Power of Attorney in Dubai

A Power of Attorney in Dubai is a legal document that allows you (the Principal) to choose someone else (the Agent or Attorney-in-fact) to make decisions or carry out actions on your behalf. This chosen individual then has the legal right to act in your place and take appropriate actions on your behalf.

For example, if you are out of the country, your Agent can sign documents for you. They can sell property, manage your bank account, or represent you in legal cases. The POA document must clearly state what powers are given to the Agent. It also needs to be properly signed and witnessed.

In Dubai, this typically means notarization by a notary public or via e-notarization, and for documents issued abroad, further legalization and attestation are required.

For a more detailed explanation, check out our full guide here: What is Power of Attorney

Various kinds of Dubai POA Services exist. Each one is used for specific purposes. The main types are:

• General Power of Attorney

A General Power of Attorney gives wide-ranging powers to the Agent. The Agent is capable of managing nearly all financial and legal affairs on behalf of the Principal. This might include:

• Managing bank accounts.
• Collecting debts.
• Buying or selling property.
• Signing contracts.
• Representing the Principal in court.

Because this POA gives a lot of power, it should be used with great care. It remains in effect until it is revoked or the Principal is no longer able to make decisions. It is also crucial to note that in some cases (like selling real estate), a General POA may not be accepted unless the Agent is a first-degree relative.

• Special Power of Attorney

A Special Power of Attorney gives the Agent specific, limited powers. It is used for a single task or for a certain period. For example, a Special POA might be used only to:

• Sell a specific property in Dubai.
• Register a new company.
• Represent the Principal in a particular court case.
• Manage a specific bank account.
• Handle a specific vehicle transaction (like Power of Attorney for vehicle Dubai or Power of Attorney to sell car Dubai).

This type of POA ends once the task is finished or after a set time, as drafted in the POA. It is generally safer to use a Special POA when possible. This is because it limits the Agent's authority. In some cases, you might wonder if a Power of Attorney can be transferred to someone else. Learn more about transferring a Power of Attorney

These are common uses for the Special Power of Attorney in Dubai:

• POA for Property: This allows the Agent to buy, sell, lease, or manage real estate on behalf of the Principal. Having a Power of Attorney is essential for property transactions in Dubai. Registration with the Dubai Land Department may be required.
• POA for Vehicles: This grants the Agent power to buy, sell, register, or de-register vehicles. This covers Power of Attorney for vehicle Dubai and Power of Attorney to sell car Dubai.
• POA for Marriage: This allows someone to act on behalf of a future spouse for marriage registration in certain cases. This is known as a Power of Attorney for marriage in Dubai. The Agent must typically be male, at least 21, and of the same religion.
• POA for Business: This enables an Agent to manage business operations, sign contracts, open bank accounts, or represent a company.
• POA for Inheritance / Probate: Representing heirs in courts, obtaining succession certificates, and distribution orders.
• POA for Child Travel Consent / NOC: Authorizing others (e.g., family members) to accompany the child when traveling without one or both parents.

While this guide focuses on obtaining a Power of Attorney in Dubai, the UAE has specific POA procedures in each emirate, and requirements may vary slightly. If you are looking for services outside Dubai, you can explore the following:

• Power of Attorney in Abu Dhabi: Learn how to draft, notarize, and register a POA in Abu Dhabi for property, business, or personal matters.

• Power of Attorney in Sharjah: Detailed guidance on obtaining a POA in Sharjah, including notarization, translation, and registration.

• Power of Attorney in Ajman: Step-by-step process for securing a POA in Ajman for legal, business, or vehicle-related purposes.

• Power of Attorney in Ras Al Khaimah: Everything you need to know about creating a valid POA in RAK, including fees and registration.

• Power of Attorney in Fujairah : Comprehensive guide for POA in Fujairah for property, corporate, and personal transactions.

Generally, any individual or company can apply for a POA Online in Dubai if they meet certain conditions:

• Principal (the one giving power):

  • Must be at least 21 years old.
  • Must be mentally sound and understand the document fully.
  • It can be an individual residing in the UAE, a non-resident, or a company.

• Agent (the one receiving power):

  • Must also be at least 21 years old.
  • Must be mentally sound.
  • Can be a UAE resident or a non-resident.
  • Cannot be a minor (under 21 years old).
  • Cannot be someone who is facing legal action from the Principal.

Both the Principal and Agent are required to possess clear identification documents.

Certain individuals cannot be appointed as an Agent (Attorney-in-Fact) in a Power of Attorney in Dubai. When using reliable POA services online in Dubai, these restrictions are clearly highlighted, helping you ensure that your appointed agent meets all legal requirements.

