📋 Complete Guide | POA Documents
Legal Consultant
The documents needed for POA notarization in the UAE are a valid original identity document for each party, proof of authority when a company signs, supporting papers that match the powers granted, and a legal translation for anything not in Arabic. The notary makes the final call on the list, so confirm it before you book. This guide covers each category, the official Dubai fee, the published timings and the most common reasons a request is returned.
The information in this article is general and educational. It is not legal advice and creates no client–advisor relationship. Requirements may vary by case and by the competent authority, and final acceptance of the finished document rests with the entity it is submitted to.
What Do Notaries Ask For in a POA Request?
Notarisation and attestation are different steps. Notarisation means the competent notary verifies the principal’s identity and signature. Attestation, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and embassies, authenticates the notarised document for use abroad. Instant POA assists with preparing, translating, submitting and coordinating; the POA itself is notarised by the competent UAE authority.
Documents Required From Individuals
Dubai’s notary fine schedule treats processing an application without verifying identity, legal capacity and consent as a violation, so expect these checks (Executive Council Resolution No. 72 of 2025, Schedule 3). In practice, prepare:
- A valid original identity document for the principal. Which document the notary accepts depends on residency and nationality; an Emirates ID or a passport are the usual examples.
- Personal details as they will appear in the POA: full name as in the ID, address, mobile number and email.
- Agent details: full name and identity number exactly as in the agent’s own document, because the notary records the details of each party.
Documents Required From Companies
When a company grants the power, the notary must be satisfied that the signatory has authority. Companies are typically asked for the items below; see our guide to the company management power of attorney for scope-related points.
- A valid trade licence or commercial registration.
- The identity document of the director or authorised signatory.
- A board resolution or authorisation letter confirming that person may grant the power.
- The memorandum or articles of association, when the notary asks for them.
Extra Documents by Type of POA
🏠 Real estate POA
Papers that identify the property, such as the title deed or the sale agreement. See the property purchase power of attorney page for the transaction itself.
🏢 Commercial POA
A valid business licence and the papers that define the commercial activity the agent will handle.
👤 Personal POA
Identity documents of both parties and the details that define the single task, for example a vehicle or a bank matter.
Translation Requirements for POA Documents
Arabic is the working language of UAE authorities. For MoFA courier-route attestation, the original must be in Arabic or English or legally translated (MoFA Documents Attestation service). A certified translation should be accurate, use correct legal terminology and carry the translator’s stamp and signature. In Dubai, attesting a translator’s signature has its own official fee, shown in the table below. Ask the notary which translators it accepts before you order.
POA Documents When the Principal Is Abroad
A POA signed outside the UAE normally travels through a chain. As the UAE Embassy in London’s attestation page shows for UK documents, the issuing country’s foreign office attests first, and the UAE embassy or consulate in that country attests next. The UAE notary or the receiving authority then confirms whether anything further, such as a certified Arabic translation, is required.
The reverse also applies: a POA notarised in the UAE for use abroad is attested by MoFA and then by the destination country’s embassy. A POA is not accepted “everywhere” automatically; each country and each receiving entity sets its own requirements. See power of attorney services in the UAE for the overview.
Electronic or In-Person Submission
Under the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) e-notary system, the applicant submits the request online, previews how it will appear to the notary and sends it for review. The notary then holds a call with the applicant and all parties, and signing follows once the notary gives permission (MoJ E-Notary user manual). The system lists powers of attorney and digital powers of attorney among its document types.
In person, the principal attends the notary’s office with the original documents. Notarial services are organised by emirate: in Dubai they run under Dubai Law No. (4) of 2013 on notaries public and the Dubai Courts, while other emirates have their own judicial departments or use the MoJ system. Procedures can differ slightly, so check your emirate.
Official Dubai Fees for POA Notarization
The fees below were checked in October 2026 against Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. (72) of 2025, which amends Resolution No. (4) of 2014. They apply to Government Notaries Public in Dubai and may change, so please verify them on the official source. Private notaries collect fees set by the Director of Dubai Courts, so they are not listed. MoFA attestation fees are not shown here; MoFA refers applicants to its attestation guide.
| Service | Fee (AED) | Body | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attestation of a general or special power of attorney | 100 per signature attested | Dubai Government Notary Public | Schedule 1, item 4 |
| Entering transaction data electronically | 100 for recording the details of each party | Dubai Government Notary Public | Schedule 1, item 14 |
| Attestation of a translator’s signature | 25 per page of the original | Dubai Government Notary Public | Schedule 1, item 6 |
| Notary attending outside his workplace | 100 if the party cannot move, is aged 60 or older, or is observing the Idda waiting period; 1,000 for anyone else | Dubai Government Notary Public | Schedule 1, item 15 |
The English text of the resolution is a courtesy translation; the Arabic text prevails in case of conflict.
POA Notarization Procedure Step by Step
Under the published procedures, the process runs as follows.
Where: before filing. Needs: the powers must match the transaction. Signs: nobody yet.
Where: Dubai Courts public or private notary, another emirate’s notary, or the MoJ e-notary. Needs: the channel’s booking or login. Signs: nobody yet.
