How to Notarize a Power of Attorney in Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide 2026
From our Deira office: practical, accurate, and specific. No vague advice.
Since 1997, our Deira office has helped thousands of expats get their POA notarized correctly.
The question we get asked every day is: "How do I get a Power of Attorney notarized in Dubai?" The process involves several clear steps, and arriving prepared makes everything straightforward. This guide covers each stage so you know exactly what to expect.
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document under UAE law that gives one person (the attorney or agent) the legal authority to act on behalf of another (the principal). Under Federal Law No. 11 of 1992 on Civil Procedure and the UAE Notary Law, a POA must be notarized before Dubai Courts to be legally enforceable in the Emirates.
People need POAs for dozens of reasons: selling property while living abroad, managing a UAE bank account from overseas, handling a court case, transferring a vehicle, or giving a family member authority over their affairs. Whatever your reason, the process is the same; we've outlined every step below.
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What You Need Before You Go
Missing even one document means an additional visit. Here is exactly what to bring for the principal (the person granting authority) and for the attorney (the person receiving authority).
The Principal (You)
- ✓ Original passport (must be valid, not expiring within 6 months)
- ✓ Clear photocopy of passport data page
- ✓ Emirates ID (original + copy), if you are a UAE resident
- ✓ Typed POA draft in Arabic and English (we can prepare this for you)
- ✓ Supporting documents depending on POA type (see below)
The Attorney (The Person Receiving Authority)
- ✓ Clear photocopy of their passport (original not required)
- ✓ Emirates ID copy (if they are a UAE resident)
- ✓ Their UAE mobile number (courts may record it)
Additional Documents by POA Type
- ✓ Property POA: Title deed number, property address, or Dubai Land Department (DLD) reference
- ✓ Vehicle POA: Vehicle registration card (Mulkiya) copy, chassis number
- ✓ Business/Company POA: Trade licence copy, Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- ✓ Bank-related POA: Bank name and account number
- ✓ Court/Legal POA: Case number or court reference if applicable
Step-by-Step: The Dubai Courts POA Process
Dubai Courts follows a clear, well-organized procedure for POA notarization. Here is the complete process:
Contact a licensed notary or our office
WhatsApp or call us to discuss your situation. We will confirm the correct type of POA you need; getting this wrong at the start is the most common (and costly) mistake. We advise at no charge.
Identify the correct POA type
Dubai Courts recognizes General POA (broad authority over all matters), Special POA (one specific act or transaction), and several sub-types. The type determines the government fee, the language requirements, and the scope of authority, all of which must be precise.
Draft the POA in Arabic and English
Dubai Courts requires the POA to be in Arabic (the official language) with an English translation alongside. Our team prepares bilingual drafts that meet the courts' exact formatting requirements, including the statutory clauses that courts look for. If you bring your own draft, we will review it before submission to catch any issues.
Review and approve the draft
Before attending the courts, read the document carefully, particularly the scope of authority granted. A POA that is too broad or too narrow will either create legal risk or fail to achieve its purpose. We walk you through every clause and answer questions.
Sign before a licensed notary
The principal must sign in the presence of a licensed notary. There are two convenient options: visit our Deira office where our licensed notary witnesses your signature directly, or attend the Notary Public section at the Dubai Courts Complex (Building H, Bur Dubai) in person. Most clients choose our office for convenience; we handle the courts filing on your behalf and you are in and out quickly.
The notary reads the POA aloud and witnesses your signature
The court notary will read the document in Arabic to verify your understanding and consent. You will then sign in front of the notary. The notary checks your passport and Emirates ID against the document. Government fees are paid at this stage, typically at a cashier window in the same building.
Receive your stamped, notarized document
The notarized POA is stamped with the Dubai Courts seal and is now legally valid in the UAE. If you need it for international use, the next step is MOFA attestation; we handle that separately. Keep the original in a safe place and make certified copies if multiple parties need one.
How Long Does POA Notarization Take?
In our experience, timelines depend on preparation more than anything else. Clients who come with everything ready are typically done within a few hours. Here is what to realistically expect:
Same-day (if submitted before noon)
Possible for standard POA types when the document is pre-drafted and all documents are in order. Dubai Courts notary section typically processes same-day submissions received before 12:00pm. Confirm availability with us first.
1–2 business days (standard)
For most POAs, including General POA, Special POA for property, and vehicle transfer POAs, the standard turnaround when we submit on your behalf is 1–2 business days. This accounts for drafting, review, court attendance, and collection.
3–5 business days (complex or delayed)
Company POAs, POAs involving court proceedings, or cases where the courts have a longer queue. Also applies if there is a public holiday or if documents need amendments after the first review. We always give you a realistic estimate upfront.
Ready to proceed?
WhatsApp us the details and we'll prepare everything in advance, so your court visit takes less than an hour.
WhatsApp Us NowWhat Does POA Notarization Cost in Dubai?
The total cost has two parts: the Dubai Courts government fee (fixed, non-negotiable) and our professional fee for drafting and assistance. Below are approximate government fees as of 2026, marked as "starting from" because some POA types carry additional charges based on scope:
| POA Type | Dubai Courts Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Power of Attorney | From AED 320 | Broad authority, all matters |
| Special POA (property/vehicle) | From AED 510 | Specific transaction or asset |
| Company / Corporate POA | From AED 510 | May vary by company type |
| MOFA Attestation (international use) | Varies | Additional step for overseas use |
All fees are approximate and subject to Dubai Courts' current rate schedule. Government fees are paid directly to the court. Contact us for an itemized quote including our professional service fee.
POA Notarization for Non-Residents (Living Abroad)
If you live outside the UAE and cannot travel to Dubai, you can still grant a Power of Attorney, but the process is different. Most clients tell us this option surprises them: it is entirely possible, just slower.
The authentication chain for overseas principals works as follows:
Have the POA notarized by a public notary in your home country (e.g., a UK solicitor, Indian notary, etc.).
Get it attested by your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or equivalent government body).
Get it attested by the UAE Embassy in your country.
Send the attested document to us. We then submit it to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for final UAE-side attestation, making it valid for use in the Emirates.
This process typically takes 2–4 weeks depending on your country. We guide overseas clients through every step via WhatsApp and email. Countries with an apostille agreement with the UAE (under the Hague Convention) have a simpler path; ask us which applies to your country.
Common Mistakes That Prevent POA Acceptance
In 29 years of handling POAs, we have seen the same mistakes repeatedly. Each one below has caused a client an additional visit, an extra fee, or a week's delay. Avoid them:
1. Using the wrong POA type
A General POA when you needed a Special POA for property, or vice versa, means the document will not be accepted at submission, or worse, the POA will later be challenged by the counterparty. Always confirm the type before drafting.
2. Expired or near-expiry passport
Dubai Courts will not notarize a document against a passport that has expired. We also strongly recommend against using a passport with less than six months of validity; some counterparties in future transactions may raise objections. Renew first.
3. Name spelling mismatches between documents
Your name in the POA draft must exactly match your passport and Emirates ID, every character, including middle names and hyphenated surnames. A mismatch between "Mohammad" and "Muhammad", or a missing middle name, will require correction. We cross-check every document before submission.
4. Missing or inadequate Arabic translation
The POA must contain a full Arabic version, not just an English document with a brief Arabic note. The Arabic text is the legally operative version under UAE law. Unofficial or machine-generated translations are not accepted. Use a licensed translator or let us handle the bilingual draft.
5. Forgetting to notarize the translator's signature (when applicable)
If your document includes a translation by a third-party translator, that translator's certification statement sometimes also needs to be notarized, particularly for foreign documents being used in UAE proceedings. Many clients overlook this and find out at the courts counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both the principal and the attorney need to be present at Dubai Courts?
In most cases, only the principal (the person granting the authority) needs to appear at Dubai Courts to sign. The attorney does not need to be present for the signing, though their passport copy is required. For some specific POA types, particularly those involving large property transactions, the courts may require both parties. We confirm this for you in advance.
How long is a notarized POA valid in Dubai?
There is no statutory expiry date for a notarized POA under UAE law unless the document itself specifies one. However, many third parties (banks, land departments, courts) treat a POA older than 1–2 years with caution and may request a fresh one. If your POA is for a specific transaction, we recommend completing the transaction within 12 months of notarization.
Can I notarize a Power of Attorney in Dubai if the attorney is living in India (or another country)?
Yes. The attorney's physical presence is not required in Dubai. You need their passport copy and Emirates ID copy (if they are a UAE resident). If the attorney is abroad, you provide their foreign passport copy. The principal still needs to appear at Dubai Courts in person to execute the document.
What is the government fee for notarizing a General POA at Dubai Courts?
As of 2026, the Dubai Courts government fee for a General Power of Attorney is approximately AED 320. A Special Power of Attorney, particularly for property transactions, is approximately AED 510. These are government-set fees paid directly to the court and are separate from any professional service fee for drafting and assistance.
What if my POA requires correction at Dubai Courts?
Additional requirements typically arise due to name spelling mismatches, incorrect POA type, missing Arabic text, or an expired passport. In our 29 years handling POAs in Deira, our pre-submission review means additional requirements are uncommon. If a correction is needed, we identify the issue and resubmit at no extra drafting charge.
General Information Disclaimer
The content of this article is provided for general reference purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Government fees, regulations, procedures, and timelines are set by UAE authorities and are subject to change without notice. All specific fee figures are indicative only; verify current rates with the relevant authority (Dubai Courts, MOFA, or the applicable consulate) before instructing. For advice specific to your documents and circumstances, contact us directly.
Need Your POA Notarized in Dubai?
WhatsApp us your situation; we will confirm the right POA type, prepare the bilingual draft, and guide you through the courts process from our Deira office.