A Power of Attorney (POA) in Sharjah is a legally binding document that authorizes someone you trust (the “Agent”) to act on your behalf (as the “Principal”) for specified matters. These may include managing property, handling banking affairs, or representing you in court.

The POA must clearly define the scope of authority granted and must be properly notarized by a Sharjah Notary Public, or via approved remote procedures, to be legally valid in the UAE.

For example, if you are traveling or live outside the UAE, your agent can sign papers for you. It also needs to be signed correctly and made official by the Notary Public in Sharjah. This makes it real and accepted by the law.

In Sharjah, like other places in the UAE, you can get different kinds of Power of Attorney. The main types of POA in Sharjah are:

1. General Power of Attorney (General POA):

This type grants broad authority over many aspects of your legal and financial affairs. It means your agent can handle many different types of things for you.

For example, they can manage all your bank accounts, properties, legal cases, and business dealings.

Even with wide powers, for some major actions (like selling a certain property), the paper might need very clear words, or you might need a Special POA instead.

2.Special Power of Attorney (Special POA):

This type of POA restricts the Agent’s authority to specific tasks, such as selling a vehicle or representing you in a single court case.

For example, it could be for selling a particular car, speaking for you in one specific court case, or managing a single bank account for a certain reason.

It's safer to use a Special POA when you only need your agent to do a few specific things. This lowers the chance of them using the power wrongly.

• Specific Purpose POAs:

These are like Special POAs but made for very particular needs, such as:

• • Property POA: To buy, sell, rent, or manage a specific piece of land or building.
  • Vehicle POA: To register, transfer, or sell a car or other vehicle.
  • Business POA: To help set up a company, get licenses, or manage company bank accounts.
  • Court POA: To speak for you in court or in legal steps.
  •  Irrevocable POA: While irrevocable POAs are not permitted in Dubai, they are possible in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

It's important to pick the right type of POA for what you need and make sure the powers are written very clearly.

Understanding how long a POA in Sharjah is valid for and when it stops being effective legally is very important for both the Principal (who gives the power) and the agent(who gets it).

General Power of Attorney

• A General POA usually stays good forever. It remains valid until the Principal officially cancels it or upon the death/incapacity of the Principal or agent.
• However, for practical reasons, UAE banks, RERA (Dubai Land Dept. equivalent in Sharjah), and financial institutions usually refuse POAs older than 1–2 years, even if technically valid. This is to make sure it still shows what the Principal wants now.

Special Power of Attorney

• A Special POA is usually good for a specific task or for a set amount of time. If it's for a specific task (like selling a certain property), it stops working by itself when that task is done.
• If a certain end date is written in the POA (for example, "good for 6 months"), it will stop working on that date.
• For POAs related to property deals, especially selling property, there might be specific time limits (like 2 years) to make sure the Principal still wants to sell.

When a POA Stops Working by Itself (Automatic Termination)

A POA, whether general or special, automatically stops being valid in these cases:

• If the Principal dies.
• If the agent dies.
• If the Principal loses their mental ability to make decisions (unless it's a very specific kind of 'durable' POA, which is not common in UAE law).
• If the specific task for a Special POA is finished.
• If the time limit written for a Special POA runs out.

Making a Power of Attorney in Sharjah usually follows a clear way through the Sharjah Notary Public office. Here's How to Make a Power of Attorney in Sharjah:

1. Write the POA Paper:

   • First, you need to write the POA document. It must clearly state the powers you want to grant.
   • It should be written in Arabic or English with an official Arabic translation.
   • It's a very good idea to use a lawyer or a special service to write the POA. This helps make sure it follows all legal rules and is written correctly, especially for specific things like selling property or business matters.

2. Principal Goes in Person (or Online):

   • The Principal (the one giving the power) must personally visit the Sharjah Notary Public office.
   • They will need to show their original ID papers (Passport, Emirates ID for people living in the UAE).
   • Online Option: The UAE Ministry of Justice also offers online POA services. This means you can do the process remotely using a video call. This is very easy for people not living in the UAE or who cannot visit in person. You will still need all your required papers for online checking.

3. Check Identity and Understanding:

   • The Notary Public officer will check who the Principal is.
   • They will also make sure that the Principal understands what the POA says and what powers they are giving. This confirms the Principal is acting freely and is legally able to make decisions.

