Special Power of Attorney in UAE

A Special Power of Attorney (SPA) is a legal document that allows you (the Principal) to authorize another (the Agent) to act on your behalf for a specific and limited purpose. You clearly define what the representative can and cannot do. This structure helps retain control while completing essential tasks without being physically present.

Unlike a General Power of Attorney, an SPA applies only to a specific transaction or responsibility. In the UAE, people commonly use it for property matters, banking procedures, court representation, and government approvals. UAE authorities usually require notarization of the Power of Attorney (POA) to be legally valid and enforceable.

Key Features of a Special POA:

• Grants authority for a specific task or transaction only.
• Clearly defines the scope and limits of the representative’s powers.
• Reduces legal risk by preventing misuse of authority.
• Commonly used for property, banking, legal, and government matters.
• Requires notarization to be legally valid in the UAE.
• Accepted by UAE banks, courts, and government departments.

A Special POA provides a secure and efficient way to manage defined matters while maintaining full legal control.

Read our guide on the difference between Special and General Power of Attorney to evaluate which option best suits your legal or business needs in the UAE.

When Do You Need a Special Power of Attorney?

There are times when you cannot be physically present to complete an important task. In such cases, a Power of Attorney becomes crucial in the UAE to avoid delays and legal complications.

You typically need a Special Power of Attorney in the following situations:

• Property sale, purchase, or management for a specific transaction
• One-time or purpose-specific banking activities
• Court representation for a particular case or hearing
• Interaction with the UAE government departments and authorities
• Execution of specific agreements or legal documents
• Vehicle transfer, registration, or sale processes

Selling a property on behalf of someone else is an example of a Special Power of Attorney.

For detailed guidance on preparing and executing a Power of Attorney, read: How to Make a Power of Attorney.

You can issue a Special POA for different purposes depending on the specific task you want to delegate. Different types of Power of Attorney grant representatives the authority for a defined action and restrict them from acting beyond the stated scope.

Common types of SPAs in the UAE include:

Choosing the right Power of Attorney helps safeguard your interests and ensures smooth execution in the UAE.

Note: Some of the above types may overlap with a General POA in terms of subject matter. They are, however, treated as a Special POA when the authority is limited to a specific task, transaction, or defined time period.

Obtaining a Special Power of Attorney in the UAE involves a clear and structured process. Below is the step-by-step process on how to make a Special Power of Attorney in the UAE:

Step 1: Define the Purpose

• Clearly identify the specific task or transaction you want to authorize.
• Decide the exact powers to grant to the representative.
• Set clear limits to prevent misuse of authority.

Step 2: Draft the Special Power of Attorney

• Prepare the document with precise and unambiguous language.
• Include full details of the principal and the representative.
• Clearly mention the scope, duration, and purpose of the authority.
• Make sure the Special Power of Attorney draft complies with UAE legal requirements.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

• Provide passport copies of the principal and the representative.
• Submit Emirates ID copies, if applicable.
• Attach documents that support the transaction or task.

Step 4: Notarize the Document

• Submit the drafted Special Power of Attorney to a UAE Notary Public.
• Appear in person or follow approved online notarization procedures.
• Have the notary public notarize the document to confirm its legal validity and authenticity.

Step 5: Complete Attestation (If Required)

• Obtain attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for international use, if needed.
• Complete embassy or consulate attestation for documents executed outside the UAE.
• Ensure the document meets authority-specific acceptance requirements.

Step 6: Use the Special Power of Attorney

• Submit the notarized and attested document to the relevant authority.
• Use it with banks, courts, developers, or government departments.
• Proceed with the authorized task within the defined scope.

Following these steps of how to make a Special Power of Attorney ensures acceptance by UAE banks, courts, and government authorities.

Need help preparing your Special Power of Attorney in the UAE? SafeLedger offers expert guidance and end-to-end support to draft, notarize, and attest your SPA efficiently and securely. Contact us today!

You need to provide certain documents to ensure the legal validity and acceptance by the authorities. The exact requirements for getting a Special Power of Attorney may vary depending on its purpose and whether the principal is a resident or non-resident.

Below is a list of documents required to draft, notarize, and attest a Special Power of Attorney in the UAE.

1. Commonly Required Documents

The following documents form the basic requirements needed to draft and notarize a SPA in the UAE, regardless of its purpose:

• Passport Copies: Valid passports of the principal and the representative.
• Emirates ID: For UAE residents, a copy of the Emirates ID of both the principal and the representative.
• Proof of Address: Utility bill, tenancy contract, or other proof of residence (if applicable).
• Original Power of Attorney Draft: The SPA drafted as per UAE legal requirements.
• Passport-Sized Photographs: Recent photos of the principal and representative for notarization.
• Transaction-Related Documents: Any documents related to the specific task, such as property title deeds, bank account details, vehicle registration, or company documents.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): Required in certain cases, like property or tenancy matters, from authorities or relevant parties.

2. Additional Documents Based on SPA Purpose

Depending on the specific task or transaction, you may need additional documents to ensure the Special Power of Attorney is accepted by relevant authorities. These include:

• Company Documents: Trade license, MOA/AOA, or company registration papers for business-related SPA.
• Property Documents: Title deed, developer approvals, or existing tenancy contracts for property-related SPA.
• Vehicle Documents: Original registration card (Mulkiya), insurance papers, or sale agreements for vehicle-related SPA.
• Court or Legal Case Documents: Case files, court notices, or lawyer authorization letters for legal matters.
• Embassy or Consulate Documents: For non-residents executing SPA outside the UAE: attested passport copies, visa copies, or notarized declarations.
• MOHRE/Immigration Documents: Employment contract, labor card, or visa documents for labor or visa-related SPA.
• Insurance Documents: Policy papers and claim forms for insurance-related SPA.

Prepare all documents before starting the process to avoid delays and ensure smooth notarization and attestation.

Review the complete list of important documents needed for a Power of Attorney in Dubai for more details.

The cost of preparing and notarizing a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) in the UAE typically ranges between AED 500 and AED 3,000. It varies based on several factors, including whether you use government notary services, online e‑notarization, or translation services.

Below is a typical breakdown of the cost of a Special Power of Attorney:

Note: The above figures are approximate and can change based on location (city/emirate), urgency, document complexity, and service choices. Always confirm with your notary public or legal service provider, like SafeLedger, for the most accurate and up‑to‑date fees prior to proceeding.

For a detailed breakdown of current fee estimates, check out the Power of Attorney Price in Dubai.

A SPA offers several advantages, especially when you cannot be physically present to handle important matters in the UAE. Some key benefits include:

• Task-Specific Authority: Grants power only for a defined purpose, reducing the risk of misuse.
• Legal Validity: Banks, courts, developers, and government departments accept attested and notarized Special Power of Attorney.
• Time-Saving: Allows transactions and processes to move forward without your physical presence.
• Flexibility: Can be used for property deals, banking, company matters, vehicle transactions, court cases, or government approvals.
• Control and Security: You retain full control by defining the scope and duration of authority.
• Convenience for Non-Residents: Ideal for expatriates or overseas principals who need to manage UAE matters remotely.
• Reduces Legal Risks: Limits the representative’s authority, preventing unauthorized or broad actions.
• Cost-Effective: Avoids repeated travel or hiring multiple intermediaries for a specific task.

In short, a Special POA is a practical and secure solution for delegating responsibilities while maintaining legal protection in the UAE.

Read our blog on Does a Power of Attorney Expire to ensure your SPA remains effective in the UAE.

Managing legal, financial, or property matters in the UAE can be challenging for non-residents due to their physical absence. A SPA allows a trusted representative to act on your behalf for a specific task, ensuring smooth and secure transactions.

Non-residents need to follow certain steps to make the SPA valid and enforceable in the UAE:

• Remote Execution: Non-residents can execute the SPA from their home country through notarization at a local UAE embassy or consulate.
• Attestation Requirement: The document must be attested by the MOFA or the relevant UAE embassy/consulate for legal validity.
• Purpose-Specific Authority: Grants authority only for a defined task, such as property transactions, banking operations, or legal representation.
• Wide Acceptance in UAE: Once notarized and attested, the SPA is accepted by banks, courts, developers, and government authorities.
• Investment Convenience: Enables overseas investors to manage properties, companies, or vehicles without traveling to the UAE.
• Secure and Controlled: The authority granted is limited to protect the principal’s interests and reduce legal risks.

Simply put, a Special POA for non-residents ensures efficient, secure, and legally compliant execution of critical tasks in the UAE, even from abroad.

