What to Bring to a Dubai Notary: The Complete 2026 Checklist
The complete document checklist, so your notary visit goes smoothly the first time.
Since 1997, our Deira office has helped thousands of expats. The most common reason for an additional visit is one missing document.
The most common reason people need an additional visit to our Deira office is arriving without one document. Not because they were careless, but because the requirements are different for each service type and nobody told them clearly. This guide fixes that.
We have organized this by service type. Start with the universal documents (required for every appointment), then find your specific service below. If you are unsure which category applies to you, WhatsApp us; we will tell you exactly what to bring before you make the trip.
One important note: the Dubai Courts notary system is strict about originals. Bringing good-quality photocopies is helpful, but they do not substitute for originals at the point of verification.
Need notary services in Dubai? Our Deira office replies promptly — WhatsApp us for a free quote.
The Universal Documents (Bring These to Every Appointment)
These are required regardless of which notary service you are using. Do not arrive without them:
- 1
Original passport (valid)
Must be the original; no photocopies accepted for identity verification. Must be valid (not expired). We strongly recommend bringing your passport even if it has 6+ months remaining, as some counterparties require this.
- 2
Photocopy of passport data page (x2 copies)
Clear, colour photocopy of the page showing your photo, name, passport number, and date of birth. Bring at least two copies; the courts keep one, and the notary file keeps one.
- 3
Emirates ID: original + photocopy (UAE residents only)
Required if you are a UAE resident. The Emirates ID Authority (ICA) number appears on notarized documents and must match your ID card exactly. If your Emirates ID has expired, renew it before your appointment; courts will flag an expired ID.
Visitors and tourists: bring your passport and a photocopy of your UAE entry stamp page in addition to the data page. Non-residents can still use Dubai notary services; your home country passport is sufficient for identification.
For Power of Attorney
In addition to the universal documents, bring:
- ✓
Attorney's passport copy
Clear photocopy of the passport of the person receiving authority. Original not required. If they are a UAE resident, also bring their Emirates ID copy.
- ✓
Typed bilingual POA draft (Arabic + English)
If you have already had this prepared, bring it for review. If not, we draft this for you; just provide the details of what you need the attorney to do. Do not bring a draft prepared by an unlicensed party without having us review it first.
- ✓
Asset-specific details (for Special POA)
Property: Dubai Land Department title deed number or property address. Vehicle: registration card (Mulkiya) copy and chassis number. Bank: account number and bank name. Court case: case reference number.
Read our full guide: How to Notarize a Power of Attorney in Dubai.
For Certificate Attestation
Certificate attestation is one of the most document-intensive services. Academic certificates in particular involve multiple stages, and knowing the full list in advance saves time.
- ✓
Original certificate (degree, marriage, birth, etc.)
Must be the original issued by the relevant authority. Printed copies or downloads are not accepted. The certificate must be in good condition; no tears, corrections, or alterations.
- ✓
Two clear photocopies of the certificate
Both sides if any content appears on the reverse.
- ✓
Prior attestation stamps (if applicable)
If your certificate was already attested in your home country (by your Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or university registrar), those stamps must be present on the document before UAE-side processing.
- ✓
Certified Arabic translation (for non-Arabic documents)
Required for MOFA attestation. The translation must be done by a translator licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice; Google Translate or informal translations are not accepted.
For Affidavits and Declarations
Affidavits are sworn written statements, used for everything from confirming marital status to supporting visa applications. What you need depends on the subject matter of the affidavit:
- ✓
A typed draft of your affidavit statement
The content of what you are swearing or declaring. We can draft this for you, or review a draft you have prepared. The statement must be factual, specific, and in first person.
- ✓
Supporting evidence documents (where relevant)
For example: salary slips for income affidavits, tenancy agreement for address declarations, marriage certificate for next-of-kin declarations.
- ✓
Certified Arabic translation if your supporting docs are in a foreign language
The notary will need to review any supporting document, and foreign-language documents need a licensed Arabic translation for the court file.
For Will Notarization
Will notarization is one of the more involved processes because it requires witnesses and specific legal language. Do not attempt this without professional assistance; an incorrectly drafted will can fail at the moment it matters most.
- ✓
Typed will in English (and Arabic translation)
The will must clearly state your name, passport details, UAE residency status, beneficiaries (with their full names and nationalities), and the assets being distributed. We draft UAE-compliant wills for non-Muslim expats.
