The United Arab Emirates continues to attract investors, entrepreneurs, expats, and property buyers from around the world. With millions of residents and foreign-owned businesses, situations often arise where an individual or company needs to legally authorise another person to act on their behalf. This is where the Power of Attorney in UAE (POA) becomes not just helpful—but essential.

Whether you are an investor managing assets remotely, a business owner needing someone to sign key documents, or a resident authorising a representative to handle government procedures, a properly drafted and notarised POA ensures that your affairs continue smoothly and legally.

This comprehensive guide from Business & Beyond Consulting LLC explains everything you need to know about the Power of Attorney in UAE in 2025, including types, legal procedures, costs, attestation, validity, risks, and step-by-step processes.

What Is a Power of Attorney in UAE?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a formal legal document that authorises another individual (the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”) to act on behalf of the “principal.” In the UAE, POAs are recognised under civil law and must follow strict drafting and notarisation rules to be considered valid.

Common Reasons You Need a POA in the UAE

• Managing property when living abroad
• Selling or buying real estate
• Handling bank account issues
• Completing visa processing
• Representing you before Dubai Courts or government entities
• Signing corporate documents
• Managing company formation or licence renewals
• Opening or managing a bank account
• Handling vehicle transfers

POAs are widely used because many procedures in the UAE require in-person signatures or attendance. A POA helps avoid costly delays.

Why Power of Attorney Is Important in the UAE

A valid POA helps ensure:

✔ Legal clarity

Authorities recognise the agent’s actions as if performed by the principal.

✔ Efficiency

Business and personal matters continue even if the principal is abroad.

✔ Fraud protection

The POA specifies the exact powers and limitations granted.

✔ Regulatory compliance

Most government entities (Dubai Courts, DLD, banks, etc.) require notarised POAs.

Types of Power of Attorney in UAE

Different circumstances require different levels of authority. Below are the main types of POAs legally used in the UAE.

1. General Power of Attorney (GPOA)

A General POA grants broad authority to the agent. They can manage financial, legal, administrative, and operational matters.

Common Uses

• Managing company operations
• Handling bank-related matters
• Signing legal or commercial contracts
• Overseeing business transactions
• Representing the principal before government bodies

⚠️ Because of its broad power, a General POA must be drafted with extreme caution.

2. Special Power of Attorney (SPOA)

A Special POA grants only specific, clearly-defined powers.

Examples

• Selling a specific property
• Attending a court session
• Signing a single contract
• Handling one bank account transaction
• Renewing a licence or visa

Special POAs are safer, more controlled, and preferred by UAE authorities.

3. Property Power of Attorney

A property POA grants authority to manage real estate transactions.

Covers:

• Buying or selling property
• Transfer of title
• Leasing
• Obtaining approvals from Dubai Land Department
• Signing RERA forms

Most real estate POAs must be notarised in the UAE and sometimes require approval by DLD.

4. Corporate or Business Power of Attorney

A corporate POA is commonly used by investors and businesses.

Covers:

• Signing incorporation documents
• Opening bank accounts
• Handling licence renewals
• Signing contracts and board documents
• Managing daily business operations

Businesses use this frequently when directors are abroad.

5. Vehicle Power of Attorney

Allows the agent to:

• Transfer vehicle ownership
• Renew registration
• Sell or purchase a vehicle
• Complete RTA procedures

6. Residency & Employment POA

Used for:

• Visa applications
• Emirates ID processing
• Labour approvals
• Employment documentation

Often used by HR managers or PROs.

Online Power of Attorney in UAE (Dubai Courts e-Notary)

With Dubai’s digital transformation, many POAs can now be completed online, without visiting a physical notary.

How Online POA Works

1. Prepare the draft POA
2. Upload the document on Dubai Courts website
3. Video verification with an e-notary
4. Pay fees online
5. Receive notarised POA digitally with QR code

Who Can Use It?

• Residents
• Expats living abroad
• Investors
• Companies

Benefits

• Faster and convenient
• No need for physical visit
• Legally valid with QR verification

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Power of Attorney in UAE

Creating a POA requires accuracy, legal clarity, and proper notarisation. Below is the most updated process for 2025.

Step 1: Identify the Type of POA Needed

Choose between General, Special, Property, Corporate, etc.

Step 2: Draft the POA Clearly

The POA must include:

Mandatory Elements

• Full names of principal and agent
• Passport and Emirates ID numbers
• Detailed list of powers granted
• Duration of POA
• Restrictions and limitations
• Governing Emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, etc.)

Incorrect or weak drafting can cause rejection.

Step 3: Legal Translation into Arabic

If the POA is drafted in English or any other language, it must be translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator.

Step 4: Notarisation

You can notarise the POA through:

Options

• Dubai Courts Notary Public
• Abu Dhabi Judicial Department
• Sharjah Notary
• Online Notary (Dubai Courts eNotary)
• UAE Embassy (if executed abroad)

Notarisation confirms the POA’s legal authority.

