A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document used when someone is unavailable, and they want someone else to represent them in the due process. It is a smart solution to an inevitable and recurring problem. There can be numerous reasons for someone’s unavailability, like getting sick or being out of the country.
You have to prepare a document for a power of attorney in legal language and get it notarized, meaning that you have to sign it before a notary public. It’s a short process but requires much consideration and attention to detail, especially in drafting the document.
Understanding Power of Attorney Dubai
In a nutshell, the power of attorney is a legal document that allows an attorney-in-fact to appear on behalf of the principal in legal and other processes. An attorney in fact/agent/representative is the person who gets the power to appear in a process as someone, and the person authorizing his power to an agent is known as a principal/donor.
Types of Powers of Attorney
| Type of POA | Who It’s For | What It Allows |
|---|---|---|
| General Power of Attorney | Anyone needing broad help | Lets agent handle most personal, legal, business, and financial matters. |
| Special Power of Attorney | Short-term or task-based needs | Limits agent to specific actions like signing a contract or collecting documents. |
| Company Power of Attorney | Businesses or companies | Gives someone the right to act for the company in business tasks. |
| Property POA | Property owners | Allows buying, selling, renting, or managing property on owner’s behalf. |
| Vehicle POA | Vehicle owners | Lets agent register, sell, or transfer a car or any vehicle. |
| Family POA | Family members | Lets a family member handle personal, legal, or financial tasks for another. |
| Marriage POA | Brides/families (in traditional cases) | Authorizes a guardian to act for the bride in marriage-related matters. |
Reasons for Power of Attorney Notarization
The major reason for getting a power of attorney is to have someone represent you during a process. That process could be different. Each cause may require a special power of attorney. Here are examples:
- Legal proof: Notarized papers are accepted in court.
- No cheating: It helps stop fraud and fake documents.
- Business deals: Used to sign safe business agreements.
- Property deals: Needed when buying or selling property.
- Official use: Required for many government tasks.
- Travel needs: Needed for visa or child travel permissions.
- Power of attorney: Proves someone can act for you legally.
- Trust and safety: Shows the document is real and signed.
- Foreign use: Some notarized papers work in other countries.
How to Notarize a Power of Attorney in Dubai, UAE?
Draft the POA Document
Write a POA document. It’s a legal paper where you announce what powers you are giving to some, why, and to whom. This is a crucial step and requires legal knowledge.
Translate and Legalize (if needed)
If the POA is not written in Arabic originally, it has to be translated. There are approved translators in the UAE, and it has to be translated by them.
Visit the Notary Public
Visit the notary public and sign the document. A notary public is a state-appointed official witness who oversees and keeps a record of such POAs.
Sign and Pay the Fee
The principal has to sign the document and pay the required fee. If the principal is not able to be physically available, there is an option for an online process as well.
Get the Stamped POA
With a well-written POA document, your signature on it in front of a notary public, and after they finally stamp the paper, you’ll receive the POA and can use it.
Online Process for Notarization of Power of Attorney
In case you’re not available to come and sign the documents during the process, you can conduct the process online. Here are the steps:
Step 1:Write the POA document. Make sure the document is clear and correct.
Step 2: Email your POA, Emirates ID copy, and other needed papers to the notary.
Step 3: Wait for them to review. The notary checks your documents.
Step 4: Join a video call to show your ID and confirm the details.
Step 5: Pay the Fee. You’ll get an SMS link to pay online.
Step 6: After payment, the notarized POA is emailed to you and a copy is couriered.
Documents Required for the Notarization of a POA in Dubai
- Original POA document (typed and signed)
- Valid passport copy of the principal (person giving power)
- Original Emirates ID copy (if the principal is a UAE resident)
- Passport copy of the agent (person receiving power)
- Two passport-size photos (sometimes asked)
- Arabic translation of the POA (if written in another language)
- Supporting documents (like title deed or trade license, if related to property or business)
Simplify Drafting the Power of Attorney UAE and Notarization
The process for notarization of a power is simple and short, but it requires legal skills and attention to detail. You have to write the document perfectly with all the necessary details mentioned and aligned. It can be difficult, especially for someone who is going through the process for the first time. Getting expert help in the drafting process is highly recommended. To simplify the process and enhance the accuracy, you can consult IBG Consulting, which has years of experience in business consultancy, legal and professional knowledge, as well as useful networks to help streamline your processes for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I complete an online POA process if I am outside the UAE?
Yes, the online power of attorney option allows you to complete the procedure remotely. Through video verification and online payment, the process can be finalized even if you are not present in the UAE.
2. What is the difference between a general and a special POA?
A general power of attorney gives broad powers over legal, financial, and personal matters. In contrast, a special power of attorney is limited to specific tasks such as selling property or representing in a single legal case.
3. Is there a specific process to notarize a document for use across the UAE?
Yes. The notarization process usually involves drafting the type of document, translation (if required), submitting the documents, identity verification, and final approval by the notary public in Dubai or other Emirates.
4. Can I use a notarized document in Abu Dhabi if it was issued in Dubai?
Yes, once notarized, the POA in Dubai is valid for use in any Emirate, including Abu Dhabi, as long as it meets all legal criteria and is recognized by the authorities.
5. What if the principal dies after giving the attorney power?
The power of attorney document becomes invalid upon the death of the principal. Any actions taken after that would not be legally binding.
6. Do I need a legal translator for documents not in Arabic?
Yes, a legal translator certified in the UAE must translate the POA if it is not originally in Arabic. This is a mandatory step before submitting the document for stamping services.
7. Are there law firms in Dubai that assist with power of attorney drafting and notarization?
Several law firms in Dubai offer end-to-end support for writing, stamping, preparing additional documents, and related procedures, especially useful for people unfamiliar with the legal language or requirements.
8. How much is the government fee for AED for POA notarization?
The government fee varies depending on the type of document and whether it’s a personal, property, or business-related POA. Additional fees may apply for translation and courier services.
9. Is it possible to appoint more than one agent or attorney-in-fact?
Yes, you can appoint multiple representatives in one general or special POA, provided their roles and responsibilities are clearly defined in the document.
10. What happens to a previous power of attorney if I issue a new one?
A previous power of attorney remains valid unless explicitly revoked. To avoid conflicts, it’s recommended to include a clause in your new document that revokes all earlier POAs.
