A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows one person to authorise another individual to act on their behalf. It is commonly used for property transactions, business activities, banking matters and other legal responsibilities in the UAE. Before preparing a POA, you must collect the required documents. These may include passport copies, Emirates IDs, property ownership records or company documents, depending on the purpose of the authorisation.

Best Legal Consultancy helps individuals and businesses understand the documents required for Power of Attorney in UAE and the related notarisation procedures. With more than 30 years of experience, we provide guidance on document preparation, verification, translation and applicable attestation requirements. In this guide, we explain the necessary documents and the steps involved in preparing a Power of Attorney in Dubai and across the UAE.

What Is a Power of Attorney in UAE?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows one person to authorise another individual to act on their behalf. The person giving the authority is called the principal, while the person receiving it is known as the authorised representative.

For example, someone who owns a property in Dubai but lives abroad can appoint another person to manage approved property-related activities.

A Power of Attorney can be used for:

• Buying or selling property.
• Managing rental properties.
• Handling banking transactions.
• Managing business activities.
• Signing legal agreements.
• Representing someone before government departments.

The authorised person must follow the powers stated in the document. Therefore, the POA should clearly explain the responsibilities being granted.

Documents Required for Power of Attorney in UAE

The documents required for a Power of Attorney depend on its purpose and the people involved. However, the following documents are commonly requested.

1. Passport Copy of the Principal

A clear passport copy of the principal is required to verify the identity of the person granting the authority. Make sure the passport is valid and all personal details are readable.

2. Emirates ID Copy

An Emirates ID copy may be required if the principal or authorised representative is a UAE resident. Copies of both sides may be requested for identity verification.

3. Passport Copy of the Authorised Representative

The appointed person’s passport copy is needed to confirm their identity. Check that the full name, passport number and other details are clearly visible.

4. Emirates ID of the Authorised Representative

If the appointed person lives in the UAE, their Emirates ID copy may also be requested. The requirement depends on the notary and the purpose of the POA.

5. Contact Details of Both Parties

The principal and authorised representative may need to provide their contact information, including:

• Active mobile number.
• Email address.
• UAE contact number, if available.
• Residential address, if required.

6. Details of the Authorisation

Provide clear information about the powers being given to the representative. This may include their full name, the purpose of the POA, specific responsibilities and validity period, if applicable.

For property or business matters, include the relevant property or company details.

7. Supporting Documents

Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of the POA. For example:

• Property ownership documents for property transactions.
• Trade licence and company records for business activities.
• Bank-specific documents for banking transactions.
• Relevant agreements for specific legal matters.

Additional Documents Based on the Type of Power of Attorney

The documents required for Power of Attorney in UAE may change depending on the type of authorisation.

General Power of Attorney

A General Power of Attorney gives an individual broader authority to handle multiple activities on behalf of another person, within the limits of the document and applicable law.

Commonly requested documents include:

• Passport copy of the principal.
• Emirates ID copy, if applicable.
• Passport copy of the authorised representative.
• Emirates ID copy of the representative, if applicable.
• Contact details of both parties.
• Details of the responsibilities being delegated.

The document should clearly describe the permitted activities. A General POA does not automatically give unlimited authority over every personal or financial matter.

Special Power of Attorney

A Special Power of Attorney allows someone to complete a particular task or handle a specific transaction.

For example, a person may authorise another individual to sign a particular agreement, collect documents or complete a legal procedure.

Additional documents may include:

• Passport copy of the principal.
• Emirates ID copy, if applicable.
• Passport copy of the representative.
• Details of the specific transaction.
• Supporting documents related to the authorised activity.

The document must clearly mention the purpose and limits of the authority.

Property Power of Attorney

A Property Power of Attorney allows an authorised representative to handle approved property-related activities on behalf of the owner.

These activities may include buying, selling, leasing or managing property, depending on the authority granted.