Step 5: MOFA Attestation (If POA is Made Outside UAE)

A POA signed outside the UAE must be:

1. Notarised locally
2. Attested by UAE Embassy in that country
3. Attested by MOFA UAE

Without this, it is not accepted in the UAE.

Step 6: Submission to Relevant Authority

Depending on the purpose:

• Dubai Land Department for real estate
• Banks for account management
• RTA for vehicles
• Government departments for visas
• Free zones / Mainland authorities for licensing

Cost of Power of Attorney in UAE (Updated Fees)

Below is an approximate cost range (fees vary by Emirate).

Cost Breakdown

Service	Approx. Cost (AED)
Drafting POA	300 – 700
Legal translation	120 – 250
Notary Public fees	150 – 600
E-Notary fees	150 – 400
MOFA Attestation	150
Courier / Copies	20 – 50

Costs vary depending on the POA type and number of pages.

Validity of Power of Attorney in UAE

POA validity varies depending on the type and the authority involved.

Typical Validity

• General POA: 2 – 3 years (renewable)
• Special POA: Until the specific task is completed
• Property POA: Often 1 year, depending on DLD rules
• Vehicle POA: Usually 1 year
• Corporate POA: 1–3 years, based on corporate needs

Some POAs automatically expire in certain cases (e.g., property sale completed).

How to Renew a Power of Attorney in UAE

1. Review the existing POA
2. Prepare a renewal draft
3. Translate (if needed)
4. Re-notarise
5. Notify all relevant authorities

Renewal is usually easier than issuing a new POA.

How to Revoke a Power of Attorney in UAE

A POA can be revoked at any time if the principal is of sound mind.

Revocation Process

1. Draft a Revocation Notice
2. Notarise it
3. Notify the agent
4. Notify government authorities (banks, DLD, RTA, etc.)
5. Request cancellation from the court/notary

This prevents misuse.

Risks & How to Protect Yourself

Using a POA incorrectly or giving excessive authority can expose you to risk.

Major Risks

• Fraud or misuse by agent
• Signing unwanted transactions
• Agent exceeding authority
• Invalid POA due to poor drafting

How to Protect Yourself

✔ Use Special POAs instead of General POAs
✔ Add clear limitations
✔ Set an expiry date
✔ Use online POA with QR code
✔ Draft your POA through professionals

A strong POA protects your assets, business, and reputation.

Documents Required to Issue a POA in UAE

For Individuals

• Passport copy
• Emirates ID (if resident)
• Contact details
• Agent’s passport/ID details

For Companies

• Trade licence
• Memorandum of Association
• Shareholder resolutions
• Passport/Emirates ID of authorised signatory

Power of Attorney for Business Setup in UAE

Business owners often issue POAs for:

✔ Filing company incorporation documents

✔ Bank account opening

✔ Signing application forms

✔ Representing them before government authorities

✔ Handling licence renewals

✔ Managing PRO and visa services

A properly drafted corporate POA is essential for smooth operations.

Sample Format of Power of Attorney (Simplified Structure)

(Business & Beyond can also create a customised, legally-compliant version.)

Example Components:

• Parties involved
• Purpose of POA
• Authority granted
• Duration
• Restrictions
• Governing law
• Signatures

Providing a sample helps the user understand what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can foreigners issue a POA in the UAE?

Yes. They can issue it in the UAE or from abroad through UAE Embassy + MOFA attestation.

2. Is online Power of Attorney in Dubai legally valid?

Yes. Dubai Courts e-Notary POAs are fully valid and widely accepted.

3. Can a POA be signed without visiting the UAE?

Yes, but it must be notarised and attested in the home country and then attested by MOFA.

4. How long does it take to issue a POA in UAE?

Typically 1–2 days if drafted and notarised locally.

5. Can a POA be misused?

Yes—if drafted poorly. Always restrict the powers given and set an expiry.

Why Choose Business & Beyond Consulting LLC?

At Business & Beyond Consulting LLC, we help individuals and companies issue legally compliant POAs quickly and accurately.

Our Services Include:

✔ POA drafting with legal precision
✔ Online and in-person notarisation support
✔ MOFA attestation assistance
✔ Corporate and property POA preparation
✔ Tailored business setup POA drafting
✔ Full support for investors abroad

We ensure your POA is valid, safe, compliant, and accepted by all UAE authorities.

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Final Thoughts

A Power of Attorney is one of the most important legal tools in the UAE. Whether you are a property investor, business owner, expat, or entrepreneur, a carefully prepared POA saves time, protects your assets, and ensures your affairs are handled professionally.

With the UAE’s advanced digital systems and smooth legal procedures, issuing a POA has become faster and easier than ever.

If you need help drafting, notarising, or attesting a POA, Business & Beyond Consulting LLC is here to support you every step of the way.