A Personal Power of Attorney in Dubai is an official legal document that allows one person (the "Agent") to act on behalf of another (the "Principal") in personal matters, such as:

• Managing property
• Handling finances
• Making decisions (when the principal is unavailable)

It’s similar to giving someone legal permission to step into your shoes for certain tasks. The POA clearly states what the Agent can and cannot do. For example, they might be able to handle your bank accounts, sell your car, or sign papers for your family.

For Personal POA services in Dubai to be legal and valid, it must be officially signed and stamped by a Notary Public in Dubai. This person is a licensed official who makes sure the document is real and that you understand what you are signing.

Getting a Personal POA online in Dubai is helpful in many situations. It makes sure your matters can be handled even when you are not able to do so yourself. Here are common times you might need a Personal POA:

For Medical Decisions

Sometimes, you might not be able to make your own healthcare choices due to an accident or illness. A Health care Power of Attorney lets you name someone to make these medical decisions for you. This ensures your wishes for your health are followed.

For Banking & Financial Activities

If you need someone to manage your money when you're away or unwell, a Personal POA can help. Your Agent can:

• Open, close, or manage your bank accounts.
• Deposit or withdraw money.
• Pay bills or transfer funds.
• Handle investments or other financial dealings.

Note: Many banks also ask for their specific forms or a separate bank POA.

For Personal Property or Family Matters

A Personal POA is often used for:

• Property: Buying, selling, renting, or managing your personal property (like a house, apartment, or land). Property Power of Attorney is especially useful if you are outside Dubai.
• Vehicles: Selling, registering, or managing your vehicles.
• Family: Handling specific family legal matters that don't need your direct presence.

For Residency Visa Applications or Travel

If you need someone to help with immigration documents or travel matters, a Personal POA can be useful. For example, your Agent could:

• Apply for, renew, or cancel your residency visa.
• Process other government papers related to your stay in Dubai.
• Get consent for a child to travel if one parent is absent (this often needs a specific "Child Travel POA").

In short, a Personal POA gives you stability. It allows someone you trust to take care of important personal tasks when you cannot.

Also Read: Why Every Expat in UAE Should Have a Personal Power of Attorney

When it comes to Dubai Personal POA services, there are rules about who can create one (the "Principal") and who can be named as the helper (the "Agent").

• UAE Citizens: UAE citizens can easily issue a Personal POA. They must be at least 21 years old and have a sound mind (meaning they can understand what they are doing). They will use their Emirates ID.

• UAE Residents (Expatriates): People living in the UAE with a valid residency visa (expats) can also issue a Personal POA. Like UAE citizens, they must be 21 or older and of sound mind. They will need their original Emirates ID and passport.

• Non-residents (via UAE Embassy or Online Notary): If you do not live in the UAE but own property or have other matters in Dubai, you can still issue a Personal POA:

• Via UAE Embassy/Consulate: You can sign the POA in your home country. It then needs to be officially stamped (attested) by your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your country. After that, it needs a final stamp from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC) in the UAE. And it must be translated into Arabic.
• Via Online Notary: Dubai now offers online notarization services. If you have a UAE Pass account, you might be able to create and sign a POA online via video call with a Dubai Notary Public, even if you are outside the UAE. This is a very convenient option for non-residents.

Choosing a trustworthy and capable Agent is crucial, as they will have legal power over your personal affairs as per the drafted POA.

For a Personal POA in Dubai to be legally accepted and used, it must meet specific rules. These are called Legal Requirements for a Personal POA in Dubai:

1. Written Document: The POA must be a written document. Vocal contracts, no matter how trustworthy, don’t work.
2. Clear Identity: The POA must clearly show the full legal names and ID details (passport, Emirates ID) of both:
   • The "Principal" (the person giving the power).
   • The "Agent" (the person receiving the power).
3. Specific Powers: The POA must clearly list every single action the Agent is allowed to do. Do not use unclear words. For example, instead of "manage finances," write "open bank accounts, withdraw money, pay bills from account X."
4. Notarization: This is a must for the POA to be legal in Dubai.
   • The Principal must sign the POA in front of a Dubai Notary Public.
   • The Notary Public checks the identity of the Principal and makes sure they understand and agree to the POA.
   • The Notary Public then puts an official stamp and signature on the document.
   • You can do this in person at a Notary Public office or sometimes online using Dubai Courts' e-notary service (if you have a UAE Pass and meet other conditions).
5. Language: The POA must be in Arabic.
   • If it's written in English, it needs an official legal translation into Arabic. This translation must be done by a translator approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice. Both the English and Arabic versions are usually stamped and kept together.
6. Capacity: Both the Principal and the Agent must be at least 21 years old and of sound mind (mentally capable of making decisions).

If any of these rules are not met, the POA might not be accepted by banks, government offices, or other places in Dubai. It's always a good idea to get help from a legal expert to make sure your POA follows all rules.

To get your Personal Power of Attorney in Dubai officially signed and valid, you'll need to gather specific documents. Having them ready will make the process smoother.

