Property Power of Attorney in the UAE

A Property Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives someone you (called “principal” or “donor”) choose (called your "agent" or "attorney-in-fact") the power to manage your property affairs. In the UAE, this means they can buy, sell, rent out, manage, or even gift property for you. It's designed to protect your property interests and keep things moving, even when you can't be there.

A Property POA can be drafted for specific needs such as power of attorney for sale of property in the UAE or power of attorney for purchase of property. The document format depends on whether you are selling, buying, gifting, or transferring ownership.

Learn about Power of Attorney in UAE for a full overview of how POAs work, who can appoint them, and the legal framework.

Who is Involved in a Property POA?

• You (the Principal or Grantor): This is the person who owns the property, wants to buy it, or has an interest in it, and is giving the power.
• Your Agent (Attorney-in-Fact): This is the person you trust to act for you. It could be a family member, a friend, or a professional helper.

The Legal Rules for Property POAs in the UAE

For a Property POA to be legal and accepted in the UAE, it must follow strict rules:

• Must be Written: It has to be a written document.
• Arabic Language: The POA must be in Arabic or bilingual (Arabic-English). In case of any conflict, the Arabic version prevails legally.

Power of Attorney for Property Registration:

• If the property is registered (e.g., with DLD or any other land department), the POA may need to be officially registered with that authority to be valid for transactions like selling or mortgaging.
• If the property is unregistered (common in some older or off-plan developments), registration of the POA might not be mandatory, but notarization is still required.

Official Signature (Notarization):

1. If Signed in the UAE:

• Sign in front of a Public Notary at a UAE court.
• Carry original Emirates ID or passport.
• Some POAs (e.g. for selling property) may also require registration with the Land Department (like DLD in Dubai).

2. If Signed Outside the UAE:

• Sign in front of a notary in your country.
• Get it stamped by:
  • Your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • UAE Embassy in that country
  • UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) upon arrival

3. Adjudicate the POA at a UAE court or Notary before use. 

• Clear Details (for specific POAs): Especially for selling or transferring property, the POA must name the property (using details from the Title Deed) and spell out exactly what powers you're giving.

Wondering if your Power of Attorney can be transferred to someone else? Learn more in our guide: Can a Power of Attorney Be Transferred.

A Property Power of Attorney is very useful for many property situations, making things easier and ensuring they're legal. It can also be used specifically for power of attorney transfer of property, allowing someone you trust to handle ownership changes on your behalf. Examples include:

1. Power of Attorney for Purchase of Property

If you want to buy property in the UAE but can't be here for every step, your agent can:

• Sign important agreements (like the MOU and Sale and Purchase Agreement).
• Check all the legal details.
• Handle payments and money transfers for the property purchase.
• Represent you at the Dubai Land Department or other offices to register the property and get the ownership papers.

When buying, the POA must clearly specify the property details, authority to sign the SPA (Sale & Purchase Agreement), and ability to finalize registration. Safe Ledger can prepare the POA for purchase of property format approved by UAE Land Departments.

2. Power of Attorney to Sell Property

Many property owners need to sell their UAE property but live overseas or can't travel. Your agent can:

• List the property and discuss sale prices.
• Sign the Sale Deed for you.
• Receive the money from the sale.
• Represent you at the Land Department for the property sale and ownership change.
• Talk to banks about releasing any mortgage on the property.

We help draft the correct power of attorney for sale of property so it is legally accepted by the Dubai Land Department and other real estate authorities.

3. For Managing Rental Properties

For landlords, especially those with several properties or living abroad, a Property POA lets your agent handle daily tasks:

• Find and check tenants.
• Sign and renew rental agreements.
• Collect rent payments.
• Arrange for property repairs and upkeep.
• Provide legal representation at the Rent Control Board or Consumer Forum.
• Represent you in any disputes about rent at the Rental Dispute Center.

4. Power of Attorney Transfer of property and Gifting

A Property POA can also help with changing property ownership for reasons other than selling, like:

• Gifting property to family members.
• Moving ownership between companies.
• Handling property transfers that are part of an inheritance.