• Minors: A person under the age of 21 years old cannot be an Agent. They are not considered legally capable of entering into contracts or performing legal duties.
• Mentally Incapacitated Individuals: Someone who is not mentally sound or able to understand their actions cannot act as an Agent.
• Individuals with Conflicting Interests: An Agent should not have a direct conflict of interest with the Principal. For example, if the Agent is trying to buy property from the Principal, they should not be the Agent for that transaction.
• Individuals Facing Legal Action from the Principal: A person against whom the Principal has filed a legal case cannot act as their Agent for matters related to that case.
• Someone with a Criminal Record (depending on the scope): While not a general ban, some government departments might refuse a POA if the Agent has a significant criminal record, especially for sensitive financial matters.
• Specific Restrictions: For certain regulated activities (e.g., legal representation in specific courts, auditing), the Agent must hold specific professional licenses or qualifications.

Choosing a trustworthy and legally eligible Agent is critical to avoid future problems.

To get a POA in Dubai, you will need specific documents:

• For the Principal:
  • Original, valid Passport.
  • Original valid Emirates ID (if a UAE resident).
  • Visa stamp or residency visa copy (if a UAE resident).
• For the Agent:
  • Clear Passport copy.
  • Clear Visa copy (if a UAE resident).
  • Clear Emirates ID copy (if a UAE resident).

Note: Some notaries may request the original Emirates ID for verification.

Specifics for the POA:

• Clearly define the powers being granted — whether it's general authority or specific (e.g., property sale, vehicle handling).
• Details of any specific asset (like property title deed or Oqood reference).
• If the Principal is a company, include:
  • Trade License
  • Memorandum of Association (MOA),
  • Shareholder documents,
  • Board resolution authorizing the POA.

Find the full checklist of Documents Required for Power of Attorney in Dubai

Getting a Power of Attorney (POA) in Dubai involves careful drafting, legal translation, and notarization. Whether you're a resident or a foreign national, you need a Personal Power of Attorney or a Business one, this guide walks you through the full procedure:

Step 1: Decide the Type of POA You Need

Start by identifying why you need the POA and what powers you want to grant. This could include:

• General POA: Grants broad powers (less common due to risk).
• Special POA: Limits authority to particular tasks like business management, vehicle sales, property transactions, etc.
• Local Partner POA: For UAE businesses involving Emirati sponsors.
• Real Estate POA: For buying/selling/leasing property.
• Vehicle POA: For transferring car ownership or renewing registration, Vehicle POA is used.

Tip: Try to opt for a Specific POA unless broad authority is necessary.

Step 2: Draft the POA Document

Have the POA professionally drafted in English (or Arabic if preferred). It should include:

• Full details of the Principal (person granting authority).
• Full details of the Agent (person receiving authority).
• The scope of powers being granted, clearly written and legally sound.
• Duration of the POA (if limited by time).
• Location and jurisdiction.

Note: A vague or poorly worded POA can lead to misuse or legal disputes, so it’s advisable to have it drafted by a legal expert.

Step 3: Get Certified Translated into Arabic

In Dubai, all POA documents for notarization must be in Arabic or accompanied by a certified Arabic translation.

• Hire a Ministry of Justice-accredited legal translator to translate your English draft.
• Ensure the translation includes all key terms and legal clauses properly.

Tip: Some service providers offer drafting + translation as a bundle.

Step 4: Notarize the POA

You must notarize the POA to make it legally valid in the UAE. You have two options:

In-Person Notarization:

• Visit a Notary Public office (e.g., Dubai Courts).
• Bring original Emirates ID/passport and copies of the POA (English + Arabic).
• Sign the POA in front of the notary.
• Pay the government notary fee (usually AED 250–400).

E-Notarization (Remote):

Available in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you can notarize your POA remotely via secure video call through:

• Dubai: Dubai Notary Portal
• Abu Dhabi: TAMM Abu Dhabi

E-Notarization Benefits: No need to visit the court, faster, ideal for overseas principals.

Step 5: Receive the Notarized POA

Once notarized, you’ll receive:

• One or more official stamped copies of the POA.
• A copy will be registered in the court system for official use.

Tip: Request multiple certified copies if you'll be using it with different authorities (e.g., bank, RTA, immigration, etc.).

Step 6: Attestation for International Use (Optional)

If your POA will be used outside the UAE:

• It must be attested by:
  1. UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA),
  2. Foreign embassy or consulate,
  3. Legal authorities in the destination country.

This process can cost AED 500–2,000+, depending on the destination.

Disclaimer: Costs are approximate and may vary based on emirate, service provider, urgency, and the type of POA.

