Quick answer
A clear 2026 guide to the Power of Attorney UAE process, covering types, notary fees, validity, and remote signing. Practical answers for founders and SMBs.
A Power of Attorney UAE is a legally binding document, governed by Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 and Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2022 on Notaries Public, that authorises an appointed agent to act on behalf of the principal in personal, property, corporate, or court matters across the Emirates. Once notarised through the Ministry of Justice E-Notary System, Dubai Courts, or the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, it carries the same legal force as the principal acting in person. Because the rules, fees, and validity periods vary by emirate and document type, founders and SMBs need a precise picture before signing.
Key Takeaways
- UAE POAs are governed by Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 and Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2022, with fees set by Cabinet Resolution No. 19 of 2024.
- Smart e-Notary POAs through Dubai Courts cost AED 100 per signature; standard notary fees range from AED 100 to a maximum of AED 15,000 per document.
- A General POA cannot sell real estate or dispose of funds unless the document contains an explicit clause authorising it.
- Property Sale POAs in Dubai are valid for up to 2 years, Property Purchase POAs up to 5 years, and Abu Dhabi caps POAs at 3 years.
- Only the principal must attend the notary; remote signing via UAE Pass is fully recognised.
What Is a Power of Attorney UAE and Why It Matters
A Power of Attorney UAE (POA) is a notarised legal instrument that lets one person, the principal, grant defined powers to another, the agent or attorney-in-fact. Founders use POAs to delegate company incorporation steps, sign tenancy contracts, manage bank accounts, or handle litigation without flying in personally.
Because UAE authorities scrutinise scope carefully, the wording matters as much as the signature. A vague POA gets rejected at the counter; a precise one closes deals in days. For complex matters, many founders combine a POA with broader legal consultation to confirm the powers granted match the transaction.
Governing Law as of 2026
As of 2026, three instruments shape every UAE POA: the Civil Transactions Law (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985), Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2022 on Notaries Public, and Cabinet Resolution No. 19 of 2024 on notary fees. The UAE Ministry of Justice E-Notary System consolidates these into a single federal workflow.
Who Typically Needs One
- Founders incorporating mainland or free zone entities while abroad.
- SMB owners delegating bank signatory powers or MOHRE filings.
- Property investors authorising agents to sign Oqood or title deed transfers.
- Expatriates appointing UAE-resident representatives for court matters.
Types of Power of Attorney UAE: General vs Special
UAE law recognises two principal categories. Importantly, government departments and banks generally prefer Special POAs because the limited scope reduces the risk of an agent exceeding authority.
General Power of Attorney
A General POA grants broad authority over routine matters such as administration, correspondence, and basic representation. However, it does not authorise the agent to perform actions requiring an explicit clause, including selling real estate, disposing of personal funds, gifting assets, or mortgaging property. Therefore, founders should not assume a General POA covers everything.
Special Power of Attorney
A Special POA is drafted for a defined task, for example, selling a specific apartment in Dubai Marina, opening a bank account at a named bank, or representing the principal in a particular DIFC Courts case. Consequently, it gets accepted faster at Dubai Land Department, MOHRE, and the Federal Tax Authority.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | General POA | Special POA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Broad, multiple matters | Single defined task |
| Property sale authority | Not included by default | Yes, if drafted with the asset detail |
| Government acceptance | Often questioned | Strongly preferred |
| Typical use | Routine admin, banking access | Specific transactions, litigation |
| Risk of over-reach | Higher | Lower |
Notarisation, Fees, and Attestation in 2026
Notarisation is what transforms a draft into an enforceable instrument. Under Cabinet Resolution No. 19 of 2024, public notary fees range from AED 100 up to a maximum of AED 15,000 per document, depending on document type, value, and number of signatures. For documents valued at AED 100,000 and above, the fee may be calculated at 0.5% of the document value, capped at AED 15,000.
Where to Notarise
- Dubai: Smart e-Notary POAs through Dubai Courts cost AED 100 per signature.
- Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department launched the first English-language Notary Services Bureau in the Middle East in October 2023, allowing transactions in English.
- Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah: MOJ network notarisation averages AED 150 to AED 200 per document.
- Property POAs: Registered with the Dubai Land Department via Dari/REST platforms.
MOFAIC Attestation for Cross-Border Use
If the POA will be used outside the UAE or comes from abroad, MOFAIC attestation is the next step. MOFAIC charges AED 150 per personal document and AED 2,000 per commercial or corporate document, and the digital platform processes requests within three business days. For corporate POAs that travel with M&A files or cross-border financing, pair attestation with a structured document attestation review so nothing stalls at the destination registry.
