Power of Attorney in UAE

The UAE processes over 70% of Power of Attorney applications online yearly. The Ministry of Justice offers e-notary services to make the process faster. A POA is essential because it legally empowers someone you trust to act on your behalf when you are unavailable or unable to manage your affairs. Thanks to the Ministry of Justice’s e-notary system, individuals can now complete power of attorney online with ease  from drafting to attestation without needing to visit a notary in person.

All POAs must be in Arabic or bilingual (Arabic-English). Both residents and non-residents can create, cancel, or update a POA remotely. This helps people manage property, legal, or personal tasks from anywhere.

Getting a Power of Attorney right the first time matters even a small drafting error can delay your legal or property transaction. This is where professional power of attorney services play a vital role. Reliable POA services in the UAE simplify the process from drafting and notarization to attestation ensuring your documents are compliant and legally enforceable.

Power of Attorney meaning refers to a trusted and legal document that authorizes someone else to sign, decide, declare, or act on your behalf. Various people rely on a Power of Attorney in UAE to manage tasks that they can’t handle in person.

POA in UAE   helps the principal or owner have proper control over their property or business, whether they are unavailable for years or a day. It empowers in everyday matters like buying and selling property, starting a business, or attending any legal matter in court.

Imagine you're an expat living abroad and need to sell your apartment in Dubai. You can authorize a trusted person through a POA to complete the sale, sign the documents, and handle the transaction, all without flying back.

It’s a simple way to keep things moving, even when you’re not there.

Owners have the command to declare and decide the timeline of the POA, it can be short-term or long-term. The principal must be of sound mind, as they also have the right to cancel it at any time with the notary.

To fully understand how a Power of Attorney works and its different legal implications, you can also read our detailed guide on what is Power of Attorney in the UAE.

Depending on your needs, different POA services are available across the Emirates from personal and property matters to business operations. Each Power of Attorney in UAE type serves a specific legal purpose. Each type serves a specific legal or business purpose. Below are the most common POAs used in Dubai and across the Emirates:

1. Personal Power of Attorney

Personal POA allows you to appoint someone to handle personal matters such as banking, bill payments, or personal transactions.

Example: If you live abroad but own an apartment in Dubai, you can grant a personal POA to a trusted relative or friend to manage rental contracts, collect rent, or even sell the property on your behalf.

Since personal POAs often involve real estate and financial transactions, they must be attested by the Notary Public in Dubai. If the document is drafted in English, a certified Arabic translation is also required, as Arabic is the official legal language in the UAE.

Personal POA can be sub categorized into following types:

• General Power of Attorney

General POA grants broad powers to the agent, allowing them to handle almost all matters on behalf of the principal. This includes property transactions, financial dealings, and company management. It is commonly used when the principal is abroad or needs long-term representation.

• Vehicle Power of Attorney

A Vehicle POA authorizes the attorney to buy, sell, register, or transfer vehicles in the UAE on behalf of the principal. It is commonly used in RTA-related procedures.

• Marriage Power of Attorney

Required when one or both parties cannot be physically present for a marriage registration in the UAE. Marriage POA authorizes someone else to represent them in marriage-related formalities.

• Child Travel Power of Attorney

Child Travel POA allows parents to authorize another person (such as a relative or guardian) to travel with their child, ensuring compliance with UAE immigration and child protection laws.

• Inheritance Power of Attorney

The Inheritance POA grants authority to manage inheritance matters, such as claiming assets, distributing shares, or representing heirs in UAE courts.

• Property Power of Attorney

Authorizes the attorney to buy, sell, lease, or manage real estate properties in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE. Property POA is commonly used in property transactions when the owner cannot be present.

• Property Dispute Power of Attorney

Property Dispute POA enables the attorney to represent the principal in real estate disputes, rent disagreements, or other property-related legal matters before the Dubai Land Department or courts.

• Court Case Power of Attorney

Used when appointing a lawyer to represent you in the UAE courts for civil, commercial, family, or criminal cases. Court Case POA is usually notarized at the Dubai Courts.

• Police Clearance Power of Attorney

Police Clearance POA allows the attorney to apply for and collect a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) or Good Conduct Certificate from Dubai Police or other UAE authorities.

2. Business Power of Attorney

Business POA grants authority to act on behalf of the principal in managing business operations, signing contracts, and handling official transactions.

Example: If you are a foreign investor with a company in Dubai Mainland or a Free Zone but live overseas, you can grant a business POA to a local partner, manager, or lawyer to carry out all company-related activities without your physical presence.

For business POAs, notarization is mandatory, and in some cases, registration with the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant Free Zone Authority may also be required, depending on the scope of authority granted.

The following sub-categories are a part of Business POA:

• Company Power of Attorney

Tailored for corporate entities, Company POA enables representatives to manage company affairs, sign government applications, and deal with regulatory authorities.

• Share Purchase Power of Attorney

Share Purchase POA authorizes the attorney to purchase company shares in the UAE on behalf of the principal, often used in business restructuring or investment.

• Share Sale Power of Attorney

Share Sale POA allows the attorney to sell company shares, handle transfer procedures, and complete related legal documentation.

• Assets Purchase Power of Attorney

Assets Purchase POA covers the authority to acquire movable or immovable assets, such as vehicles, properties, or equipment, in the UAE.

• Assets Sale Power of Attorney

Assets Sale POA permits the attorney to sell assets owned by the principal and manage related transactions.

• General Manager Power of Attorney

General Manager POA grants powers similar to those of a General Manager, enabling the attorney to run company operations, sign contracts, and make decisions in the absence of the GM.

• Local Partner Power of Attorney

Used when appointing a UAE national as a local sponsor or service agent. Local Partner POA ensures the foreign investor can safeguard their business rights while complying with UAE ownership laws.

• Company Formation Power of Attorney

Company Formation POA authorizes the attorney to complete procedures for company incorporation, licensing, and registration with the Department of Economic Development (DED) or free zone authorities.

• Litigation Power of Attorney

Litigation POA is specifically designed for appointing legal representatives to handle court cases, arbitration, or disputes across the UAE.

A Power of Attorney isn’t just for a few; it’s for anyone. It caters to those who need trusted help managing important matters when they can’t be present.

Here is the list:

• Business Owners: To run your business smoothly even when you are not around.
• Senior Citizens: With a POA, a trusted person legally handles your medical, legal, or financial matters when you don’t want to do it.
• Individuals Having Health Problems: Hand over the property or legal matter to someone you trust when you’re not able to control it due to health issues.
• Frequent Travelers: Travel stress-free, knowing someone can take care of your personal or business affairs.
• Legal Heirs & Family Members: Make it easier for your family to manage estates or legal matters in your absence.
• Real Estate Investors: Appoint someone to handle property buying, selling, or leasing if you can’t be there in person.

Getting a Power of Attorney in the UAE might sound simple, but in reality, it's a multi-step process. POA submissions include paperwork, legal terms, and multiple approvals. Here's what it takes if you're doing it on your own:

1. Document of Power of Attorney Draft

The first and most critical step is drafting your Power of Attorney form accurately. Whether you’re authorizing someone to handle personal, financial, or real estate matters, the document must be:

• Clear, specific, and free of ambiguous language.
• Write a Power of Attorney in Arabic and English, as required by UAE notary law.
• Compliant with UAE legal standards and formats.

One small error, such as an unclear clause or incorrect terminology, can lead to outright rejection by the notary.

Tip: Consider using a verified personal Power of Attorney draft or consult a legal drafting expert.

 2. Get the POA Reviewed by a Legal Expert

Before notarization, it’s strongly advised to have a licensed UAE legal consultant or lawyer review your POA draft. Here’s why:

• They ensure the document meets the UAE Civil Code and local notary regulations.
• They confirm that the granted powers are appropriate and legally enforceable.
• Errors or omissions spotted early prevent time-consuming notary rejections.

While this may add to your cost and timeline, it significantly reduces legal risks down the road.

Need your POA reviewed today? Contact Safe Ledger, our legal experts are ready to help you!