Additional documents may include:

• Passport copy of the property owner.
• Emirates ID copy, if applicable.
• Passport copy of the representative.
• Property title deed or ownership certificate.
• Property details, such as unit number and location.
• Relevant property agreements, if applicable.

For example, if a property owner wants to authorise someone to sell an apartment in Dubai, the POA must clearly mention the property and the permitted sale-related powers.

The relevant land department may have additional requirements before accepting the document.

Business Power of Attorney

A Business Power of Attorney allows an authorised person to perform approved company-related activities.

It may be used for signing documents, handling administrative matters or representing a company before relevant authorities.

Additional documents may include:

• Passport copy of the authorised company signatory.
• Emirates ID copy, if applicable.
• Passport copy of the appointed representative.
• Valid trade licence.
• Memorandum of Association (MOA), where applicable.
• Articles of Association, if required.
• Shareholder or board resolution, where applicable.
• Company registration documents.
• Proof of the signatory’s authority.

The company documents help establish that the person issuing the POA has permission to delegate the requested responsibilities.

Banking Power of Attorney

A Banking Power of Attorney allows an authorised person to perform specific banking activities on behalf of an account holder, subject to the bank’s approval.

Additional documents may include:

• Passport copy of the account holder.
• Emirates ID copy, if applicable.
• Passport copy of the representative.
• Bank account details.
• Bank-specific POA format, if required.
• Other documents requested by the bank.

Before preparing the document, contact the relevant bank to confirm its requirements. Some banks may require specific wording or their own authorisation format.

Documents Required for Power of Attorney from Outside the UAE

People living outside the UAE may also need to issue a Power of Attorney for property, business or personal matters in the country.

For example, an Indian citizen living in India may want to authorise a family member in Dubai to manage a property or complete a legal transaction.

Commonly required documents include:

• Passport copy of the principal.
• Passport copy of the authorised representative.
• Draft Power of Attorney.
• Supporting documents related to the purpose.
• Identification and residency details, where applicable.
• Authentication from the relevant authorities in the issuing country.

Power of Attorney from India for Use in UAE

If you are preparing a Power of Attorney in India for use in the UAE, the general authentication process may involve:

1. Prepare the POA according to the requirements of the intended UAE transaction.
2. Sign the document before the appropriate local notary or legal authority.
3. Obtain authentication from the relevant Indian authority.
4. Complete UAE Embassy Attestation or Consulate, as applicable.
5. Arrange UAE MOFA attestation when required.

The exact procedure depends on the document, its purpose and the applicable authentication requirements.

A Power of Attorney prepared outside the UAE may also need certified Arabic translation before submission to the relevant authority.

How to Prepare Documents for Power of Attorney in UAE

Collecting the documents is only one part of the process. You must also ensure that the information is accurate and the POA follows the relevant authority’s requirements.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the Purpose of the POA

First, decide why you need a Power of Attorney. You may need it for property transactions, business management, banking activities or personal legal matters.

The purpose helps determine the type of POA and the supporting documents required.

Step 2: Collect Identification Documents

Prepare clear copies of the principal’s and representative’s passports and Emirates IDs, where applicable.

Check the names, passport numbers and other personal details carefully.

Step 3: Arrange Supporting Documents

Collect additional records related to the purpose of the POA.

For example, property ownership documents may be needed for property matters, while a trade licence and company records may be required for business-related authorisation.

Step 4: Prepare the POA Draft

The document must clearly explain the powers given to the authorised representative.

Include the full names of both parties, the purpose of the authorisation, specific responsibilities and any applicable validity period.

Step 5: Complete Translation and Notarisation

The document may need to be prepared in Arabic or accompanied by an approved translation, depending on the notary and applicable rules.

Submit the application with the required supporting documents to the relevant notary public or authorised service provider.

The notary will review the application, verify the parties and complete the required signing and authentication procedure.

Power of Attorney Notarisation Process in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

After preparing the documents, the next step is notarisation. The procedure may differ between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates.