Indicative Fee Table
| Service | Authority | Indicative Fee (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Smart e-Notary POA | Dubai Courts | 100 per signature |
| Standard notarisation | MOJ / ADJD | 100 to 15,000 |
| High-value document (0.5% rule) | MOJ | Capped at 15,000 |
| Personal MOFAIC attestation | MOFAIC | 150 |
| Corporate MOFAIC attestation | MOFAIC | 2,000 |
| Northern Emirates notarisation | MOJ network | 150 to 200 |
How to Issue a Power of Attorney UAE: Step by Step
The workflow is consistent across emirates, with small variations at the counter.
- Draft in Arabic or bilingual. The POA must be in Arabic or bilingual English-Arabic with certified translation by a Ministry of Justice-approved translator. In any discrepancy, the Arabic text prevails.
- Prepare documents. The principal’s original passport plus a copy, three copies of the POA, and the original and a copy of the Emirates ID (UAE residents only).
- Book the notary. Only the principal must appear; the agent’s attendance is not required.
- Sign and pay. Pay the notary fee, sign before the notary, and collect the stamped original. For tailored drafting that anticipates registry pushback, our Power of Attorney UAE drafting service prepares the bilingual instrument before you reach the counter.
- Attest if needed. Submit to MOFAIC for cross-border use, then to the destination country’s embassy.
Remote Notarisation via UAE Pass
Remote notarisation through UAE Pass lets the principal upload the draft and complete a video call. The issued digital POA is electronically signed, secured with a QR code, and carries the same legal standing as a physical original. For founders travelling between Dubai, London, and Singapore, this typically saves a full day of in-person appointments.
Issuing a POA from Outside the UAE
POAs issued outside the UAE must be notarised locally, authenticated by the issuing country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, legalised by the UAE Embassy or Consulate, then attested by MOFAIC and translated into Arabic by a certified translator on arrival. Although the chain looks long, planning it alongside company formation steps prevents licence delays.
Validity, Revocation, and Common Pitfalls
POA validity is not unlimited. In Dubai, Property Sale POAs have a maximum validity of two years from notarisation, after which they may need re-notarisation. Property Purchase POAs are valid for up to five years, and litigation POAs to lawyers may also extend to five years. Abu Dhabi limits POAs to a maximum validity of three years.
How to Revoke
The principal may revoke a POA at any time by issuing a notarised revocation deed and notifying the agent and any third parties relying on the document, such as the bank or land department. Until revocation is registered, third parties may continue to act on the original POA in good faith.
Common Mistakes Founders Make
- Assuming a General POA can sell property. It cannot, without an explicit clause.
- Skipping certified Arabic translation, leading to rejection at counter.
- Letting a Dubai Property Sale POA expire mid-transaction.
- Forgetting MOFAIC attestation for corporate POAs used abroad.
- Granting overly broad powers, which banks and the DED often query.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a General and Special Power of Attorney in the UAE?
A General POA grants broad authority for routine matters, while a Special POA is limited to a specific task such as selling a named property or representing the principal in a particular case. A General POA cannot authorise property sales or disposal of funds unless an explicit clause is included, which is why UAE government departments and banks generally prefer Special POAs.
How much does it cost to notarise a Power of Attorney in Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
Smart e-Notary POAs through Dubai Courts cost AED 100 per signature, while standard notary fees under Cabinet Resolution No. 19 of 2024 range from AED 100 to a maximum of AED 15,000 per document. For documents valued at AED 100,000 and above, the fee may be calculated at 0.5% of the document value, capped at AED 15,000.
How long is a Power of Attorney valid in the UAE?
Validity depends on emirate and purpose: Dubai Property Sale POAs last up to two years, Dubai Property Purchase and litigation POAs last up to five years, and Abu Dhabi caps POAs at three years. General POAs without a stated expiry remain valid until revoked, although banks and registries often request a refresh after one to two years.
Can I issue a UAE Power of Attorney from outside the country?
Yes, you can issue a POA abroad, provided it is notarised locally, authenticated by the issuing country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, legalised by the UAE Embassy or Consulate, attested by MOFAIC on arrival, and translated into Arabic by a Ministry of Justice-certified translator. The full chain typically takes one to three weeks depending on the country.
Does a UAE Power of Attorney have to be in Arabic?
Yes, a UAE POA must be drafted in Arabic or as a bilingual English-Arabic document with certified translation by a Ministry of Justice-approved translator. In any discrepancy between the two languages, the Arabic text prevails before UAE courts and authorities.
Can a Power of Attorney in the UAE be notarised online?
Yes, remote notarisation via UAE Pass allows the principal to upload the draft and complete a secure video call with the notary. The issued digital POA is signed electronically, secured with a QR code, and carries the same legal standing as a physical original notarised in person.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or regulatory advice. Rules and fees in the UAE change frequently. Before acting on anything you read here, speak to a qualified advisor — we are happy to help.