or Attorney-in-fact. Different types of POA can cover a wide range of matters, including:

Financial transactions
Property management
Business operations
Legal proceedings

The period stated in the document, or the principal’s formal revocation, determines the validity of a POA in the UAE.

Can a Power of Attorney Be Used to Open a Bank Account in the UAE?

A POA can legally open a bank account in the UAE if it complies with the bank’s strict rules. It must clearly define the agent’s authority to:

Complete all procedures to open a bank account in the UAE
Provide all required identification and supporting documents
Sign bank forms and agreements on the principal’s behalf
Handle deposits, withdrawals, and routine transactions
Operate only within the powers specified in the POA

Using a POA is especially useful for expatriates, business owners, and investors. It allows them to manage banking tasks even if they cannot be physically present. Proper Power of Attorney attestation in Dubai enables banks to recognize the agent’s authority and process the account smoothly.

Types of Power of Attorney Accepted by UAE Banks

A POA allows residents and expatriates to manage important tasks without being physically present. This ensures their interests are handled efficiently and legally. Banks generally accept two main types of POA to open a bank account:

Special POA: A Special POA Authorizes the agent to handle specific banking tasks, like opening an account or signing forms.
General POA: A General POA grants broader authority, covering financial and legal matters. Banks may require detailed banking clauses, so draft a General Power of Attorney carefully to ensure the agent’s powers are clear and legally recognized.
Financial POA: A Financial Power of Attorney specifically authorizes the agent to manage all financial transactions. These include bank accounts, investments, and bill payments on behalf of the principal.

Read the detailed account on how to draft a General Power of Attorney in the UAE for more information.

Not all banks accept every type of POA, and some may still require the principal’s presence for certain account types. Additionally, banks may limit the agent’s authority depending on their internal policies. Moreover, banks may refuse a POA if:

The agent’s powers or scope are unclear
It is not notarized or attested by relevant authorities
Passports or IDs of the principal or agent are missing, expired, or don’t match the POA
It doesn’t meet account-specific requirements or documentation rules
Isn’t in Arabic and lacks an official Arabic translation
The agent tries actions beyond the powers granted

Read our detailed guide on Can a Power of Attorney Be Transferred to understand if a POA can be delegated to another agent.

Legal Requirements of a POA to Open a Bank Account in the UAE

To open a bank account using a POA in the UAE, you must ensure the document meets specific legal requirements:

Clear Authority: The POA must explicitly state that the agent can perform banking tasks, including submitting documents, signing forms, and managing the account.
Notarization: A UAE notary public must notarize the POA to confirm its authenticity.
Attestation: Banks require attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) or relevant UAE authorities for foreign-issued POAs.
Arabic Translation: If the POA is in another language, you must obtain an official Arabic translation.
Accurate Details: The POA must include complete details of the principal, the agent, and the scope of authority.

Meeting these legal requirements ensures that the bank recognizes the agent’s authority and processes the account smoothly without delays or rejection.

How to Open a Bank Account With a Power of Attorney in the UAE?

Opening a bank account through a POA in the UAE involves several key steps, including:

Draft the POA: Prepare a POA that clearly states the agent’s authority for banking tasks.
Notarize the POA: Get the document notarized by a UAE notary public to confirm its authenticity.
Attest the POA: For foreign-issued POAs, complete attestation with the MOFA or relevant UAE authorities.
Translate into Arabic: If the POA is in another language, obtain an official Arabic translation and attestation.
Submit to the Bank: Provide the POA along with all required documents, including:
1. Principal’s passport copy
2. Agent’s passport copy
3. Proof of address of the principal
4. Additional bank forms or declarations as required
Bank Verification and POA Checks: The bank verifies the POA, the agent’s identity, and all submitted documents. They also check that the POA:
1. Clearly states the agent’s powers
2. Is notarized and attested
3. Includes valid IDs, accurate details, and an Arabic translation if needed
4. Meets any bank-specific requirements (some accounts may require the principal’s presence)
Account Activation: Once approved, the agent can operate the account according to the powers granted.

Need help completing your POA and opening a bank account in the UAE? Let SafeLedger handle the entire process for you, ensuring a smooth, secure, and seamless experience. Contact us today!

You can also learn how to revoke or cancel a POA if needed by reading our guide on How to Cancel Power of Attorney in Dubai.

Common Uses of a Banking POA Beyond Account Opening

A POA in the UAE is not limited to opening bank accounts. It can also authorize an agent to handle a variety of banking and financial tasks on behalf of the principal. Common uses include:

Deposits and Withdrawals: Allow the agent to deposit funds or withdraw money from the account.
Fund Transfers: Authorize the agent to transfer money between accounts locally or internationally.
Bill Payments: Let the agent pay utilities, loan EMIs, or other recurring payments.
Cheque Management: Enable the agent to issue, deposit, or manage cheques.
Investment Transactions: Permit the agent to buy or sell investments linked to the bank account.
Account Management: Grant the agent the authority to request statements, update account details, or close the account if needed.

Using a POA for these tasks ensures that account holders can manage their finances efficiently even when they are abroad or unavailable.