If your property is owned by a company or you need someone to act on behalf of your business in property transactions, a Business Power of Attorney may also be required

It's important to know the different types of Property POAs so you can give the right amount of power to your agent.

1. General Power of Attorney (GPA) for Property

A "General Power of Attorney for Property" gives your agent broad power to handle many kinds of property matters. While it covers a lot (buying, selling, renting), for big deals like selling or transferring property, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) often prefers a Special Power of Attorney in UAE because it's more precise. A GPA usually lasts for a set time, often up to 2 or 3 years.

2. Special Power of Attorney (SPA) for Property

A Special Power of Attorney for property is very specific. It limits your agent's power to only certain actions for a specific property. For example, a power of attorney to sell property will name the exact property and give the power to sell it. SPAs are preferred by authorities because they are clear and carry less risk, especially for important deals like buying or transferring property.

An SPA often lasts until the specific task is done, or for a shorter period, usually 2 years for selling and up to 5 years for buying.

Related Personal POA Types

• General Power of Attorney: Grants broad authority to handle various personal and financial matters.

• Power of Attorney to Sell Vehicles: Allows someone to manage vehicle-related tasks on your behalf.

• Marriage Power of Attorney: Authorizes a representative to act on your behalf in marriage-related matters.

• Child Travel Power of Attorney: Permits a designated person to travel with your child.

• Police Clearance Power of Attorney: Enables someone to obtain a police clearance certificate on your behalf.

• Inheritance Power of Attorney: Appoints an individual to manage inheritance-related procedures.

• Court Case Power of Attorney: Empowers someone to represent you in legal proceedings.

• Property Dispute Power of Attorney: Allows a representative to handle property dispute matters for you.

• Health Care Power of Attorney: The agent can make choices about medical treatments, surgeries, medications, hospital admissions, and end-of-life care according to your wishes.

Curious about which type of Power of Attorney suits your needs? Explore our complete guide on Types of Power of Attorney in the UAE to understand the differences, legal requirements, and use cases for each.

Can I Cancel It? (Revocable vs. Irrevocable POA)

• Can be Cancelled (Revocable Power of Attorney): Most POAs can be cancelled by you at any time, as long as you are mentally capable. This gives you flexibility.
• Cannot be Cancelled (Irrevocable Power of Attorney): An "irrevocable power of attorney for property" cannot be cancelled by you. This is sometimes used when the agent has a special interest in the property (e.g., if they are owed money).

However, it's very important to know that Dubai Courts generally don't accept irrevocable POAs. While some other Emirates like Abu Dhabi might, you should always talk to legal experts like Safe Ledger to understand if this kind of POA is right for you in the UAE.

Want to know the exact steps to cancel a Power of Attorney? Read our detailed guide on How to Cancel a Power of Attorney in Dubai.

To prepare a Property Power of Attorney in the UAE, you'll generally need to provide these documents and details:

1. Your (the Grantor's) ID:

   • Original Passport copy and valid UAE Visa page (if you live here).
   • Emirates ID (if you live here).
   • Proof of your address (like a utility bill).

2. Your Agent's ID:

   • Original Passport copy and valid UAE Visa page (if they live here).
   • Emirates ID (if they live here).
   • Their full name, nationality, and contact details.

3. Property Details:

   • A copy of the Property Title Deed (ownership papers) or Oqood (for properties still under construction).
   • The full address and unit number of the property.
   • Building name and neighborhood.
   • Any specific details for the deal (like the price, or names of the buyer/seller if known).

4. Specific Powers:

   • A clear and detailed list of exactly what your agent can do (e.g., "power of attorney for purchase of property," "power of attorney to sell property," sign certain contracts, get payments, attend meetings, etc.).

5. Company Documents (if a company is involved):

   • Trade License, company setup papers (Memorandum of Association), and rules (Articles of Association).
   • A company decision (Board Resolution) that allows someone to sign the POA.

Not sure if you’ve got everything ready for your POA? Our full checklist in Important Documents Required for Power of Attorney in Dubai will help you prepare with confidence.

