How to Apply for Power of Attorney in Dubai 2026

Quick answer

To apply for a power of attorney in Dubai, you must visit a notary public or Dubai Courts, bring your passport and Emirates ID (or visa copy), pay the fee (usually AED 300–1,000), and sign the document in front of the notary. Processing takes 15–30 minutes for simple POAs.

Why you might need a power of attorney in Dubai

Expats often need a POA to let a trusted person manage property, sell a car, handle banking, or deal with government departments while they are away. The UAE legal system recognises both general and specific POAs, but only those notarised by an approved authority are valid.

Types of power of attorney recognised in Dubai

General power of attorney

Allows the attorney-in-fact to perform almost any legal act on your behalf. It is broad and should be used with caution.

Specific (limited) power of attorney

Restricts the agent to one task, such as renewing your car registration or signing an Ejari tenancy contract. Most expats choose this type.

Enduring or lasting power of attorney

Remains valid even if you later become incapacitated. Useful for medical or financial decisions and must be drafted by a lawyer.

Where to get a power of attorney notarised in Dubai

You have four main options:

• Dubai Courts Notary Public counters at all branches (Bur Dubai, Deira, Al Barsha).
• Approved private notary offices inside Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Dragon Mart.
• Some law firms that hold notary accreditation.
• ADGM Courts if your documents fall under Abu Dhabi Global Market rules.

Book an appointment online via the Dubai Courts website or the Dubai Now app to avoid queues.

Documents you need for a Dubai POA

• Original passport plus valid UAE residence visa (or Emirates ID).
• Two passport-size photos with white background.
• Proof of address (Ejari tenancy contract or DEWA bill).
• Copy of the attorney-in-fact’s passport and Emirates ID.
• Any supporting documents related to the POA purpose (car registration card, property title deed, bank statements).

Non-English documents must be translated by a legal translator approved by the Ministry of Justice.

Step-by-step: how to apply for power of attorney in Dubai

Step 1 – Draft the document

Write the POA in Arabic or English. Lawyers or typing centres near Dubai Courts can prepare it for AED 150–300.

Step 2 – Book an appointment

Use the Dubai Courts portal or Dubai Now app. Choose the nearest branch and pick a 15-minute slot.

Step 3 – Pay the fee

Pay at the counter or online. Verify current fee with Dubai Courts. Typical charges range from AED 300 for a simple POA to AED 1,000 for property-related POAs.

Step 4 – Attend the notarisation

Bring originals, sign in front of the notary, and collect the stamped POA. The attorney-in-fact does not need to be present.

Step 5 – Legalise if needed abroad

If the POA will be used outside the UAE, have it attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the relevant embassy.

Common mistakes expats make

• Using an unapproved translator, causing rejection.
• Forgetting to specify an expiry date on general POAs.
• Assuming a POA issued in another emirate works in Dubai without re-notarisation.
• Not carrying the original passport—copies are not accepted.

Power of attorney fees and timelines in 2026

Fees vary by scope and location. Dubai Courts publish updated tariffs on their website; always verify current fee with Dubai Courts before you go. Same-day service is standard, but allow one extra day for Arabic translation and typing.

Tips for a smooth POA application

• Carry both digital and paper copies of every document.
• Choose a specific POA unless you need broad powers.
• Include an expiry date to limit risk.
• Inform your bank or RTA in advance if the POA concerns them.
• Keep the original; give the attorney-in-fact a certified copy only.

Alternatives to a traditional POA

If you only need help with banking, many UAE banks accept a bank-specific mandate form that is quicker and cheaper. For vehicle sale, RTA offers an online “vehicle power of attorney” service via their app. For property sales, developers like Emaar or DAMAC sometimes accept their own internal POA template.

Key takeaway

Applying for a power of attorney in Dubai is straightforward once you have the right documents and book ahead. Choose the narrowest scope you need, use approved translators, and always verify current fee with Dubai Courts before your appointment. A correctly notarised POA will protect your interests and give your trusted representative the authority to act on your behalf.