Where: online upload or in person. Needs: identity documents, company papers, supporting papers, certified translation if required. Signs: nobody yet.
Where: video call or in person. Needs: original identity documents. Signs: the notary verifies identity, capacity and consent.
Where: before the notary. Needs: payment of the official fee. Signs: the principal signs before the notary (in Dubai the fee is charged per signature).
Where: MoFA online with UAE PASS, then the destination embassy. Needs: the notarised original. Signs: MoFA and the embassy apply their attestations.
How Long Each Stage of POA Notarization Takes
MoFA publishes service times for attestation, verified in October 2026 on its Documents Attestation page. These are published service times, not promises, and they do not include the notary stage.
| Stage | Published time |
|---|---|
| MoFA digital attestation of a UAE-issued digital document | Within 2 hours during official working hours |
| MoFA courier attestation inside the UAE | 1–3 working days, depending on the courier chosen |
| MoFA courier attestation for documents outside the UAE | About 7 working days, depending on the courier chosen |
No official time is published for the notary stage. In practice it is lengthened by a missing original, an expired identity document, a missing translation, a name that differs between documents, and official holidays.
Why POA Requests Are Returned and How to Avoid It
These are recurring patterns tied to published requirements, not individual cases.
- Identity, capacity or authority cannot be verified. The notary must verify them, so bring the original identity document and, for a company, proof that the signatory may grant the power.
- Data entered does not match the document. MoFA rejects requests whose details differ from the document, so copy names and numbers exactly.
- The document is not original or has been altered. Submit the original; photocopies and edited files are not accepted for attestation.
- Wrong issuing body or document type selected. Choose the body that actually issued the document.
- The document was not first notarised or attested by the competent authority, or is not in Arabic or English and not legally translated. MoFA also asks that the document is not heat-laminated.
General vs Special POA: Documents Compared
| General power of attorney | Special power of attorney | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Broad authority over several legal or financial matters | One defined task or transaction |
| Documents | Identity documents of both parties and personal details | The same, plus the papers tied to the task, such as a title deed or a business licence |
| Typical use | Ongoing management of affairs | Selling a property, signing a contract, handling one bank matter |
See general and special power of attorney for scope, validity and revocation.
Need help with your POA documents?
Instant POA assists with drafting, preparing, translating and submitting your request.
How Instant POA Assists
Instant POA assists with preparing the draft, checking your document list, coordinating certified translation and submitting the request. The notary public, not Instant POA, notarises the document. For service details, contact us directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are needed for POA notarization in the UAE?
You normally need a valid original identity document for the principal, details of the agent, and supporting papers that match the powers granted, such as a title deed for property. Companies add a trade licence and proof of the signatory’s authority. The notary confirms the final list for each case before signing.
Do I need the original ID or is a copy enough?
Bring the original. The notary must verify identity, legal capacity and consent before attesting a power of attorney, and that check is made against the original document. Whether the notary also keeps a copy on file is the notary’s decision, so ask when you book the appointment or video session.
What documents does a company need for a POA?
A company is usually asked for a valid trade licence, the identity document of the person who signs, and a board resolution or authorisation letter proving that person may grant the power. The notary may also request the memorandum or articles of association. Confirm the exact list with the notary first.
Is legal translation mandatory for POA documents?
Arabic is the working language of UAE authorities, and MoFA courier attestation accepts originals in Arabic or English, or legally translated. A document in any other language should be translated by a certified translator before submission. Ask the notary or receiving authority which translators and format they accept.
Can a passport be used instead of an Emirates ID?
It depends on the principal’s residency and nationality, and the notary decides which identity document it accepts. Residents are usually asked for an Emirates ID, while visitors and non-residents are usually asked for a passport. Check with the notary before the appointment so the document you bring is accepted without delay.
What is needed if the principal is abroad?
The POA is signed in the country of residence, attested by that country’s foreign ministry, then by the UAE embassy or consulate there. The UAE notary or receiving authority then confirms whether further steps or a certified Arabic translation are required. Keep a copy of the principal’s passport ready for the file.
Conclusion
The documents needed for POA notarization come down to verified identity, proof of authority, supporting papers that match the powers, and translation where needed. Check the list with your notary, keep originals ready and plan for attestation if the POA is used abroad. Next step: message Instant POA on WhatsApp with your POA type and we will help you prepare the file.
Sources
- Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. (72) of 2025 — Dubai Legislation Portal (dubai.gov.ae): fees and notary rules. Checked October 2026.
- Documents Attestation service — Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mofa.gov.ae): requirements and service times. Checked October 2026.
- E-Notary System user manual — Ministry of Justice (moj.gov.ae): electronic notarisation steps. Checked October 2026.
- UAE Embassy in London: attestation information — Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mofa.gov.ae): attestation chain for foreign documents. Checked October 2026.
Firas is an expert in notary public procedures in the UAE. He writes specialized content aimed at explaining and simplifying legal processes in a clear and practical way, helping individuals and companies understand their transaction requirements and take the right steps with confidence. Through his articles, he focuses on combining accuracy, educational value, and an emphasis on fast and reliable solutions.