Final Tips:

• Always keep a digital copy of your notarized POA.
• Mention the expiration date if needed, or specify “valid until revoked”.
• Use clear, unambiguous language when describing powers.
• Consult a legal advisor if the document is a financial, real estate, or business POA.

Dubai has embraced digital services, including options for digital and remote notarization (e-Notary) for a Power of Attorney in Dubai. This service makes it easier for Principals who are unable to visit the Notary Public in person.

The e-Notary service allows individuals to:

• Submit documents online: Upload necessary identification and the POA draft.
• Video Call Verification: Conduct a video call with a Notary Public. During this call, the Notary Public verifies the Principal's identity and ensures they understand the POA's contents.
• Digital Signature: The Principal can digitally sign the document during the video call using secure methods.
• Digital Issuance: The notarized POA is then issued digitally. It often comes with a QR code for easy verification.

This service has been especially useful for non-residents or those travelling. However, specific rules apply, and both the Principal and Agent must meet certain technical and identification requirements. It is always best to check the latest rules with the Dubai Courts or a legal consultant.

If a Power of Attorney is signed and notarized outside the UAE, it needs a process called authentication (or attestation) to be valid for use in Dubai. This is a multi-step process:

1. Notarization in Origin Country: The POA must first be signed and notarized by a Notary Public in the country where it is issued.
2. Attestation by Foreign Ministry: The notarized POA must then be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or equivalent body) in the country where it was issued.
3. Attestation by UAE Embassy/Consulate: The document then needs to be attested by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in the country where it was issued.
4. Attestation by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA): Once the document arrives in the UAE, the final step is to get it attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) in Dubai or any other emirate.
5. Legal Translation: After all attestations, if the POA is not in Arabic, it must be legally translated into Arabic by a sworn translator in the UAE.

This full attestation process ensures the foreign POA is legally recognized in Dubai. The Power of Attorney attestation in Dubai fees and timeline can vary based on the country of origin and the urgency. Many Power of Attorney attestation services in Dubai specialize in handling this complex process.

To ensure a POA in Dubai is legally valid, these key requirements must be met:

• Clarity and Specificity: The POA document must clearly state what powers are given. For a Special POA, the specific task or asset must be named. Vague language can make the POA invalid.
• Language: The POA should be in Arabic. If it's in English, it must be legally translated into Arabic for official use, especially at government departments or courts.
• Principal's Capacity: The Principal needs to have the mental capacity to comprehend the meaning and purpose of the Power of Attorney when signing it.
• Notarization: For POAs created in Dubai, they must be notarized by a notary public in Dubai. This is carried out at the Notary Public in Dubai Courts. The Principal must sign the POA in front of the Notary Public and pay the fee, which is approximately AED 267.
• Attestation (for foreign-issued POAs): If the POA is signed outside the UAE
  • Legalize via the signing country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or apostille).
  • Obtain certification from the UAE Embassy/Consulate in that country.
  • In the UAE, submit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, get a translation, and finalize with attestation from the UAE Ministry of Justice.
• Witnesses: While not always required by law, having witnesses can add strength to the document.
• No Minor Agent: The Agent cannot be under 21 years old.

The POA Dubai cost can be broken into:

The POA price may vary and often depends on several factors:

• Type of POA: A General Power of Attorney often costs more than a Special Power of Attorney due to its broader scope.
• Number of Parties/Powers: If the POA involves many Principals, Agents, or very detailed powers, the fees might be higher.
• Notarization Fees: The Dubai Courts Notary Public charges official fees. These are fixed by law. For example, a property POA might be at the higher end.
• Translation Costs: If your POA needs to be in English first and then translated to Arabic by a legal translator, this will add to the Power of Attorney Dubai fees. This can cost anywhere from AED 80 to AED 300 per page.
• Attestation Fees (for foreign POAs): If your POA is signed outside the UAE, the Power of Attorney attestation in Dubai process involves multiple steps. Each step has fees from embassies, consulates, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This can be significant.
• Legal Consultancy Fees: Many people use law firms or Power of Attorney attestation services in Dubai to draft the POA correctly and handle the notarization or attestation process..

Overall, the POA in Dubai can range widely. A simple local POA might be a few hundred dirhams. A complex foreign POA requiring full attestation could be several thousand dirhams.

