With the growing number of transactions and partnerships between the UAE and the United States across various fields, the need for an official legal representative to act on behalf of an individual or a company in the U.S. has increased significantly. This is often done through a legally recognized Power of Attorney (POA) that authorizes a trusted person to manage specific tasks in the United States.

This process enables individuals to continue their legal, financial, or business activities even when personal attendance in the U.S. is not possible.

In this article, you’ll find a comprehensive overview of all the necessary procedures, attestation requirements, and the role of the U.S. Embassy in recognizing a UAE-issued Power of Attorney for use in the United States.

Steps and Procedures for Legalizing a Power of Attorney from the UAE to the U.S.

Issuing and attesting a Power of Attorney from the UAE to the United States involves several official stages, which can be summarized as follows:

1. Drafting the Power of Attorney

Draft the Power of Attorney clearly and precisely to specify the agent’s powers and duties.
The document should be written in Arabic and accompanied by an official English translation.

2. Attestation within the UAE

Notarization: Visit a public or private notary in the UAE along with all necessary documents such as the passport or Emirates ID of both the principal and the agent, in addition to any supporting papers related to the purpose of the POA.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Attestation: After notarization, the POA must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC).
U.S. Embassy or Consulate Attestation: Submit the notarized and MOFAIC-attested document to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the UAE for legalization. It is necessary to book an appointment in advance for this step.

3. Attestation in the United States

Verification by UAE Embassy/Consulate in the U.S.: The UAE Embassy or Consulate in the United States may further authenticate the document through the U.S. Department of State.
Additional Requirements: In certain cases, additional U.S. notarization or state-level authentication may be required depending on the state laws and the nature of the POA.

⚖️ Tip: Always check the requirements of the specific U.S. authority or institution where the POA will be used, as legal formalities may vary by jurisdiction.
You can also consult a specialized law firm to ensure full compliance with both UAE and U.S. legal standards.

Main Requirements for Issuing a UAE Power of Attorney for the United States

To successfully issue and legalize a Power of Attorney from the UAE to the U.S., the following documents and conditions are required:

Original Power of Attorney document — duly signed and notarized in the UAE.
Personal identification documents:
- Clear colored copy of the valid passport for both the principal and the agent.
- Copy of the Emirates ID for both parties (if available).
- Contact details of both parties (phone number and email).
Supporting documents:
- Any contracts or documents related to the POA purpose (e.g., property sale contracts, company formation documents, etc.).
Witnesses:
- If required, the applicant must bring witnesses. Consular officers cannot act as witnesses.
Official Fees:
- All applicable attestation and embassy fees must be paid at each step.

Role of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Legalizing a UAE Power of Attorney

The U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the UAE plays a vital role in verifying and legalizing POAs intended for use in the U.S. The consular officer performs notarial services similar to a notary public, including verifying signatures and ensuring the authenticity of documents — without providing legal advice.

The key functions include:

Document notarization: Confirming the POA’s authenticity for use in the U.S.
Signature verification: Ensuring the applicant’s identity and verifying that the signature was made in their presence.
Legal validity confirmation: Applying an official embassy seal to confirm the POA’s acceptance in the United States.

FAQs

What is a UAE Power of Attorney for the United States?
It is an official legal authorization issued by an individual or legal entity in the UAE to another person, empowering them to perform specific acts or transactions in the United States under defined terms.
What types of Powers of Attorney can be sent to the U.S.?
They include general POAs (broad authority) and special POAs (limited authority), such as judicial, commercial, real estate, immigration, and tax-related powers of attorney.
What are the official steps for issuing a UAE POA for the U.S.?
Draft the POA → Notarize it before a public/private notary → Attest it at the UAE MOFAIC → Legalize it at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate → Additional U.S. notarial steps (if needed).
Does the Power of Attorney need authentication from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
Yes. MOFAIC attestation is mandatory after notarization.
Should the Power of Attorney be attested at the U.S. Embassy?
Yes. For the POA to be valid in the U.S., attestation at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the UAE is required.
What documents are needed for the UAE-U.S. POA?
Copies of valid passports, Emirates IDs (if available), contact details, and any supporting documents such as contracts or business documents.
Can the Power of Attorney be executed electronically or remotely?
Yes. With the Private Notary Dubai online service, you can complete and notarize your POA remotely through a virtual meeting with the notary.
How long does the entire process take?
The whole process can be completed within one working day, depending on the type of POA and the required attestations.
Is the POA valid for all legal matters in the United States?
No. The POA is only valid for the specific powers granted within it and recognized under the applicable U.S. state laws.
How can a lawyer or legal agent assist?
A licensed lawyer or legal representative in the UAE can assist in drafting, notarizing, and attesting your POA for use in the U.S., ensuring compliance with both jurisdictions.

Final Note

Obtaining a Power of Attorney from the UAE to the United States has become much simpler thanks to Private Notary Dubai’s expert legal services.
Our team provides professional support to ensure your POA is properly drafted, notarized, and attested according to UAE and U.S. regulations.

📞 Contact us today to book a legal consultation and choose the most suitable POA for your needs.
With our 24/7 online notary services, you can issue your Power of Attorney remotely, securely, and efficiently — without visiting a notary in person.

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