Power of Attorney (POA) in the UAE refers to a notarized document that empowers one person, referred to as the Attorney, to represent another person, referred to as the Principal. The procedure for Power of Attorney in the UAE can be done online via the Notary Systems in the UAE or in person at a Notary Public Office.
The services offered by POA are commonly applied in trade license change applications, bank account transactions, immigration procedures, real estate transactions, court cases, business operations, and government approvals. In both personal and organizational applications, an appropriately drafted and notarized POA can ensure legal recognition and protect the rights of all interested parties.
In Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, it is possible to notarize POAs through online notary platforms, based on Emirates ID and video authentication, or through physical offices of Notary Public. Some POAs, particularly those related to property sales, litigation, or larger financial transactions, may need to be physically notarized.
The PRO services offered by 365 Day PRO Corporate Services include complete POA document preparation, online notarization, and notarization coordination services throughout the UAE.
POA (Power of Attorney) Step-by-Step Process – Online & Notary Public in UAE
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document used for various commercial and legal dealings. In the UAE, the notarization process for a Power of Attorney is possible through online notary services (if available) or in person at the offices of a Notary Public. This has to be done in the proper manner so that the Power of Attorney is accepted by the banks, DED, and all concerned authorities.
STEP 1: Verify the Purpose and Type of POA (General vs. Special)
First, determine the reason for the POA, as the language will vary depending upon the intended use:
- General POA: General powers (business management, transactions, representation).
- Special POA: specific task authority (trade license modification, visa approval, bank account management, sale/purchase of property, vehicle transfer, court case, etc.).
STEP 2: Parties & Authority of Scope (Principal & Attorney)
The following points need to be fact-checked:
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Principal (party exercising the power)
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Attorney (person receiving the power)
Important decisions include:
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Specific powers conferred (signing, gathering documents, selling assets, submitting applications)
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Limitations (no selling of property, no withdrawal of funds, one transaction only)
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Validity period (fixed or open-ended)
A correct scope helps to avoid misuse and ensures that the application is not rejected by the authorities.
STEP 3: Preparation of POA in Notary-Approved Format (Arabic / Bilingual)
The POA should be prepared in the prescribed format of the UAE Notary.
If the draft is in English, it will normally have to be translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator.
Arabic-only or Arabic/English bilingual drafts are preferred by most notaries.
An appropriately drafted POA will prevent rejection and expedite the notarization process.
STEP 4: Preparation of Supporting Documents & KYC File
Before making any notarization arrangements, prepare the following:
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Copies of Emirates ID and passport (Principal & Attorney)
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Visa page (if applicable)
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Contact numbers and email addresses
Documents required for corporate POA (if applicable):
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Trade license
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MOA / AOA
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Board resolution
For bank and property POAs, additional documents may be required.
STEP 5A: Online Notary POA Process (Eligible Only)
For online POA notarization:
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Create or access the Notary Portal application (or apply via a service provider)
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Upload POA draft, ID documents, and supporting documents
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Schedule a video verification appointment
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The Principal receives a video call and verifies identity via Emirates ID verification
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The notary verifies the information and may request changes
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The notary issues a digitally notarized POA in electronic format
Online POA is faster and convenient, but not all types of POA are eligible for online execution.
STEP 5B: Physical Notary Public POA Process (Physical)
In case of physical notarization:
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Book a Notary Public appointment
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The Principal brings original Emirates ID and passport to the Notary
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Provide draft POA (Arabic / bilingual) and related documents
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The notary verifies identity and legal capacity
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The main signatory of the POA is the Principal, who signs the POA in front of the notary
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The notary stamps and signs the notarized Power of Attorney
There are certain high-value or sensitive transactions for which physical notarization is preferable or mandatory.
STEP 6: Collection, Copies, and Verification
After notarization:
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Collect the original POA (physical copy) or download the POA (online copy)
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If required, prepare certified copies
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Confirm the following details in the POA:
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Names
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Passport numbers
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Scope of authority
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Dates
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Signature
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Notary stamp
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STEP 7: Attestation / Legalization (If Required)
If the POA is intended for use outside the UAE, it may require:
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MOFA attestation (if applicable)
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Embassy attestation (receiving country)
If applied locally, it can be submitted to DED, banks, Immigration, courts, or property departments.
STEP 8: POA Usage & Future Updates (Amendment / Revocation)
If your requirement changes:
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Amendment of the POA may require new notarization
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Revocation of POA is done through the Notary Public and must be notified to the concerned authority (bank / DED / tenant / property department)
Documents Needed for POA (Power of Attorney)
The following documents are required:
For Individuals
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Passport copy
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Emirates ID
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Residence visa (if applicable)
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Contact details
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Purpose / use of POA
For Corporates
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Trade license
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MOA / AOA
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Board resolution approving the POA
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Passport & Emirates ID of authorized signatory
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Company stamp (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions – POA (Power of Attorney) Services
Can Power of Attorney be done online in UAE?
Yes, through UAE online notary services.
Is physical presence mandatory for notarization of POA?
Not always; there is online POA available in many instances.
How long is the POA process in the UAE?
Same day to 2 working days.
Is Arabic mandatory for POA?
Yes. For notarization in the UAE, the Power of Attorney must be in Arabic or in a bilingual (Arabic/English) format.
What is the validity of POA in UAE?
As mentioned in the document or until revoked.
Can POA be Revoked?
Yes, through Notary Public.
Can POA be applied to banking operations?
Yes, if properly worded.
Can corporate POA be issued?
Yes, by board resolution.
Is POA acceptable in all UAE emirates?
Yes, if notarized properly.
Why use PRO services for POA?
For legal accuracy, rapid approval, and to avoid rejection.