To learn more about the validity and expiry of a POA, read Does the Power of Attorney Expire.

POA to Open Business/Corporate Bank Accounts vs Personal Accounts

A POA can be used for both personal and corporate bank accounts in the UAE, but the rules and requirements differ depending on the account type. Here’s a comparison:

Feature	Personal Bank Accounts	Corporate Bank Accounts
Purpose	Authorizes an agent to handle individual banking tasks like deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and account management	A Corporate Power of Attorney in the UAE authorizes agents to open accounts, manage company funds, sign corporate agreements, and conduct business-related transactions
Document Requirements	Basic notarization, attestation, and valid ID copies of the principal and agent	Notarization, attestation, plus company registration documents, board resolutions, and corporate approvals
Scope of Authority	Usually limited to routine banking operations unless explicitly stated	Can include broader corporate authority but may require additional approvals for high-value transactions
Bank Verification	Standard verification by the bank of the POA and IDs	Stricter verification, including corporate approvals and compliance with bank policies
Presence Requirements	The principal may not always need to be present	Certain corporate accounts may require company executives or authorized signatories to be present for specific transactions

Knowing the distinction between personal and corporate POAs ensures that the document meets the bank’s expectations and prevents unnecessary delays or rejections.

How Do Banks in the UAE Apply POA Policies and Limitations?

While a POA allows an agent to act on behalf of a principal, banks in the UAE often have their own policies and limitations regarding its usage.

Key considerations include:

Account Type Restrictions: Some banks, like Emirates NBD or Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), may require the principal to be present for certain accounts, such as corporate or high-value accounts.
Scope of Authority: Banks may limit the agent’s powers to specific tasks, such as account opening, deposits, or withdrawals. This applies to institutions like Mashreq Bank and HSBC UAE.
AML & KYC Compliance Requirements: UAE banks operate under strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. Even when a valid POA is in place, banks may still require:
- Source of funds declaration
- Proof of income or business activity
- Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) details for corporate accounts

These checks help banks assess risk and ensure regulatory compliance.

Documentation Requirements: Additional forms, declarations, or verification steps may be required depending on the bank, as seen with RAKBANK and Standard Chartered UAE.
Validity Checks: Each bank verifies notarization, attestation, and translation differently, so you must comply with the specific bank’s rules. Emirates NBD and FAB are known for strict checks.
Operational Limitations: Certain transactions, like large transfers or investment actions, may require the principal’s prior approval.

Being aware of these policies ensures that the POA is accepted and the account operates smoothly without unexpected obstacles.

Read the blog on Which Court Makes Power of Attorney in Dubai for Business to learn learn which authorities handle the drafting of POA.

Risks of Using a POA for Opening a Bank Account and Tips to Overcome Them

A POA for opening a bank account in the UAE comes with certain risks and limitations that principals and agents should actively address, such as:

Misuse of Authority: The agent may exceed powers or misuse funds. Clearly define powers in the POA and monitor account activity.
Limited Bank Acceptance: Some banks may reject certain POAs or require extra verification. Check the bank’s policies and ensure compliance.
Legal Disputes: Ambiguous POAs can lead to conflicts. Use a professionally drafted POA and specify authority clearly.
Transaction Restrictions: High-value transactions may require the principal’s presence. Confirm which transactions need the principal and plan accordingly.
Validity Issues: Improperly notarized, attested, or untranslated POAs may be invalid. Complete notarization, attestation, and Arabic translation before submission.
Expiration or Revocation: If a POA expires or is revoked, it immediately invalidates the agent’s authority. Track validity dates, renew as needed, and notify the bank of revocations.

SafeLedger can help you manage your POA efficiently and ensure seamless, fully compliant bank account operations in the UAE.

For clarity on how a POA differs from other estate planning tools, read Power of Attorney vs Will.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Power of Attorney for opening a bank account in the UAE?

A Power of Attorney (POA) for opening a bank account in the UAE is a legal document that allows a trusted representative to handle all banking procedures on your behalf when you cannot be physically present. It grants the agent authority to submit documents, sign forms, and manage the account while complying with UAE banking laws.

2. Who can act as an agent under a POA in the UAE?

Any individual you trust, including a family member, friend, or professional representative, can act as an agent under a POA in the UAE. The agent must be legally competent, possess valid identification, and act within the powers granted in the POA. Banks require that the agent’s identity match the documents provided.

3. Can an expatriate in the UAE use a POA to open a bank account?

Yes, expatriates in the UAE can use a POA to open a bank account if they cannot visit the bank in person due to travel, work, or other commitments. The POA must be notarized, attested by MOFA or relevant authorities, and include all necessary documents to meet bank requirements.

4. What types of POA are accepted by UAE banks for account opening?

UAE banks generally accept two main types of POA for account opening:

Special POA, which authorizes specific banking tasks like account opening and form signing, and
General POA, which grants broader financial and legal authority.

Banks often require detailed clauses in a General POA to clearly define the agent’s banking powers.

5. What documents are required to open a bank account using a POA in the UAE?

To open a bank account using a POA in the UAE, you need a notarized and attested POA, copies of the principal’s passport and Emirates ID, the agent’s valid ID, proof of the principal’s address, and any bank-specific forms. Providing all documents correctly ensures the bank can process the account without delays.

6. Can a POA be rejected by a UAE bank?

Yes, a POA can be rejected if it is incomplete, vague, not notarized or attested, contains expired or mismatched IDs, or fails to comply with the bank’s policies. Banks may also reject POAs without Arabic translation or if the agent attempts unauthorized transactions, making it crucial to draft and verify the document carefully.

7. Do banks require the principal to be present even with a POA?

In some cases, banks do require the principal to be present even with a POA. Certain banks may require the principal to be present for high-value accounts, corporate accounts, or specific transactions. The requirement depends on the bank’s internal policies and the type of POA, so it is important to confirm with the bank beforehand to avoid delays or rejection.

8. How long does a POA remain valid for banking purposes in the UAE?

The validity of a POA for banking in the UAE depends on the expiration date specified in the document. If no date is mentioned, it remains valid until revoked. Principals should track the validity and renew or re-attest the POA if needed to ensure uninterrupted banking operations through the agent.

9. Can a POA be used for both personal and corporate bank accounts in the UAE?

Yes, a POA can be used for both personal and corporate accounts, but requirements differ. Personal accounts generally need notarization, attestation, and basic ID verification, while corporate accounts may require board resolutions, company registration documents, and stricter bank approvals for higher-value or complex transactions.

10. How can I ensure smooth account opening through a POA in the UAE?

To ensure smooth account opening through a POA, draft the document clearly, notarize and attest it, provide Arabic translation if needed, submit all required documents, and confirm the bank’s POA policies. Choosing a trustworthy agent and tracking the POA’s validity also helps prevent delays, disputes, or rejected applications.

11. How does SafeLedger help with opening a bank account through a POA in the UAE?

SafeLedger helps by managing the entire POA-based account opening process in the UAE, ensuring every step complies with legal and bank requirements. They draft and verify the POA, handle notarization and attestation, provide official Arabic translation if needed, and submit all documents to the bank. Using SafeLedger ensures a smooth, secure, and seamless experience without repeated visits.

12. As a Power of Attorney, can I open a bank account?

Yes, as a Power of Attorney (POA), you can open a bank account on behalf of the principal, provided the POA explicitly grants you authority to handle banking tasks. Banks in the UAE will require the document to be notarized, attested, and, if necessary, translated into Arabic. Always ensure the POA clearly specifies your powers to avoid delays or rejection.

13. Can a Power of Attorney open a joint bank account?

A Power of Attorney can open a joint bank account only if the POA explicitly authorizes the agent to act for all account holders involved. Some banks may still require the principal(s) to be present, especially for joint or high-value accounts. Confirm the bank’s policies and ensure the POA clearly outlines the agent’s authority for joint account management.

14. Can I use a Power of Attorney for my parents’ bank account?

Yes, you can use a Power of Attorney (POA) to manage your parents’ bank account in the UAE. The POA must clearly authorize you to deposit, withdraw, and handle transactions on their behalf. Banks require notarization, attestation, and sometimes an Arabic translation to recognize the POA.

15. What is a durable Power of Attorney for bank accounts?

A durable Power of Attorney for bank accounts remains valid even if the principal becomes incapacitated. It authorizes the agent to manage all banking tasks, including account operations, fund transfers, and transactions. Banks require proper notarization, attestation, and, if applicable, an official Arabic translation for acceptance.

16. Can a POA holder withdraw money from a UAE bank account?

Yes, a POA holder can withdraw money from a UAE bank account only if the POA explicitly grants withdrawal authority. UAE banks strictly interpret POA terms, so the document must clearly mention cash withdrawals, fund transfers, or account operation. Even then, banks may impose limits or require additional verification for high-value transactions.

17. Do all UAE banks accept a Power of Attorney?

No, not all UAE banks accept a Power of Attorney in the same way. Each bank follows its own internal compliance policies. Some banks may accept POAs only for limited banking activities, while others may require the account holder’s physical presence for specific account types or high-risk transactions. Always confirm acceptance criteria with the bank in advance.

18. Can a foreign POA be used in the UAE?

Yes, a foreign Power of Attorney can be used in the UAE after proper legalization. The POA must be notarized in the issuing country, attested by the UAE embassy, further attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and translated into Arabic by a certified translator. Without these steps, UAE banks and authorities will not accept it.

19. Does a POA expire automatically in the UAE?

A POA does not automatically expire unless an expiry date is stated in the document. In the UAE, a POA remains valid until it reaches its specified end date, is formally revoked by the principal, or becomes invalid due to the principal’s death or legal incapacity. Banks may still conduct periodic validity checks before allowing transactions.

20. Can I revoke a banking POA after opening the account?

Yes, you can revoke a banking POA at any time in the UAE. Revocation must be completed through a UAE notary public, and the bank must be formally notified with the revocation document. Until the bank records the revocation, the agent may continue to hold authority, so timely notification is essential.