Ultimate Guide: Prepare a Power of Attorney from Abroad for the UAE!

When you’re away from the United Arab Emirates, there may arise a need to grant a power of attorney. This empowers someone to act on your behalf, whether it’s selling your car in Dubai, acquiring property in Abu Dhabi, or managing your company in Sharjah. While the process of issuing a POA from abroad may seem more intricate than doing so within the UAE, it is certainly achievable. Here, I present 7 simple steps to prepare a POA from abroad for use in the UAE.

Step 1: Choose your POA

There are generally two types of Power of Attorney (POA): general and special. A general POA grants your appointed attorney-in-fact, also known as an “agent,” the authority to conduct any type of business on your behalf. On the other hand, a special POA is limited to specific activities outlined in the document. When granting a general POA, it is crucial to choose someone trustworthy and capable of handling transactions on your behalf with expertise. It’s important to note that, according to local laws, for property sales in the UAE, only a special POA containing all the pertinent details of the property in question can be issued.

Step 2: Get it drafted

Once you’ve determined the type of power of attorney (POA) that aligns with your needs, the next crucial step is drafting it. This pivotal stage requires utmost clarity, professionalism, and an accurate representation of your situation. By adopting this approach, you minimize the chances of POA rejection by third parties or government entities in the future, ultimately saving you time and money. PRO Consultancy UAE, the UAE’s first dedicated UAE Consulting and POA firm, provides a comprehensive range of services. To order your POA online today, please click here.

Step 3: Notarization

Once your Power of Attorney (POA) has been carefully crafted to fit your specific needs, it’s important to have it notarized to ensure its validity. The notarization process may vary depending on your jurisdiction. For instance, if you’re executing a POA in the United Kingdom, you’ll need to sign it in the presence of a qualified solicitor who is also a notary public. The solicitor will then sign the POA as a witness. In the United States, you can locate the nearest notary public through the American Society of Notaries.

Step 4: Legalization

If you plan to use the POA outside the country where it was issued, it’s crucial to follow the legalization process. Legalization involves obtaining certification from a government body, typically the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to validate the solicitor or notary’s signature on the POA. This authentication ensures that the document will be accepted in a foreign country, such as the UAE in our case. The specific government body responsible for legalizing your POA depends on the country of issuance. In the United Kingdom, it is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO); in the United States, it is the U.S. Department of State Authentication Office; and in Australia, it is the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Step 5: Attestation by UAE Embassy

To ensure your Power of Attorney (POA) maintains its validity and authenticity, it is advisable to contact the UAE Embassy or Consulate in the country where you executed the document for attestation. Seeking guidance directly from the Embassy/Consulate is recommended, as the procedure may vary from country to country. Additionally, they can provide valuable information regarding fees and timeframes associated with the attestation process. Remember, this is the final step required in the country where your POA was issued.

Step 6: Legalization in the UAE

The second-to-last step involves obtaining legal recognition for your Power of Attorney (POA) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE. This process is commonly known as “super legalization”. Interestingly, you don’t have to physically be in the country to complete this step. PRO Consultancy is here to lend a helping hand with MOFA legalization in the UAE. Feel free to reach out to us for further assistance!

Step 7: Arabic translation

To ensure the effectiveness and usability of your POA in the UAE, the final step is to have it translated into Arabic. It’s crucial to note that the translator must be licensed by the UAE Ministry of Justice. At PRO Consultancy Dubai, we not only provide POA services but also offer professional translation into Arabic. We have partnered with highly regarded and trusted translators in the region, guaranteeing exceptional quality and accuracy.

Please note that the information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or relied upon for making any specific decisions or taking action. It is important to understand that nothing on this page establishes a lawyer-client relationship or constitutes the provision of legal advice for any particular matter. We highly recommend that users of this website seek personalized legal advice from their own legal counsel regarding any specific legal issues they may be facing.