3. Schedule an Appointment at the Notary Public Office

Once your Power of Attorney draft is ready, you must book a visit with the UAE Notary Public. If you're based in the Emirates, like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, it’s important to:

• Book your appointment early, slots fill up fast.
• Prepare for possible wait times, especially during peak business hours.
• Arrive early to avoid rescheduling or missed slots.

Some emirates of the UAE now offer e-notary and smart notary services, which allow you to notarize remotely via video call.

4. Present Required Documents

At the notary appointment, you’ll need to submit:

• Original Emirates ID and passport copies (for both principal and agent).
• The bilingual POA draft.
• Any supporting documents (property title, vehicle papers, bank account letters).
• In certain cases, the agent must also be present during the notarization.

Failure to bring all required documents may result in the appointment being canceled or rescheduled.

5. Pay Notarization Fees & Confirm Receipt

The notarization fees vary depending on the type and purpose of the POA:

• General POA: AED 250–500
• Personal POA: AED 150–350
• Additional charges: Translation, legal consultation, and e-notary access fees may apply.

Important: Fee payments must be made via the designated platform or government portal (like TAMM or Dubai Courts), and receipts are essential for further steps.

6. If You're Outside the UAE: MOFA for Power of Attorney Attestation

For non-residents or UAE citizens living abroad:

• Draft the POA in your country and notarize it locally.
• Have it attested by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your country.
• Once in the UAE, submit it to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for final legalization.

Note: This process can take 2–4 weeks, depending on embassy workloads and courier services. Embassy attestation and couriering costs may range between AED 300–600 or more.

7. Register with the Relevant Government Departments

Depending on the purpose of your POA, additional steps may be required:

• For real estate transactions: Register with the local Land Department or equivalent.
• For court-related representation: Submit it to the local court or judicial authority.
• For company or visa matters, notify the respective government or free zone authority.

Example: In the UAE, any POA related to property sales must be registered with the Real Estate Services Trustee Office.

8. Optional: Use a POA Service Provider

To reduce delays, costs, and compliance risks, many individuals use POA facilitation services. These services help with:

• Legal drafting and bilingual formatting
• Notary appointment booking
• Document couriering (especially for overseas users)
• Registration with relevant authorities

This ensures you avoid the most common mistakes that can cost you weeks or even void your POA.

Does the POA self-registration process sound overwhelming?

Let Safe Ledger FZCO make it easy. Connect with our experts and get your Power of Attorney format done in just a few minutes without any mistakes or confusion.

The cost of making a Power of Attorney in Dubai or another Emirate always depends on the type of POA you are filing for. Moreover, it is also driven by factors such as Power of Attorney attestation, translation, and drafting.

Below is an idea of the starting range:

Power of Attorney Fees in the UAE

You must prepare and submit a few necessary documents to register a Power of Attorney in the United Arab Emirates. These guarantee that your POA is enforceable and recognized by the government.

• Valid passport copy of the principal (person giving the POA)
• Emirates ID copy (if the principal is a UAE resident)
• Passport or Emirates ID copy of the agent (person receiving the POA)
• Draft of the POA (in English and Arabic)
• Proof of address (if required by the notary or embassy)
• Supporting documents related to the POA’s purpose (e.g., title deed for property, trade license for business POA)
• Attested translation certificate, if the original POA is in a language other than Arabic

Note: Requirements may vary slightly depending on the emirates or whether the POA is issued inside or outside the UAE. Before starting the process, it’s crucial to prepare all required paperwork. You can find a complete checklist of required documents in our article on important documents required for Power of Attorney in Dubai.

POA provides flexibility to manage your affairs when you're not physically present. Some key benefits include:

• Convenience: Let someone you trust handle your personal or business tasks.
• Legal authority: A POA gives your agent the right to act on your behalf in court, banks, or government offices.
• Remote control: Manage assets, sign contracts, or conduct transactions from anywhere in the world.
• Time-saving: No need for travel or in-person presence for every legal task.
• Customizable: Tailor the POA to cover only specific matters or broader responsibilities.

Whether you’re managing property, setting up a company, or attending to family matters, a POA helps things move smoothly in your absence.

Becoming someone’s Power of Attorney (POA) is a serious role. You’re not just helping out, you’re legally responsible for acting on another person’s behalf. That means your actions must always be in their best interest, not yours. Let’s explore what duties and risks come with this responsibility.

Power of Attorney Duties

When someone gives you Power of Attorney, they’re trusting you with big decisions. Power of Attorney duties can vary depending on what the legal document says, but they often include:

• Manage Property Affairs: You may be asked to buy, sell, or rent real estate on behalf of the person who gave you the POA.
• Handle Financial Matters: This includes managing bank accounts, paying bills, collecting rent, or even filing taxes.
• Sign Legal Documents: You might need to sign contracts, agreements, or government forms as their legal representative.
• Represent in Legal or Government Matters: You could appear at court hearings, legal appointments, or speak to authorities on their behalf.
• Keep Records and Stay Transparent: Always document your actions, keep receipts, and share updates when needed. You must act in good faith and never misuse your authority.

You’re expected to be honest, careful, and loyal. You must follow the instructions written in the POA and never go beyond what’s allowed. Keeping good records and being transparent in all actions is part of the job.

POA Liabilities

Along with duties come legal risks. If you misuse your powers, even by accident, you could be held personally responsible. Common liabilities include:

• Acting outside the limits of the POA document.
• Making decisions that harm the principal financially or legally.
• Mixing personal funds with the principal’s money.
• Failing to keep records or receipts.

If the principal or a court believes you’ve acted in bad faith, you could face legal action. That’s why it’s so important to understand the limits of your role and seek legal advice if you’re unsure about any decision.

In short, being a POA means being fully accountable. It’s not just a favor, it’s a legal obligation.

Before you say yes, make sure you're fully prepared. This checklist will help you understand what’s expected and how to avoid mistakes.

Understand Your Authority

Read the POA document carefully. Know exactly what powers you’re being given, whether it’s financial, legal, or personal matters. Don’t assume you can act freely in all areas.

Clarify the Scope

Make sure the POA is specific. Broad language can lead to confusion or legal issues. If you’re considering changing your attorney or transferring authority, explore our comprehensive guide on can a Power of Attorney be transferred in the UAE.

Confirm Legal Translation

If the POA is in English, it must be officially translated into Arabic to be valid in the UAE. Check this is done before taking any action.

Ensure Proper Notarization

The POA must be notarized by a UAE notary or authenticated through a UAE embassy if signed abroad. Without this, your authority may not be recognized.

Know the Validity Period

Some POAs are time-limited, others are open-ended. Understand how long your authority lasts and whether it needs renewal.

Be Ready to Maintain Records

You’ll need to keep clear records of all actions taken under the POA. This helps protect you and the person you represent.

Be Aware of Liability

If you misuse your powers or act beyond your authority, you could be held legally responsible. Always act in good faith and within the law.

Know How to Step Down

You can resign as a POA, and the principal can cancel your authority anytime through the issuing notary. Understand how that process works in case it becomes necessary.

Before someone can act as your Power of Attorney (POA) agent in the UAE, they must meet certain legal eligibility requirements. These rules are in place to ensure that only competent, trustworthy individuals are given such authority.

• Minimum Age: The POA agent must be at least 21 years old. This is the legal age of majority in the UAE.
• Mental Competence: The agent must be of sound mind, able to understand and execute the responsibilities granted under the POA.
• Identification: A valid passport is required. UAE residents must also provide a valid Emirates ID.

These documents are used to verify identity and legal status during notarization and submission.

Residency Status

• UAE Residents: Can be appointed as POA agents for any legal or personal matter.
• Non-residents: Can also serve as POA agents, but extra steps may be required, such as embassy attestations and address verification.
• Corporate Entities: Companies and law firms can also act as POA agents through an authorized signatory, provided corporate documents are submitted.