4. Sign and Get Official Stamp:

   • The Principal signs the POA paper right in front of the Notary Public (or on the video call for online service).
   • The Notary Public then puts their official stamp and signature on the paper. This makes the document legally real and valid.

5. MOFAIC Stamp (Optional):

For some uses, especially if the POA needs to be shown to a foreign embassy in the UAE or used outside the UAE, it might need another official stamp from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) after it's made official. This is an extra step and might cost more.

The Cost of a Power of Attorney in Sharjah changes based on multiple scenarios and criteria. The Sharjah Notary Public sets the prime charges. While pricing may vary among service providers, fees typically include:

A POA in Sharjah can be made for many specific legal actions. Using a Special POA for these actions helps make sure the agent only does exactly what you want. Here are common uses for Power of Attorney for Specific Legal Actions in Sharjah:

• POA for Property Deals:

  • This is very common. You can give power to someone to buy, sell, rent out, put up as a loan, or manage a specific property in Sharjah.
  • For selling property, a Special POA is almost always needed. It must clearly list the property's details (like its number) and clearly state the Agent's power to sell and get the money.
  • This POA is also used for property registration, changing who owns property, or dealing with the Sharjah Real Estate Department.

• POA for Car Deals:

  • You can let an agent buy, sell, register, unregister, or renew car papers with the Sharjah Traffic Department. This usually needs a Special POA that names the specific car(s).

• POA for Bank and Financial Matters:

  • This lets the agent manage your bank accounts (put in money, take out, transfer, open/close accounts), manage investments, pay bills, get money owed, and deal with banks and other money places in Sharjah.
  • For big money deals, banks often like a Special POA or a General POA with very clear words for money powers.

• POA for Business Matters:

  • An agent can be allowed to set up a new company in Sharjah, renew business licenses, manage company bank accounts, sign business agreements, and speak for the business with different government groups (like Sharjah DED, free zones).
  • This can also include powers for managing company shares or closing a business.

• POA for Legal and Court Matters:

  • This lets the agent start or defend lawsuits, speak for you in court, go to police stations, or deal with public lawyers for you.
  • Lawyers need to have a specific POA for court cases from their clients.

• POA for Family Matters:

  • While personal choices usually need you to be there, a POA can sometimes let an agent do paperwork for marriage agreements or divorce cases.
  • A POA from parents might be needed for children traveling without one or both parents, giving temporary permission for travel.

It is always advised to write the POA very clearly and exactly. It needs to show the Agent's exact powers to avoid any problems or having it refused by officials.

The person you pick to be your Power of Attorney Agent in Sharjah (your "Representative") is a very important choice. Usually, any person or, for certain things, a company can be chosen as an Agent, if they meet certain rules:

• Age: The agent must be 21 years old or older.
• Clear Mind: The agent must be able to think clearly. This means they can understand their duties and can make good choices.
• Trust and Reliability: This is not a legal rule, but it is extremely important to choose an agent you trust completely. This person will have a big power over your personal or money matters.
• No Conflicts: The agents should not have a reason to gain personally that goes against your best interest, especially for sensitive matters where the agent could benefit.
• Legal Standing: The agents should not be legally stopped from acting for others (e.g., someone with a criminal record for cheating might not be good for money POAs).
• Home Country/Living Place: It doesn't usually matter where the agent is from or lives. The agent can be a UAE resident or not. But if the agent lives outside the UAE, think about how they will manage to do things for you in Sharjah (e.g., they might need to visit offices in person).

For POAs given by companies, the agent might be a person allowed to sign for the company. This means the company acts through its people.

The Powers Granted for a POA in Sharjah can be very broad or very narrow, depending on what the Principal wants to allow. The POA document must clearly explain what the agent is allowed to do for you.

Here are common powers that can be given:

1. General Powers (for a General Power of Attorney): A General POA gives wide power for different parts of the Principal's life. This can include:

• • Money Matters: Managing all types of bank accounts (putting in money, taking out, transfers, opening/closing accounts), handling investments, paying bills, getting money owed, and dealing with banks and other money places.
  • Property Matters: Buying, selling, renting, or managing any property, signing property papers, and handling loan matters for property. (Note: While a General POA can include property, for selling a specific property, a Special POA or a General POA with very specific words is often preferred by property departments in Sharjah.)
  • Legal Matters: Starting or defending lawsuits, speaking for the Principal in court or with government groups, and signing legal papers.
  • Business Matters: Speaking for the Principal in business deals, signing agreements, managing company shares, and dealing with government departments for business licenses and setting up or closing companies.
  • Admin Tasks: Getting papers, handling visa and residency steps, and dealing with various government offices.

2. Specific Powers (for a Special Power of Attorney): A Special POA is much more focused. It only lets the agent do one or more very specific tasks. Examples include:

• • Selling a Specific Property: Allowing the agent to sell only one specific property, named by its exact details (like plot number).
  • Buying a Specific Property: Allowing the agent to buy a certain property.
  • Car Sale/Transfer: Giving power to sell, register, or change who owns a specific car.
  • Single Bank Deal: Allowing a one-time withdrawal or transfer from a specific bank account.
  • Company Setup: Letting the agent set up a new company or do certain license steps.
  • Court Case Help: Allowing the agent to speak for you in one specific court case.
  • Marriage/Divorce: Giving power for certain steps in marriage papers or divorce cases (usually for paperwork).

It is always a good idea to give only the powers that are truly needed to your Agent. This helps lower any risks.

If you no longer want someone to act for you using a POA in Sharjah, you can cancel it. This is called revocation. Here's How to Cancel or Revoke a Power of Attorney in Sharjah:

1. Write a Cancellation Paper: You need to write an official paper that clearly says you want to stop the original POA. This paper must include all the details of the original POA (like its number, date it was made, and the office where it was signed).
2. Sign Cancellation Paper Officially: The Principal (the one who gave the POA) must go in person to the Sharjah Notary Public office. They must sign the cancellation paper in front of the Notary Public. This makes the cancellation legal.
3. Tell the Agent: It is very important to officially tell the agent that the POA is cancelled. It's best to send a copy of the officially stamped cancellation paper to the agent by registered mail or a courier service, and get proof that they received it. The cancellation becomes legal as soon as the agent gets this notice.
4. Tell Other Places: Right away, tell any banks, government offices (like the property or car department), or other businesses where the agent might have used the original POA. Give them an officially stamped copy of the cancellation paper. This helps stop the agent from doing anything without your permission after the POA is cancelled.

If you don't properly cancel a POA and tell all the right people and places, there could be legal problems if the agent keeps acting using the old POA.

If you are a third party (like a bank, a government office, or a business) dealing with an agent who shows you a POA in Sharjah, it's very important to check if it's real and still good. Here's How to Verify the Validity of a POA in Sharjah:

1. Contact the Sharjah Notary Public: The best way to check a POA made in Sharjah is to call or visit the Notary Public office. They can check if the paper is real by using its special number, the date it was made, and the Principal's details. This confirms it was officially signed by them.
2. Look at the Official Stamp and Signature: Look closely at the POA for the official stamp and signature of the Sharjah Notary Public. Make sure it looks real and like other official stamps.
3. Check for Official Stamps (for POAs from other countries): If the POA was made outside the UAE, it must have many official stamps. Look for stamps from:
   • The Notary Public (in the country where it was made).
   • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in the country where it was made).
   • The UAE Embassy/Consulate (in the country where it was made).
   • The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) (in the UAE).
   • If any of these stamps are missing, the foreign POA is not good in Sharjah.
4. Check Agent's ID: Always ask for the agent's original Emirates ID or passport. Make sure their identity matches the one written in the POA.
5. Ask a Lawyer: If you have any doubts about if a POA is real, what powers it gives, or if it might have been cancelled, it's always best to talk to a local lawyer in Sharjah. They can do careful checks and give good advice.

A Power of Attorney made outside the UAE can be used in Sharjah, but it must go through a strict and necessary official process to be legally accepted. This process has many steps to make sure the paper is real and good in different legal systems:

1. Official Notary in the Home Country: First, the POA must be properly signed and officially stamped by a Notary Public or similar legal person in the country where it was created.
2. Official Stamp by Foreign Affairs Ministry: The POA, after being officially signed, then needs an official stamp from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or a similar government office) in the country where it was made. This confirms the Notary Public's signature and stamp.
3. Official Stamp by UAE Embassy or Consulate: The paper then needs to be officially stamped by the UAE Embassy or Consulate located in the country where it was made. This confirms the Foreign Ministry's stamp.
4. Official Stamp by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC): Once the paper arrives in the UAE, the last step is to get it officially stamped by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) in Sharjah or any other place in the UAE. This gives the paper full legal acceptance in the UAE.
5. Legal Translation: After all these official stamps are done, if the POA is not in Arabic, it must be officially translated into Arabic by a special legal translator in the UAE. This translation is usually done after all the stamp steps.