Getting a Property POA in the UAE is a clear process designed to make sure everything is legal and moves quickly.

Step 1: Talk to Us and Draft the Document

• First Chat: Our legal experts will understand exactly what you need for your property deal, whether it's for buying or selling.
• Writing the POA: We will write the Property POA document for you. We make sure it fits your needs perfectly, includes all the right sections, and follows all UAE property laws and Land Department rules. The document will be in Arabic or as a bilingual English/Arabic version.

Step 2: Check and Approve

• You will read the draft POA carefully to make sure all details are correct and that the powers given match exactly what you want. We can make any changes needed at this point.

Step 3: Get it Signed Officially (Notarization)

• Signing at Court: You (the grantor) must sign the Property POA in front of a Public Notary at the Dubai Courts or the relevant Notary Public office in other Emirates. You’ll need your original ID.

Note: Some Property POAs, especially those related to selling, also require direct approval and registration with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), not just court notarization.

• Sign from Afar (E-notarization): If you can't be in the UAE, you can sign the POA remotely through a video call with a UAE Notary Public. This uses digital checks to verify your identity, so you don’t have to travel. Note: This service is only available to UAE residents with a valid Emirates ID and UAE Pass. It may not be available for overseas clients.

Step 4: Get it Stamped for Use Abroad (Attestation, if needed)

• If your Property POA is made abroad or used overseas, it must be attested by the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE Embassy, and the UAE MOFA. Each authority charges separate fees (typically AED 150–500). SafeLedger handles the full attestation process and guides you on where and how to pay.

Step 5: Get Your Document and Complete Registration (if required)

• Once your Property POA is signed and notarized, you’ll receive the final legal document. For certain property transactions or developer-related tasks, this POA must also be registered with the Land Department (such as DLD in Dubai) to be fully valid. Safe Ledger FZCO will assist with both notarization and registration, ensuring full compliance.

Secure your Property Power of Attorney with Safe Ledger today. From drafting to e-notarization, translation, and attestation, we handle it all. Book your free consultation now!

The cost of a Property Power of Attorney in the UAE can change based on a few things:

If you're outside the UAE, a Property Power of Attorney lets you authorize someone locally to handle property matters on your behalf, without the need to travel.

This is especially useful for overseas investors, expatriates, or non-resident heirs who want to avoid delays or in-person processes.

1. Drafting the POA: Safe Ledger FZCO drafts a clear bilingual (Arabic-English) POA, authorizing your agent to handle sales, handovers, and dealings with developers or the Land Department.
2. Notarization in Your Home Country: You will sign the POA in your country before a local Notary Public.
3. Attestation Process: The document must then be attested by:
   • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country
   • The UAE Embassy or Consulate in your country
   • And finally, by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) upon arrival in the UAE
4. Certified Arabic Translation: Once in the UAE, the POA must be translated into Arabic by a Ministry of Justice-certified translator to be legally recognized.
5. Optional Land Department Approval: For real estate sales or registrations, the POA may also require approval from the Dubai Land Department or the relevant authority in other emirates.

Need to act on your UAE property from abroad? Let Safe Ledger handle the legal and official requirements, start your process remotely, and avoid the hassle of travel.

Contact us today for a free consultation!

Granting a Property POA in the UAE allows for greater control, flexibility, and efficiency in managing real estate matters, especially if you're not always available to act in person. Here's why it's valuable:

1. Remote Property Management: Your appointed agent can manage, lease, or sell your property on your behalf, even if you're outside the UAE.
2. Faster Real Estate Transactions: Enable swift completion of buying, selling, or registration procedures without the need for your physical presence.
3. Legally Valid Representation: The POA empowers your agent to represent you before government entities, developers, and banks, ensuring full legal compliance.
4. Perfect for Overseas Owners: If you live abroad, a POA saves time and costs associated with traveling to the UAE for property-related paperwork.
5. Timely Decision-Making: Your agent can act quickly in fast-moving real estate deals, avoiding delays that might cause you to lose valuable opportunities.
6. Continued Control During Absences: Whether you're traveling, unwell, or unavailable, your agent ensures that property matters continue without disruption.