How to get power of attorney in UAE: A Comprehensive Guide

A Power of Attorney (POA) in the UAE is a legal document that authorizes someone to act on your behalf in particular situations. This article will take you through the procedure of acquiring a POA in the UAE, including both basic and customized POAs.

1. Understanding the Types of POAs

• General Powers of Attorney:
  Grants the attorney's extensive authority to act on your behalf in any legal and financial matters. This is often not recommended because it provides the attorney with excessive control.
• Special Powers of Attorney:
  Limits an attorney's authority to specified actions or transactions, such as selling property, managing bank accounts, or signing documents.

2. Requirements to Obtain a POA

• Valid passport and Emirates ID:
  The principal (the person who grants the POA) must produce a valid passport and Emirates ID.
• Attorney's passport and Emirates ID:
  The attorney (the person who receives the POA) must also show their passport and Emirates ID.
• Proof of relationship (if applicable):
  If the attorney is not a close family member, you may be required to give evidence of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate or a signed affidavit.
• Power of Attorney Form:
  You can receive the formal Power of Attorney form from the UAE Ministry of Justice's website or a lawyer.
• Legal fees:
  There are related fees for processing the POA, which you can inquire about with the appropriate government department.

3. Steps for Obtaining a POA

• Draft a power of attorney:
  Clearly define the scope of the POA, including the acts the attorney is authorized to do.
• Notarize the POA:
  It would be best to get the POA notarized by a notary public authorized in the UAE.
• Legalize the POA:
  If the POA is to be utilized outside of the UAE, it must be legalized by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the appropriate embassy or consulate.
• Register the POA:
  In some situations, it may be necessary to register the POA with the appropriate government authority, such as the Ministry of Justice or a particular court.
• Witness Signatures:
  You and the attorney must sign the POA in the presence of two witnesses who are unrelated to either party.

4. Obtaining a Power of Attorney for Specific Matters

• Real estate transactions:
  A power of attorney for real estate transactions must be notarized and registered with the relevant property registry.
• Banking and Financial Transactions:
  A Power of Attorney (POA) for financial transactions must be notarized and may be provided to the bank.
• Legal proceedings:
  A power of attorney for legal proceedings must be notarized and may also be filed with the court.

5. Selecting a Legal Professional

It is strongly advised to obtain legal guidance from a lawyer with experience in UAE law. They can walk you through the process and ensure the POA is properly drafted.

6. Important Considerations

• Specificity is key:
  To avoid uncertainty, clearly specify the POA's scope and duration.
• Revocability:
  You should be able to withdraw the POA at any moment, as long as it is unrelated to a current judicial case.
• Expiration dates:
  Set a specific expiration date for the POA, particularly for general POAs.
• Legal Challenges:
  Always be mindful of any legal issues that could occur if the POA is not properly designed or executed.

Additional resources:

• UAE Ministry of Justice's Website
• Legal Professionals Specialising in UAE Law

This information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Please get guidance from a certified legal professional regarding your situation.