Choosing the right agent (representative) is crucial for executing a SPA in the UAE. The agent must meet certain criteria to ensure transactions are handled legally and securely. They must:

• Be at least 21 years old to act legally on your behalf.
• Be of sound mind and capable of understanding and executing the responsibilities assigned.
• Be a reliable and responsible person, as they will act on your behalf in legal and financial matters.
• Residing in the UAE or having easy access to the relevant authorities, banks, or government offices
• Provide valid identification, such as a passport or Emirates ID, for notarization and verification.
• Not be legally barred from handling the specific task (e.g., due to insolvency, criminal record, or conflict of interest).
• Strictly follow the powers and limits defined in the SPA and not act beyond the authorized tasks.

Selecting a qualified and trustworthy agent ensures your Special Power of Attorney is executed smoothly, legally, and without complications in the UAE.

For more details, read our guide on Can a Power of Attorney be Transferred in the UAE?

A SPA in the UAE is legally recognized across all emirates, but the process, fees, and authorities may vary slightly. Below is an overview of SPA procedures in major emirates:

1. Dubai

If you need a Power of Attorney in Dubai, the notarization is handled by the Dubai Courts Notary Public. Dubai also offers e-notarization services for residents and non-residents. MOFA attestation and embassy attestation are required for international use.

A business POA in Dubai is also commonly processed through the same notarization channels, allowing companies to authorize representatives for specific corporate tasks. Once notarized, authorities like property developers recognize the SPA in Dubai.

Read our blog on How to Get a Special Power of Attorney in Dubai for further information.

Note: You can cancel a Power of Attorney in Dubai if you wish to revoke the authority granted to your representative.

2. Abu Dhabi

To execute a Power of Attorney in Abu Dhabi, you must go through the Abu Dhabi Notary Public offices for notarization. Abu Dhabi also offers e-notarization services, allowing residents and eligible users to notarize documents online. Authorities may require Arabic translation depending on the document’s original language.

MOFA attestation is mandatory if the SPA is used outside Abu Dhabi or internationally. Abu Dhabi banks, courts, and government departments recognize the SPA.

3. Sharjah

For a Power of Attorney in Sharjah, notarization is conducted at the Sharjah Courts. Some authorities may request additional supporting documents for property or tenancy matters. MOFA attestation is necessary for international transactions.

Once notarized, the government and financial institutions across Sharjah and other emirates accept the SPA.

4. Ajman

To prepare a Power of Attorney in Ajman, the SPA must be notarized at the Ajman Courts Notary Public. Translation and attestation may be required depending on the document’s purpose. Properly notarized and attested, the SPA is recognized throughout Ajman and across all other emirates.

5. Fujairah

The Fujairah Courts Notary Public executes a Power of Attorney in Fujairah. For international use, MOFA attestation or embassy attestation may be required. Once completed, authorities in Fujairah and other UAE emirates legally accept the SPA.

6. Ras Al Khaimah

For a Power of Attorney in Ras Al Khaimah, notarization is done at the Ras Al Khaimah Notary Public offices. Translation and attestation may be needed for documents used internationally. After proper notarization, the SPA is recognized by banks, developers, courts, and government authorities across all emirates.

A Special Power of Attorney (SPA) remains valid until the specific task is completed, the stated validity period ends, or the principal revokes it through the proper legal process. Defining a clear scope and validity period helps prevent misuse and avoids legal confusion.

The principal can cancel or revoke a SPA at any time if they follow the proper legal procedure in the UAE. Cancellation ensures that the agent no longer has authority to act on your behalf for the tasks specified in the SPA.

To properly cancel a SPA in the UAE, you need to follow these essential steps:

• Written Revocation Required: The principal must write and issue a formal revocation letter stating that the SPA is cancelled.
• Notarization of Revocation: The revocation should be notarized at a UAE Notary Public to make it legally enforceable.
• MOFA Attestation: If the original SPA was attested for international use, have the MOFA or relevant embassy/consulate attest the revocation.
• Notification to the Agent: The agent must be formally informed that the SPA has been cancelled to prevent any further action on their part.
• Inform Relevant Authorities: Notify banks, property developers, and any other authorities where the SPA was used to ensure they recognize the cancellation.
• Legal Effect: Once you properly cancel and communicate the SPA, the agent loses all authority, and any future actions under the SPA become invalid.

Proper cancellation of a SPA helps protect your legal and financial interests and prevents any misuse of authority by the agent.

Refer to our guide on How Long a Power of Attorney is Valid to learn about the duration and legal effectiveness of a POA.