If you don't do all these steps, a POA made outside the UAE will not be accepted by government offices, banks, or courts in Sharjah.

Writing a POA in Sharjah needs to be done carefully. Making mistakes can lead to the POA being rejected or causing problems later. Here are some Common Mistakes People Make When Drafting a POA in Sharjah:

1. Not Being Clear Enough: A very common mistake is not being specific enough about the powers you give. Saying things like "to manage all my affairs" can be too wide. For important actions (like selling a property), the law needs clear and exact permission. Always list exact actions and, if needed, specific details of the item (like property).
2. Wrong ID Details: Not giving full and correct details of both the Principal and the agent(full names as on passport/Emirates ID, home country, passport/ID numbers). Even small errors can prevent the paper not being accepted.
3. Missing Key Details for Items: When the POA is for a specific item (like property or a car), not including its exact details (e.g., plot number for property, car's engine number for a car) can make the POA useless for that purpose.
4. Not Adding Required Legal Parts: Some specific POAs or certain government offices might need particular legal sentences to be in the paper. If these are missing, the POA might not be accepted.
5. Wrong Language or Translation: The POA must be in Arabic. If it's written in English, it must be translated by an officially approved legal translator. Using translators who are not officially approved or informal translations is a common mistake that leads to rejection.
6. Not Understanding How Long It Lasts: Thinking a POA lasts forever or guessing wrongly about when it ends, especially for Special POAs or those for property, can cause problems when you need to use it.
7. Not Knowing Online POA Rules: If you choose to do the POA online, not having the needed digital IDs (like UAE Pass) or not following the specific online steps can cause delays.
8. Not Getting Legal Advice: Many people try to write a POA themselves using papers found online. While this saves money at first, if the POA has mistakes, it can lead to bigger costs, delays, or even legal fights later. A local legal agent understands the fine points of UAE law.
9. Not Telling Everyone About Cancellation: If a POA is cancelled, not officially telling the agent and all related places (banks, government offices) can cause the representative to keep acting on the old POA, leading to problems for the Principal.

To avoid these mistakes, it's highly suggested to use a good legal service to help write and process your POA in Sharjah.

For a POA in Sharjah to be legally good and accepted by all government offices, it must meet certain rules. These are the main Legal Requirements for a POA in Sharjah:

1. Principal's Legal Ability: The person giving the POA (the Principal) must be 21 years old or older and able to think clearly. This means they must fully understand what they are signing and the powers they are giving.
2. Agent's Legal Ability: The person getting the POA (the Agent) must also be 21 years old or older and able to think clearly.
3. Language: The POA paper must be in Arabic. If it's first written in English, it must be officially translated into Arabic by a special legal translator approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice. Both the English and Arabic papers are often shown together.
4. Clear and Specific Words: The POA paper must clearly and exactly state the powers being given. Confusing words can lead to being refused or causing fights. For "special actions" (like selling property, opening bank accounts, or specific company matters), "clear and specific permission" is needed. This means the exact action must be listed in detail.
5. Official Notary Stamp in Sharjah: The Principal must sign the POA in front of a Notary Public at the Sharjah Notary Public office. This official signing step is a must for the POA to be legally good in Sharjah and the rest of the UAE.
6. Official Stamps (for POAs from other countries): If the POA is signed outside the UAE, it must go through many official stamping steps by different groups (Foreign Ministry in the home country, UAE Embassy in that country, and finally the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) in the UAE).
7. No Illegal Acts: The POA cannot give power for anything that is against UAE law.
8. Correct ID: Both the Principal's and Agent's identities must be clearly stated and checked using valid official papers (Passport, Emirates ID).

Meeting these Legal Requirements for a POA in Sharjah is very important for it to be accepted and valid.