For the Principal (The person giving the power):

1. Original Valid Passport: Your passport.
2. Original Valid Emirates ID: Your Emirates ID (if you are a UAE resident).
3. Original Entry Visa Stamp or Copy of Residency Visa: If you are a resident, your visa page might be needed.
4. Full Address and Contact Details: Your current address, phone number, and email.

For the Agent (The person receiving the power):

1. Original Valid Passport: The Agent's passport.
2. Original Valid Emirates ID: The Agent's Emirates ID (if they are a UAE resident).
3. Full Address and Contact Details: The Agent's current address, phone number, and email.

For the POA Document Itself:

1. Draft POA Document: The written text of the Personal Power of Attorney.
   • This should list all the powers you want to give.
   • It must be in Arabic, or an English draft with an official legal translation into Arabic by a Ministry of Justice-approved translator.

Additional Documents (Depending on the POA's purpose):

• For Property Matters: A copy of the property's title deed (ownership paper), plot number, and full address.
• For Bank Accounts: The bank name and account number (though many banks prefer their own specific POA forms).
• For Vehicle Matters: The vehicle's registration card (Mulkiya).
• For Residency Visas: Details of the person applying for or renewing the visa.

Important Notes:

• Originals: You must always bring the original identification documents (passports, Emirates IDs) for both the Principal and the Agent to the Notary Public.
• Translation: Any document not in Arabic that you present (like a foreign marriage certificate, if relevant to the POA) will need an official Arabic translation.
• For Non-Residents: If you are signing the POA from outside the UAE, the POA you sign in your home country will need many official stamps (from your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then the UAE Embassy/Consulate, and finally UAE MOFAIC in Dubai) before it can be used in Dubai.

Having these documents prepared will ensure a smoother and faster notarization process for your POA in Dubai.

Creating a Personal Power of Attorney in Dubai involves a few important steps to ensure it is legally valid and effective. Here’s a clear guide on how to get a Power of Attorney in Dubai.

Decide on the Type of POA and Powers Needed:

Decide if you need a General POA (broad powers) or a Special POA (for specific tasks like selling a car or managing a single bank account). Most people choose a Special POA for clarity and safety.

Make a very detailed list of every single action you want your Agent to be able to do. For example, "to deposit and withdraw funds from bank account number [X] at [Bank Name]" instead of just "manage bank accounts."

Gather Required Documents:

• Collect your original, valid passport and Emirates ID (if a resident).
• Get the original, valid passport and Emirates ID of your chosen Agent.

Gather any supporting documents specific to the powers (e.g., property title deed, vehicle registration). Refer to the “Documents Required to Draft a Personal POA in Dubai” section above for a detailed list.

For a detailed checklist, refer to our guide on documents required for Power of Attorney in Dubai.

Draft the POA Document:

Now it’s time to draft the Personal POA document. It is highly advisable to use a legal professional (lawyer or specialized POA service) in Dubai to draft the document. They will ensure it follows UAE laws, is clear, and contains all necessary legal wording.

The final POA document for notarization must be in Arabic. If drafted in English, it needs to be translated by a certified legal translator approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice.

Notarization Process

There are many ways to notarize the Personal POA in Dubai:

• In Person: The Principal (you) must visit a Dubai Notary Public office in person. You will sign the POA document in front of the Notary Public. The Notary Public will verify your identity, ensure you understand the document, and then officially stamp and sign it.
• Online Notarization (for UAE Residents & Some Non-Residents): Dubai Courts offers an e-notary service. If you have a UAE Pass account, you might be able to complete the notarization remotely via video call. This is convenient if you cannot visit in person.

Receive the Notarized POA

Once notarized, the document is legally binding. You will receive an official copy (often electronic if done online).

Tips for a Smooth Process:

• Choose Wisely: Select an Agent whom you trust completely and who is capable of handling the tasks.
• Be Specific: The more detailed your POA is, the less chance of it being refused by institutions.
• Check IDs: Make sure all ID details on the POA exactly match the current valid IDs of both you and your Agent.
• Get Legal Guidance: A lawyer can help you understand the implications, draft the POA correctly, and guide you through the entire process, especially for complex situations or if you are outside the UAE.

The costs for a Personal POA in Dubai can change based on the type of POA, how complex it is, and whether you get legal help. There are usually two main types of costs: official government fees and fees for legal/translation services.

Official Notarization Fees (Government Fees):

These are the fees charged by the Dubai Notary Public to make your POA legal.

• For a standard Personal POA, the fees generally range from AED 200 to AED 500.
• More complex POAs, or those with many pages or specific powers, might cost slightly more.

Note: Always check the latest fees directly with the Dubai Courts Notary Public or your legal advisor, as these can change.

Legal Translation Fees

If your Personal POA is drafted in English, it must be officially translated into Arabic. This translation must be done by a certified legal translator approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice.

• Translation costs usually range from AED 80 to AED 300 per page, depending on the length and complexity of the document. For a full POA, this can add up.