The general process involves the following stages:

Step 1: Document Verification

The submitted documents are checked to confirm that the personal details and supporting records are correct.

Step 2: POA Draft Review

The draft is reviewed to ensure that it clearly explains the powers given to the authorised representative.

Step 3: Identity Verification

The principal’s identity and consent are verified through the applicable notary procedure.

Step 4: Signing and Notarisation

The principal completes the required signing process. The notary authenticates the document after reviewing the application.

Step 5: Receive the Notarised POA

Once approved, the notarised Power of Attorney is issued in the applicable electronic or physical format.

Certain UAE Power of Attorney services are also available digitally through UAE PASS, subject to eligibility and verification requirements.

Common Reasons for Power of Attorney Document Rejection

Preparing the correct documents can help avoid unnecessary delays. However, errors in personal details, supporting documents or POA wording may create problems.

Common issues include:

• Expired Passport: An expired identification document may create problems during verification.
• Incorrect Personal Details: Differences in names or passport numbers may require corrections.
• Missing Supporting Documents: Important property or company records may be missing.
• Unclear POA Wording: The document may not explain the authority being granted.
• Translation Issues: The translation may not meet the relevant authority’s requirements.
• Missing Authentication: A foreign-issued POA may require additional attestation.
• Lack of Signing Authority: A company representative may not have sufficient authority to issue the POA.

Reviewing the documents before submission can help reduce these problems.

How Best Legal Consultancy Helps with Power of Attorney in UAE

Best Legal Consultancy provides guidance and support for Power of Attorney services in Dubai and across the UAE. With more than 30 years of experience, we help individuals and businesses understand the requirements and prepare the necessary documents.

Our support includes:

• Document Checking: Reviewing documents and identifying missing details.
• POA Preparation: Guidance on preparing the Power of Attorney.
• Notarisation Support: Assistance with the applicable notarisation process.
• Attestation Guidance: Support with embassy and UAE MOFA attestation, where required.
• Translation Support: Guidance on certified Arabic translation.
• Process Updates: Keeping clients informed about application progress.

Need help preparing a Power of Attorney in UAE?

Contact Best Legal Consultancy for a free consultation.

• Phone: +971 50 591 5724
• Email: info@bestlegalconsultancy.com
• Location: Dubai, UAE

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What documents are required for Power of Attorney in UAE?

Common documents include passport copies of both parties, Emirates IDs (if applicable), contact details and supporting documents related to the POA.

2. Is Emirates ID mandatory for making a Power of Attorney in UAE?

Emirates ID may be required for UAE residents. Non-residents can generally provide other accepted identification, such as a passport.

3. Can I make a Power of Attorney in UAE without visiting a notary?

Yes. Certain POA services are available online through UAE PASS, subject to eligibility and verification requirements.

4. Can a non-resident make a Power of Attorney for use in UAE?

Yes. Non-residents can issue a POA abroad, but it may require notarisation, attestation and Arabic translation before use in the UAE.

5. Does a Power of Attorney need Arabic translation in UAE?

Yes, when required by the relevant authority. Foreign-language documents may need certified Arabic translation.

6. Can I use one Power of Attorney for property and business matters?

It depends on the powers granted. Separate POAs may be needed for different transactions and legal requirements.

7. How long does it take to get a Power of Attorney notarised in UAE?

The time depends on the notary, document requirements and verification process. Incomplete documents may cause delays.

8. Can I cancel a Power of Attorney in UAE?

Yes. The principal can generally revoke a POA by following the applicable legal procedure and notifying the relevant parties.

Conclusion

Preparing the correct documents is an important step when applying for a Power of Attorney in UAE. The requirements may vary depending on the purpose of the POA. Therefore, check all documents carefully and make sure the details are accurate before submission.

Best Legal Consultancy helps clients with Power of Attorney in UAE, including document preparation, notarisation and applicable attestation procedures. With more than 30 years of experience, we provide clear guidance to help you complete the process smoothly. Contact us today for a free consultation.