Special Power of Attorney vs. General Power of Attorney

komalwadhwa@registerkaro.in April 25, 2025 3:36 am POA

Consider this: Are you in need of the broad, sweeping authority granted by a General Power of Attorney, capable of handling a wide range of legal and financial matters? Or do you require the precise, task-specific control offered by a Special Power of Attorney, designed for a clearly defined action? The decision between Special Power of Attorney vs. General Power of Attorney lies at the core of effective legal delegation in the UAE.

In this article, we’ll delve into their respective scopes, applications, and legal implications, ensuring you’re equipped to make an informed decision. By the end, you’ll not only understand the nuances of General and Special POAs but also how to strategically implement them to safeguard your interests and streamline your Power of Attorney in UAE.

Understanding Power of Attorney in the UAE: A Quick Overview

Power of Attorney UAE laws allow residents and expatriates to delegate authority to another person (the agent or attorney) to act on their behalf in legal, financial, or personal matters.

Whether you are living in Dubai or outside the UAE, a Power of Attorney in Dubai can grant you or your representative the legal capacity to act in various roles under strict legal parameters.

Why POA is Crucial in the UAE:

A clear understanding of the differences between Special Power of Attorney vs. General Power of Attorney can significantly simplify the process

Enables smooth property transactions
Facilitates legal and visa-related processes
Helps in business and bank-related decisions
Allows for representation during travel or illness

What is a General Power of Attorney (GPOA) in the UAE?

A General Power of Attorney (GPOA) offers broad authority to the appointed individual (attorney) to act on behalf of the principal in almost all legal and financial matters. When deciding between Special Power of Attorney vs. General Power of Attorney, it’s important to evaluate which suits your needs.

Key Features of a General POA:

Covers business operations, bank dealings, court cases, and asset management
Suitable for long-term use
Often granted to trusted family members or legal representatives

Common Uses of General POA in UAE:

Managing company affairs: The appointed attorney can handle business operations, including decisions and financial management on behalf of the principal.
Handling immigration issues: The agent may manage the principal’s immigration-related matters, such as visa applications and residency procedures.
Filing tax and bank applications: A General POA grants authority to handle tax filings and bank applications, including account management for the principal.
Legal representation in courts: The attorney can represent the principal in legal matters, including court appearances and document signings.

What is a Special Power of Attorney (SPOA) in the UAE?

A Special Power of Attorney (SPOA) is granted for a specific act or transaction. It limits the attorney’s powers to a defined area of responsibility.

Key Features of Special POA:

Restricted to specific actions (e.g., selling a car or representing in court for one case)
Short-term and task-based
Cannot be used beyond its defined scope

Common Uses of Special POA in UAE:

Property Power of Attorney: A Special POA can be used to authorize an attorney to manage or sell property on behalf of the principal in the UAE. The choice between Special Power of Attorney vs. General Power of Attorney plays a key role in property transactions, as each offers different levels of authority.
Share Sale Power of Attorney: It grants the attorney authority to handle the sale of shares or stock on behalf of the principal, often for a specific transaction.
Vehicle Power of Attorney: Allows the attorney to handle tasks such as selling, transferring, or registering a vehicle on behalf of the principal.
Marriage Power of Attorney: This can be used to grant authority for marriage-related matters such as representing the principal in marriage registration.

Special Power of Attorney vs. General Power Of Attorney: Key Differences

Understanding the primary differences between Special Power of Attorney vs. General Power of Attorney is crucial when determining which document best suits your needs in the UAE. Here’s a comparison of the key features that distinguish the two:

Feature	General POA	Special POA
Scope of Authority	Broad, encompassing financial, legal, and personal matters.	Narrow, restricted to a specific task or purpose, such as property sale or vehicle transfer.
Validity	Typically long-term, suitable for ongoing responsibilities.	Short-term or task-specific, designed for a single transaction or a limited duration.
Flexibility	High flexibility, allowing the attorney to act across various areas of life.	Low flexibility, as the attorney’s powers are confined to specific actions like a Marriage Power of Attorney, Vehicle Power of Attorney, or Property Power of Attorney.
Revocation Complexity	Requires a formal legal process to revoke, especially if the document has been recorded.	Easier to revoke, as the powers granted are limited to specific tasks or transactions.
Risk Level	Higher risk due to the broad and ongoing authority granted to the attorney.	Lower risk, as the attorney only has authority over specific tasks or transactions, reducing the potential for misuse.

For example:

If you need someone to handle your Share Sale Power of Attorney or represent you in a Marriage Power of Attorney, a Special POA may be more appropriate.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to grant someone broad, ongoing authority over your legal and financial matters, a General POA would be the better choice.

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Which Type of POA Do You Need in the UAE?

Choosing the right Power of Attorney (POA) depends on your specific needs and the level of trust you place in the attorney. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide between a Special Power of Attorney vs. General Power of Attorney :

Choose General POA if:

You need ongoing assistance: Ideal for handling business, financial, or legal matters continuously, such as managing banking transactions, court cases, or property management.
You trust a close family member or associate: Suitable for appointing a spouse, sibling, or highly trusted individual to manage your affairs over time.
You need comprehensive support across multiple areas: If you want someone to handle various aspects of your life, such as taxes, investments, or personal matters, a General POA provides broad authority for ongoing tasks.

Choose Special POA if:

You need help with a one-time task: Perfect for specific, one-off actions like property sales, vehicle transfers, or handling marriage paperwork in the UAE.
You want limited risk exposure: A Special POA limits the attorney’s authority to a specific action, reducing the potential for misuse or overreach.
You need a time-bound solution: If you only need help for a short duration, such as completing a single transaction, an SPOA offers a focused, short-term solution without a long-term commitment.

