Power of Attorney for Foreigners in the UAE 2025

A Power of Attorney (POA) is one of the most essential legal tools for foreigners living, investing, or doing business in the UAE. Whether you reside in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or other Emirates, granting a POA allows a trusted person to act on your behalf in legal, financial, or business matters.

For foreigners, understanding the legal process, requirements, and documentation is critical to avoid errors and ensure your POA is fully recognized under UAE law. This article provides a detailed guide on how to get a Power of Attorney for foreigners in the UAE, including practical tips and how our legal services can simplify the process.

What is a Power of Attorney for Foreigners in the UAE?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that grants another person, called an agent or attorney-in-fact, the authority to act on behalf of the principal (the person granting the POA). In the UAE, POAs are widely used for:

• Business transactions, including company operations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
• Property management, rental agreements, and property sales.
• Banking matters, including opening or managing accounts.
• Signing contracts, agreements, or legal documents.
• Representing the principal before government authorities or courts.

A POA can be general, granting broad authority, or specific, limited to a particular task or transaction.

Who Can Get a Power of Attorney for Foreigners in the UAE?

Foreigners living in or outside the UAE can grant a POA. Whether you are an expatriate investor in Dubai, a property owner in Sharjah, or a business partner in Abu Dhabi, the UAE legal system recognizes properly notarized and legalized POAs.

The person receiving the power (the agent) can be a UAE resident, a relative, or even a legal representative outside the country if the document is legalized and apostilled according to UAE laws.

Types of Power of Attorney for Foreigners in the UAE

1. General Power of Attorney

This allows your agent to handle almost all legal, financial, or property matters on your behalf. For example, if you own property in Dubai but reside abroad, a general POA enables your agent to manage rent, pay bills, or sign agreements.

2. Special or Specific Power of Attorney

This grants authority only for a particular task. Common examples include:

• Selling or buying property in Sharjah.
• Signing a specific business contract in Abu Dhabi.
• Handling a bank transaction in Dubai.

Special POAs are widely used when a foreigner cannot be physically present to complete a single transaction.

3. Medical Power of Attorney

This allows your agent to make medical decisions if you are unable to do so. This is especially important for expatriates living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah who may need immediate medical intervention.

Legal Requirements for Foreigners

Power of Attorney for Foreigners in the UAE must meet specific requirements:

1. Valid Identification
   • Passport and UAE residence visa (if applicable).
   • Emirates ID for residents.
2. Notarization
   POAs must be notarized at a UAE notary public in the relevant emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah).
3. Authentication
   If the POA is issued abroad, it must be notarized, legalized at the UAE Embassy, and sometimes translated into Arabic by a certified translator.
4. Agent Eligibility
   Your agent can be a UAE resident or a foreigner. In property-related transactions, certain rules may apply depending on the emirate.
5. Registration (if required)
   Some POAs, especially those dealing with real estate in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, must be registered with the relevant government department (e.g., Dubai Land Department).

Steps to Obtain Power of Attorney for Foreigners in the UAE

Step 1: Decide the Type of POA

Determine whether you need a general or specific POA. The type will dictate the wording and scope of authority.

Step 2: Prepare Documents

You will need:

• Passport copy.
• UAE residence visa (if applicable).
• Emirates ID (for residents).
• Details of the agent, including ID and contact information.
• Clear description of powers being granted.

Step 3: Draft the POA

POAs must be drafted according to UAE law. While templates exist, hiring a UAE-based legal professional ensures compliance with emirate-specific rules. For example:

• Real estate POAs in Dubai must comply with Dubai Land Department regulations.
• Business-related POAs in Abu Dhabi may need specific corporate wording.

Step 4: Notarization

Visit a UAE notary public in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah. For foreigners abroad, visit a local notary in your country, then legalize the POA at the UAE Embassy.

Step 5: Registration (if required)

Certain POAs, such as those for real estate or corporate authority, must be registered with government authorities. Our legal team can guide you through Dubai Land Department, Abu Dhabi Municipality, or Sharjah’s relevant authorities.

Step 6: Legalization and Translation (if issued abroad)

If the POA is executed outside the UAE:

• Notarize at the foreign notary.
• Authenticate via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.
• Legalize at the UAE Embassy.
• Translate into Arabic by a certified translator (if required).

Step 7: Handover and Use

Once notarized and registered (if necessary), your agent can act on your behalf according to the powers granted in the document.

Benefits of Using a Legal Service

Foreigners often face challenges in UAE legal procedures, especially in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Using an experienced law firm provides:

• Accurate drafting compliant with UAE laws.
• Proper notarization and registration guidance.
• Avoidance of delays and document rejection.
• Peace of mind that your POA will be recognized for banks, property, or corporate matters.

At Dewey & LeBoeuf, we specialize in helping foreigners secure legally sound POAs across all UAE emirates. Our team handles document preparation, notarization, embassy legalization, and registration, ensuring you can manage your legal, financial, or property matters seamlessly.

Common Scenarios for Foreigners Using POAs in the UAE

1. Property Transactions
   Foreign investors often use POAs to buy, sell, or manage properties in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah without being physically present.
2. Business Operations
   A POA allows business owners to delegate authority to manage company affairs, bank transactions, or government filings.
3. Legal Representation
   Foreigners can authorize agents to appear in courts or administrative proceedings on their behalf.
4. Banking & Financial Transactions
   Agents can handle bank account management, loan approvals, or cheque signing.

FAQs on Power of Attorney for Foreigners in the UAE

Why Choose Dewey & LeBoeuf for Your POA Needs

Navigating POA requirements as a foreigner in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah can be complex. Our legal team provides:

• Drafting and notarization of general or special POAs.
• Document authentication and embassy legalization.
• Registration with relevant authorities for property, banking, or corporate matters.
• Personalized guidance to protect your legal and financial interests in the UAE.

Contact Dewey & LeBoeuf today to get your Power of Attorney prepared, legalized, and ready for use in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your business, property, or personal affairs.