Issuing a power of attorney (POA) for a person inside prison in the UAE is one of the most important legal procedures that helps detainees and convicted individuals authorize a trusted person to handle certain financial, legal, or administrative matters on their behalf.
The process of applying for a POA on behalf of a prisoner follows specific, coordinated procedures established by the Ministry of Justice in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior (Prisons Administration).
This service is part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to enable prisoners to preserve their rights and manage their affairs in a legitimate and organized way — without needing to leave the detention center.
In this article, we explain all the essential details, including the required documents, legal conditions, and procedural steps involved.
Documents Required to Issue a Power of Attorney for a Prisoner in the UAE
To complete a POA request from a prisoner legally and smoothly, several essential documents must be provided:
- A copy of the Emirates ID of the prisoner (principal).
- A copy of the Emirates ID of the authorized person (agent).
- A certificate of imprisonment issued by the General Directorate of Prisons or the competent court.
- A letter of request expressing the prisoner’s wish to issue a POA, submitted either by the prisoner or one of their relatives.
- A clear definition of the type of POA and its legal scope.
- Contact information of the principal (prisoner).
- Any supporting documents, such as property ownership certificates, commercial licenses, or trade records.
Legal Conditions for Issuing a Power of Attorney for a Prisoner in the UAE
The process of issuing a POA for a prisoner in the UAE is governed by several legal conditions established jointly by the Ministry of Justice and the General Directorate of Prisons. These conditions aim to ensure the integrity and legality of the procedure, preventing fraud or misuse.
Key conditions include:
- Explicit consent of the prisoner:
The POA cannot be issued on behalf of a prisoner unless they personally appear before an official notary public or authorized delegate inside the prison and clearly express their free and voluntary consent.
- Full legal capacity:
The prisoner must be legally competent to issue a POA. If there is any doubt about their capacity, the process will be suspended pending verification.
- Specific definition of the POA type and purpose:
The scope of authority must be clearly stated — whether it is a general POA (covering all legal actions) or a special POA (limited to specific purposes such as selling property, managing assets, or representing in a lawsuit).
- Official notarization:
The POA must be notarized by an authorized notary public registered with the Ministry of Justice — either by visiting the prison in person or through the mobile notary service — to ensure its validity.
- No conflict with judicial or enforcement orders:
If the prisoner is subject to financial or enforcement rulings that restrict their ability to dispose of assets, the POA related to such matters will be denied unless approved by the competent court.
- Formal submission of the request:
The POA request must be officially submitted to the prison administration or through an approved electronic platform, along with all required documents.
Steps to Issue a Power of Attorney for a Prisoner in the UAE
Once the necessary conditions are met, the process of issuing a POA for a prisoner proceeds as follows:
- Submit the POA request:
A family member or lawyer of the prisoner submits the request to the prison administration and awaits approval.
- Prepare the required documents:
This includes all details of both the prisoner (principal) and the authorized person (agent), their Emirates ID copies, proof of imprisonment, and other relevant documents.
- Send the documents:
The applicant sends the documents via WhatsApp or through the designated communication channel.
- Draft the POA template:
The notary or legal office prepares a POA draft — general or special — according to the requested authority.
- Coordination with the notary public:
The notary contacts the prison administration or the Public Prosecution Office, either electronically or by visiting the prison in person.
- Verification of requirements:
The notary verifies all information and may ask several questions to confirm the prisoner’s understanding and consent.
- POA notarization:
Once verification is complete, the notary officially notarizes the POA.
- Receiving the POA:
After notarization, the official POA is delivered to the authorized person (agent).
It is also worth noting that remote notarization is possible — through online coordination between the prison administration and an authorized e-notary via video call and digital signature authentication.
However, the powers granted depend on the reason for imprisonment:
- If the prisoner is convicted of a felony, issuing a POA for selling assets requires approval from the civil court.
- If the prisoner is convicted of a misdemeanor, they can issue a POA for sale or representation after obtaining permission from the Public Prosecutor or Chief of the Prosecution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How can I request a power of attorney from a prisoner?
A request can be made in coordination between the prison administration and a licensed notary public. The process starts with a formal application submitted by a relative or the prisoner’s lawyer, followed by document preparation, POA drafting, and official notarization by the notary public. - Can a prisoner issue a power of attorney?
Yes, a prisoner can issue a POA. However, specific legal steps must be followed depending on the type of crime.
- For misdemeanors, approval from the Public Prosecutor or Chief of Prosecution is required.
- For felonies, permission must be obtained from the civil court before notarization.
- What documents are required to issue a prisoner’s POA?
Copies of the Emirates IDs or passports of both the prisoner and the authorized person, proof of imprisonment, a letter of intent from the prisoner, and any supporting documents depending on the POA type.
Our Legal Services
Our Private Notary Office in Dubai provides comprehensive legal and consultancy services for issuing and notarizing POAs — both electronically and traditionally.
If you or a loved one is incarcerated, accuracy and legality are crucial when preparing a POA to ensure that it fully meets your objectives. Our professional team ensures all requirements are met and documents are properly verified before notarization.
We guarantee your rights through a meticulous and fully legal process — contact us today to start your POA request.
Our services are available in-person and online, ensuring legal coverage for all your judicial needs at any time, from anywhere.
We are available 24/7 to answer all your inquiries.
Abdul Hamid is a legal consultant with extensive experience in providing legal advice in the United Arab Emirates. His expertise focuses on legal drafting, resolving commercial disputes, and drafting and reviewing corporate and employment contracts.