Legal Drafting and Consultancy Fees

Many people choose to hire a lawyer or a specialized POA service to draft their document. This ensures the POA is legally correct, clear, and includes all the necessary powers.

These fees can range from AED 1,000 to AED 3,000 or more, depending on:

• The complexity of the powers you want to grant.
• Whether it's a general or special POA.
• The speed needed (urgent service might cost more).
• The law firm's or service provider's experience.
• Some services offer packages that include drafting, translation, and assistance with notarization.

Attestation Fees (for POAs from Outside UAE)

If your Personal POA is signed outside the UAE, it will need several official stamps to be valid in Dubai. Each step costs money:

• Notarization in your home country.
• Attestation by your home country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Attestation by the UAE Embassy/Consulate in your home country.
• Final attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC) in the UAE.
• These fees vary by country and can add significantly to the total cost.

It's always best to get a clear breakdown of all potential costs from your chosen service provider before starting the process.

Understanding the validity period of a Personal Power of Attorney (POA) in Dubai is essential. Unlike licenses, a Personal POA does not renew automatically. It remains valid until the specified expiry date, or until it is revoked, the purpose is fulfilled, or either party becomes legally incapacitated or passes away.

• General Personal POA:

If the POA does not state an end date, a General Personal POA generally remains valid indefinitely. It stays good until you officially cancel it or until certain legal events happen (like the death of the Principal or Agent).

However, for practical use, some institutions (like banks or government departments) might prefer a POA that was issued more recently (e.g., within the last 1-2 years) to ensure it reflects your current intentions.

• Special Personal POA:

These are usually for a specific task or a set period:

• Specific Task: If the POA is for one clear job (e.g., "to sell my car"), it stops being valid as soon as that job is completed.
• Set Time: If the POA includes a clear end date (e.g., "This POA is valid for six months from the date of signing"), it stops working on that date.

What Makes a Personal POA Stop (Expiry)?

A Personal POA will automatically stop being valid if any of these events occur:

• Death of the Principal: If the person who gave the POA (the Principal) passes away, the POA immediately becomes invalid.
• Death of the Agent: If the person given the power (the Agent) passes away, the POA also becomes invalid.
• Loss of Mental Capacity: If either the Principal or the Agent loses their mental ability to make decisions (e.g., due to severe illness or a court order), the POA usually stops.
• Completion of Purpose: For a Special Power of Attorney, once the specific task it was created for is fully done, the POA automatically expires.
• Expiry of Stated Term: If the POA had a specific end date, it stops on that date.
• Official Cancellation: When the Principal formally cancels or revokes the POA through the Notary Public (see next section).
• Mutual Agreement: If both the Principal and Agent agree to end the POA.

Renewing a Personal POA

A Personal POA is not typically "renewed" like a document. If a POA has expired, is no longer valid, or is considered too old by an institution, the usual process is to create a brand new Personal POA.

This involves going through the entire process again:

• Drafting a new document with current details,
• Stating the desired powers,
• Getting it officially notarized by the Dubai Notary Public.

This ensures the document is current and fully enforceable. It's wise to keep track of any Special POAs with end dates and plan to create a new one if the powers are still needed.

If you no longer want an Agent to have power over your personal matters through a Personal Power of Attorney in Dubai, you must formally cancel or revoke it. This is a crucial step to protect your interests.

1. Prepare a Revocation Document:

   • You (the Principal) must create a new legal document. This draft must clearly state that you are cancelling the original Personal POA.
   • It should clearly mention the details of the original POA, such as its number, the date it was issued, and where it was notarized.

2. Notarize the Revocation Document:

   • You must go in person to a Dubai Notary Public office (or use the online notarization service if available to you).
   • You will sign the revocation document in front of the Notary Public. This makes the cancellation legally binding in Dubai.

3. Officially Notify the Agent:

   • It is extremely important to officially inform the Agent that their power has been cancelled.
   • Send a copy of the officially notarized revocation document to the Agent. It's best to use a method that provides proof of delivery, like registered mail or a courier service. The cancellation generally takes effect when the Agent receives this notice.
   • Keep proof of this notification for your records.

4. Inform Relevant Institutions:

   • Immediately inform any banks, government departments (like the Dubai Land Department), or other organizations where the Agent might have used the original POA.
   • Provide them with an officially notarized copy of the revocation document. This prevents the Agent from taking any further actions using the old POA. This step is especially critical for bank accounts and property records.

If you need to formally remove an Agent’s authority, here’s a complete guide on how to cancel a Power of Attorney in Dubai to protect your personal and financial matters

Important Things to Remember:

• Act Quickly: If you've lost trust in your Agent or their services are no longer needed, cancel the POA without delay. Any actions taken by the Agent before they are officially notified of the cancellation might still be considered valid.
• Keep Records: Always keep the original notarized revocation document and all proof that you notified the Agent and relevant institutions.
• Seek Legal Advice: It is highly recommended to consult a lawyer in Dubai when cancelling a Personal POA. They can guide you through the process, ensure all legal steps are followed, and help notify all necessary parties, minimizing any potential risks.