POA Agent Verification Process

Before a POA is finalized, notaries or UAE authorities will:

• Verify the identity of both the principal and agent through official documents.
• Confirm legal capacity by checking age and mental competence.
• Ensure transparency by reviewing the scope and limitations of powers being granted.

Tip:

If you're issuing a POA from outside the UAE, it must be notarized in your country, attested by the UAE Embassy, and then verified by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) once received in the UAE.

Taking on a Power of Attorney (POA) is a serious legal role. While it allows you to help someone manage their affairs, it also comes with potential risks.

• Legal Risk: As an agent, you're legally bound to act in the principal's best interest. Overstepping your authority, even by mistake, can result in legal action.
• Financial Risk: You're responsible for managing money or property. If records aren't accurate or funds are misused, you could face legal and financial consequences.
• Emotional Stress: You may need to make tough calls, especially with family or health matters. This can lead to emotional strain and family disagreements. In such a scenario, health care Power of Attorney comes in handy.
• Time Burden: POA duties can be time-consuming. You might need to deal with paperwork, government departments, or legal processes regularly.
• Reputation Issues: If your actions are misunderstood or questioned, your personal and professional reputation could be affected, even if you acted honestly.

Tip: If you’re unsure about your responsibilities, it’s best to get legal guidance.

In the UAE, a Power of Attorney remains valid based on what the principal specifies:

• Time-bound or open-ended: You can issue a POA for a few days, months, or indefinitely.
• Task-specific: It can be valid until a particular task is completed.
• No timeline mentioned: If no expiry is stated, it remains valid until revoked or legally terminated.

The duration of a POA depends on its purpose some are valid for a fixed time, while others stay active until revoked. Learn more about the validity period in our dedicated article on how long a Power of Attorney is valid.

Note: For companies, POAs are usually valid for one year and must be renewed annually through proper notarization. Explore the full guide: online-notarization

If you no longer want someone to act on your behalf, canceling your POA is simple:

• Step 1: Draft a legal notice of cancellation
• Step 2: Notarize it with the UAE notary public
• Step 3: Inform the agent and any third parties (banks, courts, government offices) that were relying on it.

Important: Until formally canceled, the POA remains valid and can be legally used. Always cancel officially to prevent unauthorized use.

Safe Ledger FZCO can handle the full cancellation process and make sure all necessary parties are notified.

Need to make changes to your existing POA? Here's what you should know:

• POAs can be renewed before expiry by simply issuing a fresh document and getting it notarized again.
• To update details, like changing the agent or modifying the authority, you'll need to cancel the old POA and register a new one.
• All changes must be notarized to remain legally binding in the UAE.

We guide you through the process, handle document preparation, and ensure everything is compliant with UAE notary regulations.

Many people wonder if their POA automatically ends after a specific period. The truth depends on the type and purpose of the document. For full insights, check our post on does the Power of Attorney expire in the UAE.

Tip: Start your renewal early to avoid any legal gaps in representation.

Power of Attorney Services Across the Emirates

While the core process of creating a Power of Attorney is similar throughout the UAE, each emirate may have its own notary office, registration procedures, and minor variations in required documents. If you plan to issue a POA in a specific emirate, it’s best to follow local guidelines. Safe Ledger provides dedicated services across all Emirates to simplify this process.

• Power of Attorney in Dubai: Includes e-notarization and registration with Dubai Courts for personal, property, or business POAs.

• Power of Attorney in Abu Dhabi: Covers notarization at Abu Dhabi Courts, MOFA attestation, and specialized business POA registration.

• Power of Attorney in Sharjah: Guidance for personal, property, and business POAs, including e-notary options.

• Power of Attorney in Ajman: Step-by-step process for notarization and registration with Ajman Courts.

• Power of Attorney in Fujairah: Simplified process for personal and business POAs with local court attestation.

• Power of Attorney in Ras Al Khaimah: Complete guidance for property, personal, and corporate POAs.

By following the emirate-specific procedures, you can ensure your POA is legally valid and fully enforceable. Safe Ledger experts are available to help with drafting, notarization, and attestation regardless of which emirate you are in.