- ✓
Two witnesses: each with passport + Emirates ID
The witnesses must be adults, must not be beneficiaries under the will, and must be present in person at the signing. Bring their original passports and Emirates IDs plus photocopies.
- ✓
Details of UAE assets
Property title deed numbers, bank account names and numbers, vehicle registration details, shareholdings in UAE companies. The more specific the better; vague asset descriptions create problems for executors.
For True Copy Attestation
A true copy is a certified copy that confirms a photocopy is a genuine reproduction of the original. Banks, employers, and government departments frequently request these.
- ✓
The original document
Must be present for comparison. The notary examines the original alongside the copy to confirm they match. You take the original home; the notary certifies the copy.
- ✓
A clear, full-size photocopy
Must be on A4 paper, clearly legible, showing all text and stamps. Do not reduce the size; a shrunken copy will be rejected because the stamps and signatures may not be clearly verifiable.
For Foreign Documents (MOFA Attestation)
If you need a document issued in another country to be legally recognized in the UAE, it must go through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation process. The required prior steps depend on your country of origin:
- ✓
Original document issued by the foreign authority
In good condition, with all original stamps and signatures intact.
- ✓
Home country Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation stamp
Must already be on the document before it arrives in the UAE. This confirms the document's authenticity at source. For countries under the Hague Apostille Convention, an Apostille stamp replaces this step.
- ✓
UAE Embassy stamp from the country of origin
The UAE Embassy or Consulate in your home country must have authenticated the document. This step is done before the document leaves your home country.
- ✓
Certified Arabic translation (if document is not in Arabic)
Required for MOFA UAE-side processing. Must be by a UAE Ministry of Justice licensed translator.
Not sure if you have everything?
Send us a WhatsApp message with your document type and we will confirm the exact checklist for your situation, before you make the trip.
WhatsApp Us to ConfirmWhat We Cannot Accept
These are the documents and situations that will require you to reschedule; knowing them in advance saves everyone time:
Faded, damaged, or illegible originals
If key information (name, date, signature, official stamp) cannot be clearly read, the notary cannot verify the document. Request a replacement from the issuing authority first.
Unofficial, machine-generated, or unverified translations
Google Translate printouts, translations by unlicensed individuals, or translations without a translator's stamp and signature are rejected. Only UAE Ministry of Justice licensed translators produce accepted translations.
Expired identification documents
Expired passport or expired Emirates ID means we cannot proceed. Renew your ID before scheduling. Dubai Courts will not accept notarization against expired identity documents under any circumstances.
Documents with visible alterations, corrections, or white-out
Any document that appears to have been altered, even a minor date correction, raises authenticity concerns and will not be accepted. If your document has an error, return to the issuing authority for an official corrected copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photocopy of my passport instead of the original at a Dubai notary?
No. You must bring your original passport to every notary appointment. The notary is legally required to verify your identity against the original document. Photocopies are also taken and kept on file, but they do not replace the original for verification purposes. If your passport is at immigration for visa processing, wait until it is returned before scheduling your notary appointment.
Do I need my Emirates ID if I have my passport?
If you are a UAE resident, yes, bring both. Dubai Courts requires your Emirates ID to verify your residency status, and many notarized documents reference your Emirates ID number as part of the legally required identification. If your Emirates ID has expired, renew it through the Emirates ID Authority (ICA) before your appointment.
Do I need an Arabic translation for a foreign document before the notary can attest it?
Yes, for most purposes. Any foreign-language document that needs to be used in UAE legal or official proceedings must be accompanied by a certified Arabic translation carried out by a UAE Ministry of Justice licensed translator. We can connect you with a licensed translator; this typically takes 1–2 business days and should be arranged before your appointment.
What if my original document is slightly damaged or faded: will the notary still accept it?
Probably not, if the damage affects readability of key information (names, dates, signatures, stamps). The notary must be able to verify the document's authenticity and content. If your original is damaged, contact the issuing authority for a certified replacement before attempting notarization. Bring the damaged original to show context if needed, but do not rely on it as the primary document.
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.
Ready for Your Notary Appointment?
Our Deira office is open Sunday to Thursday, 9am–6pm. WhatsApp us to confirm your document list before you travel; we respond same day.