For a Detailed Guide on Cost You can Check by clicking this 

Knowing how to check the validity of a Dubai POA is important for all parties. Here's how:

1. Check Notarization/Attestation:
   • For Locally Issued POAs: Ensure the POA has the official stamp and signature of a Dubai Courts Notary Public. You can contact the Notary Public department to verify the document's authenticity using its unique number.
   • For Foreign-Issued POAs: Check for all the required attestation stamps (from the issuing country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE Embassy, and UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Without these, a foreign POA is not valid in Dubai.
2. Review Expiry Dates: Some Special POAs have a specific expiry date. Check if it's still within its validity period. A General POA typically doesn't expire unless canceled or the Principal becomes incapacitated.
3. Principal's Capacity: A POA becomes invalid if the Principal loses their mental capacity. While hard to check externally, this is a key legal point.
4. Cancellation Status: The Principal might have canceled the POA. This is why official bodies (like the Dubai Land Department) often ask for a "non-cancellation certificate" or perform their checks.
5. Scope of Powers: Ensure the POA grants the specific power the Agent is trying to use. An Agent cannot exceed the powers given in the document.

When dealing with a POA, especially for major transactions, it is always recommended to verify its validity directly with the issuing authority (Notary Public) or seek legal advice.

While a POA is a useful document, there are important legal risks to consider:

• Misuse of Power: The biggest danger is the possibility of the Appointed Agent misusing the powers given. If the Agent acts against your wishes or for their benefit, it can lead to financial loss or legal problems.
• Lack of Clarity: If the POA is not clear about the powers given, it can be challenged in court. This can lead to delays and legal disputes.
• Fraud: There is a risk of fraud if the POA is not properly attested or if identity checks are weak.
• Expiry/Invalidity: A POA in Dubai can become invalid if the Principal dies, becomes mentally unable to make decisions, or if it expires (for a Special POA). Using an invalid POA can have serious legal consequences.
• Agent's Reliability: Choosing a trustworthy and reliable Agent is crucial. Their actions become legally binding on the Principal.
• Difficulty in Cancellation: While it is possible to cancel a Power of Attorney in Dubai, the process can take time. During this time, the Agent might still have powers.

To reduce these risks, always:

• Choose a trusted Agent.
• Be very clear about the powers in the POA.
• Use a Special POA if possible.
• Get legal advice when drafting or using a POA.

While the notary public in Dubai certifies the POA, further registration is often needed for specific transactions or at certain government departments. This is especially relevant for property, financial, and business transactions.

• Dubai Land Department (DLD): When a POA is used for buying, selling, or managing a Dubai property, it must be registered with the DLD. The DLD keeps a record of all active property POAs. This helps prevent fraud and ensures the POA's validity for property deals. The DLD might also require updated POAs or non-cancellation certificates.
• Banks and Financial Institutions: If an Agent needs to operate a bank account, open a new account, or conduct financial transactions, the bank will require an official, notarized, and sometimes MOFA-attested copy of the POA. They will register it in their system.
• Department of Economic Development (DED) / Free Zone Authorities: For business-related POAs (e.g., setting up a company, renewing a trade license, or managing business operations), the POA must be submitted to the relevant licensing authority (like DED for mainland companies or the specific free zone authority).
• Roads and Transport Authority (RTA): For vehicle transactions, the RTA will require and register the POA.
• Courts: When an Agent represents a Principal in court (Power of Attorney Dubai courts), the POA must be submitted and registered with the court.

Failing to register the POA with the relevant authority can mean the POA cannot be used for that specific transaction.

To cancel a Power of Attorney in Dubai, the Principal must follow a formal procedure. This ensures the cancellation is legally recognized:

1. Draft a Cancellation Document: A formal document stating the cancellation of the POA must be prepared. It must mention the details of the original POA being canceled.
2. Principal's Presence at Notary Public: The Principal must visit the Dubai Courts Notary Public office in person.
3. Verification and Signing: The Notary Public will verify the Principal's identity. The Principal then signs the cancellation document in front of the Notary Public.
4. Notarization: The Notary Public stamps and signs the cancellation document.
5. Inform the Agent: It is crucial to formally inform the Agent about the cancellation. This should be done in writing, ideally through a registered post or courier, to have proof.
6. Inform Third Parties: If the Agent was dealing with specific entities (e.g., banks, Dubai Land Department for Power of Attorney, Dubai property, RTA for Power of Attorney for a vehicle in Dubai), you must inform these third parties immediately about the cancellation. Provide them with a notarized copy of the cancellation.

Tip: Cancelling a POA in Dubai requires careful documentation and notification to all involved parties to avoid legal complications.

For a complete step-by-step guide on canceling a Power of Attorney in Dubai, visit our detailed resource here: How to Cancel a Power of Attorney in Dubai

Important: Until the Agent and relevant third parties are informed, there is a risk that the Agent might still use the POA. The cancellation takes effect from the moment the Agent is informed.