Fact: The duration of a Special Power of Attorney vs. General Power of Attorney can vary significantly, with the latter offering long-term use compared to the more task-specific nature of the former

Use Cases: When to Choose General vs. Special POA in UAE

Choosing between a Special Power of Attorney vs. General Power Of Attorney depends on the nature and duration of the tasks you need assistance with. Here’s when you should choose each type:

General POA:

Managing Ongoing Business Operations:

A family business owner in Dubai, who travels frequently, authorizes a sibling through a General POA to handle operations and manage finances on behalf of the business.

Overseeing Legal and Financial Matters:

A retiree living in another country grants a GPOA to a close friend in the UAE, allowing them to manage their bank accounts, handle taxes, and attend to any legal matters, ensuring their affairs are in order while they are away.

Real Estate and Property Management:

A property owner with multiple real estate investments in Dubai uses a General POA to delegate authority to a property manager who handles everything from collecting rent to selling properties on their behalf.

Special POA:

Marriage Power of Attorney:

A woman planning to marry in the UAE but unable to be present due to work commitments appoints her cousin through a Marriage Power of Attorney to complete the necessary paperwork and represent her during the marriage registration.

Vehicle Power of Attorney:

A person relocating abroad authorizes a friend in the UAE through a Vehicle Power of Attorney to sell their car, handle the transfer of ownership, and take care of all the necessary documentation.

Property Power of Attorney:

A property owner selling a vacation home in Dubai, but unable to attend in person, grants a Property Power of Attorney to a real estate agent, who finalizes the sale and handles the necessary paperwork.

Share Sale Power of Attorney:

A shareholder in a UAE-based company appoints a business partner through a Share Sale Power of Attorney to manage the sale and transfer of shares, as they cannot attend the board meeting to finalize the transaction.

For businesses in the UAE, understanding when to use a Special Power of Attorney vs. General Power of Attorney is crucial to ensure proper delegation of tasks.

Cost of Making a Special Power Of Attorney vs General Power of Attorney in UAE

Average Costs Include:

Drafting Fee: AED 300–AED 700 (depends on complexity)
Translation Charges: AED 100–AED 300
Notary Fee: AED 200–AED 500
Court Registration (if needed): AED 250–AED 500

Note: Charges vary based on location, legal office, and urgency.

Steps to Draft and Register a POA in the UAE

Define your needs (General or Special POA): Determine the scope of authority required.

Draft POA with legal help (bilingual format): The document should ideally be bilingual (Arabic and English).

Translate (if needed): If your POA is in a language other than Arabic or English, it must be translated into Arabic.

Visit a notary (in-person or online): To authenticate the POA, visit a registered notary public in person. Some documents may be notarized online.

Get attested by relevant authorities: Your POA may require attestation by relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the UAE embassy.

Register at Dubai Courts (if required): For certain transactions like property sales or business dealings, registering your POA with the Dubai Courts may be necessary.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Power of Attorney in UAE

Whether you need a broad General POA or a limited Special POA, understanding the legal implications is essential. Choosing the wrong type can result in delays, misuse, or legal challenges. Always consult a trusted POA drafting service to get your documents right the first time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a Special POA valid in UAE?
A Special Power of Attorney (SPOA) in the UAE is valid only for the specific task it covers, such as a property sale or vehicle transfer. Once the task is completed, the POA expires.
Does a General POA give access to my bank account?
Yes, a General POA grants the attorney access to manage your bank accounts and conduct transactions on your behalf in the UAE.
What languages should my POA be written in?
A POA in the UAE should ideally be in Arabic. A bilingual version (Arabic and English) is often accepted, especially for international transactions like Share Sale Power of Attorney.
Is online notarization of POA valid in UAE?
Online notarization is not generally accepted in the UAE. The Power of Attorney Dubai requires in-person notarization by a registered notary.
Do I need to be physically present to create a POA?
Yes, typically you need to be physically present to create and notarize a POA in the UAE, though exceptions may apply.
What happens if I revoke a POA?
If you revoke a POA, the attorney loses all authority. You must notify the attorney, and if necessary, register the revocation with the relevant authority.
Is a POA made abroad valid in UAE?
A POA made abroad can be valid in the UAE if properly notarized and legalized (with apostille or consular attestation), and it complies with Power of Attorney UAE laws.
Can I have multiple POAs in UAE?
Yes, you can have multiple POAs in the UAE. For example, a General POA for financial matters and a Special POA for a property sale.
Is court registration mandatory for all POAs?
Court registration is not mandatory for all POAs, but it may be required for certain transactions like property sales or business dealings.
Do I need a lawyer to create a POA?
No, a lawyer is not required for a POA in the UAE, but legal advice can help, especially for property or vehicle transactions.
What’s the difference between a durable and non-durable POA?
A durable POA remains valid even if the principal becomes incapacitated, while a non-durable POA is void if the principal loses mental capacity.
Can I change the attorney in a POA?
Yes, you can change the attorney in a POA by revoking the existing one and creating a new one. This can apply to both General POA and Special Power of Attorney.
Does my spouse need a POA for property dealings in UAE?
Yes, a Marriage Power of Attorney or Property Power of Attorney is required if your spouse is handling your property or marriage formalities on your behalf in the UAE.
What’s the cost difference between notarizing a Special Power of Attorney vs. General Power Of Attorney?
The cost for notarizing a General POA is generally higher than a Special POA due to its broader scope and complexity, such as managing multiple aspects like vehicle or property dealings.
How long does it take to process a POA in Dubai?
Processing a POA in Dubai usually takes 1-2 days for notarization. Additional steps like court registration may extend the process, especially for property or Share Sale Power of Attorney.