Within the UAE’s advanced legal framework, notarizing a Power of Attorney (POA) is a critically important step when delegating legal or administrative authority to another person.
This process does not merely grant the agent the power to act; it ensures that all transactions are carried out under a robust legal framework that protects the principal—especially when the POA is intended for international use outside the UAE to manage investments or personal matters abroad.
Definition of Power of Attorney Notarization in the UAE
Power of Attorney notarization is the official acknowledgment made before a competent public officer (Notary Public), whereby the identities of the parties and the authenticity of their signatures are verified.
From a legal perspective, notarization converts a private document into an official instrument that enjoys full evidentiary force against all parties. Such a document may not be challenged except by alleging forgery, thereby providing the highest level of legal protection for the principal.
Authorities Competent to Notarize a Power of Attorney in the UAE
Notarization authority is distributed between federal and local bodies to ensure efficiency and speed of service, including:
- Ministry of Justice – Oversees federal notarization services.
- Local Judicial Authorities – Such as Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and Dubai Courts, each operating advanced and independent digital notarization systems.
- Private Notary Public – Licensed by judicial authorities to provide notarization services outside official working hours or at company premises.
Steps to Notarize a Power of Attorney Before a Notary Public
The notarization process follows a structured legal sequence to ensure valid intent:
- Drafting the POA Instrument
Precisely drafting the terms of the POA and clearly defining the granted powers (sale, purchase, contract execution, etc.). - Legal Review
The notary reviews the text to ensure compliance with applicable laws and public order. - Verification of Legal Capacity
Confirming that the principal fully understands the document and is acting voluntarily without coercion. - Signature and Official Seal
The POA is signed physically or digitally and then affixed with the official state seal.
Notarizing a Power of Attorney Through Electronic Services
The UAE has replaced lengthy in-person procedures with smart digital platforms through the Electronic Notary Public system:
- Access via UAE Pass digital identity.
- A recorded video call session with the notary to verify the principal’s identity.
- Issuance of a digital POA sent by email, featuring a QR Code that eliminates the need for physical copies.
Difference Between POA Notarization and Legal Attestation
Many people confuse notarization with attestation, although each serves a distinct legal purpose:
| Comparison Aspect | POA Notarization | Legal Attestation |
| Purpose | Confirms that the principal signed willingly | Confirms the authenticity of the notary’s signature |
| Competent Authority | Notary Public | UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| Scope of Use | Within the UAE | Outside the UAE |
| Legal Effect | Grants official instrument status locally | Grants recognition for international use |
Requirements for Notarizing a Power of Attorney for Individuals
To notarize an individual POA, the following are required:
- Original Emirates ID (or passport for residents).
- Proof of ownership for specific POAs (e.g., property title deed for property sale).
- Attendance of a licensed legal translator if the principal does not speak Arabic.
Requirements for Notarizing a Power of Attorney for Companies
Corporate POA notarization requires:
- Trade license and Memorandum of Association.
- Board resolution or authorization letter granting signing authority.
- POA wording must align with the company’s licensed business activities.
Validity Period of a Power of Attorney After Notarization
Legally, a POA remains valid unless a specific duration is stated. However:
- General POA: Maximum validity of five (5) years.
- Special POA: Expires upon completion of its purpose and may include a defined duration.
- A POA automatically terminates upon the death or loss of legal capacity of either the principal or the agent.
Power of Attorney Notarization Fees in the UAE
Notarization fees vary depending on:
- Type of POA (general, special, property, vehicle).
- The emirate of issuance.
- Additional fees for electronic services or mobile/private notary services.
Cases Where Power of Attorney Notarization Is Mandatory
Notarization is required for:
- Court representation and litigation.
- Managing bank accounts or withdrawing funds.
- Sale or transfer of ownership of real estate and vehicles.
- Transactions requiring international use of a POA outside the UAE.
How to Verify the Authenticity of a Notarized Power of Attorney
The Ministry of Justice and local courts provide smart verification portals through:
- Entering the instrument number and date on the issuing authority’s website.
- Scanning the QR Code on the digital document to confirm whether the POA is active or revoked.
Revocation of a Power of Attorney After Notarization
The principal has the right to revoke the POA at any time (unless granted in favor of the agent or a third party), by:
- Submitting a POA revocation request to the issuing authority.
- Formally notifying the agent (via legal notice) to prevent the validity of actions after the date of notification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can a Power of Attorney be notarized electronically in the UAE?
Yes. Through video conferencing and UAE Pass, an officially recognized electronic POA is issued. - Is the presence of all parties required?
Only the principal must be present; the agent’s attendance is not required. - What is the difference between notarization and attestation?
Notarization establishes the POA locally, while attestation authorizes its use abroad. - How long does POA notarization take in the UAE?
Digital services are immediate, and the video session typically takes 10–15 minutes.
Notarizing an international Power of Attorney outside the UAE ensures secure and transparent transfer of legal authority, supported by advanced digital transformation.
A clear understanding of rights and obligations is essential to safeguarding your personal and commercial interests with confidence and stability.
For consultation or international Power of Attorney notarization, contact us today:
Private Notary Dubai
📞 Mobile & WhatsApp: +971 56 232 7778
📧 Email: info@privatenotarydubai.ae
📍 Address: Office No. 805, Opal Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE