Notary Public Services in UAE:
What They Are and When You Need Them
Everything you need to know about UAE notary services — from powers of attorney to company formation documents, costs, timelines, and how to access them.
What Are Notary Public Services in the UAE?
Notary public services in the UAE play a critical role in authenticating and legally formalising documents used in business, property, family and legal matters. Whether you need a power of attorney to authorise someone to act on your behalf, a memorandum of association for a new company, or a contract that requires official notarisation — understanding the UAE notary system is essential.
This article explains what notary public services are available in the UAE, when each is required, and how to access them.
What Is a Notary Public in the UAE?
A notary public is an officially authorised government officer — or a licensed private legal entity — empowered to authenticate documents, administer oaths, take affidavits, and certify the execution of legal instruments.
In the UAE, notary public services are regulated by the Ministry of Justice and administered through official notary departments attached to courts and licensed translation offices.
Types of Notary Services Available in the UAE
Power of Attorney (POA)
Authorises a named individual to act on your behalf in legal, financial or property matters. Can be general or limited in scope.
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Required for the establishment of companies and businesses in the UAE. Must be drafted and notarised according to UAE corporate law.
Sole Proprietorship Contract
Required for establishing a sole proprietorship business entity in the UAE.
Sales Contracts
Notarisation of property or high-value asset sales contracts.
Amendment & Addendum Agreements
Formally amending previously notarised documents.
Affidavits & Statutory Declarations
Sworn statements for use in legal proceedings or government applications.
Corporate Resolutions
Board resolutions and other corporate decisions requiring official notarisation.
Power of Attorney in the UAE: What You Need to Know
A Power of Attorney (POA) is one of the most frequently notarised documents in the UAE. It is used when an individual needs to authorise another person — a family member, a lawyer, or a business associate — to represent them in legal, financial or administrative matters.
In the UAE, POAs must be:
- Drafted in Arabic (or with a certified Arabic translation if originally in another language)
- Notarised by a UAE notary public or, if executed abroad, attested through the UAE Embassy and MOFA
- Specific about the scope of authority being granted
Memorandum of Association: UAE Requirements
A Memorandum of Association (MOA) is a foundational document required for the registration of any company in the UAE, including Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), civil companies and partnerships.
- ✓ Be drafted in Arabic
- ✓ Define the company's name, purpose, share structure and shareholder details
- ✓ Be signed by all shareholders
- ✓ Be notarised by a UAE notary public
- ✓ Be submitted to the relevant licensing authority (e.g., DED, ADGM, free zone authority)
How Long Does Notarisation Take?
Simple Documents
A one-page POA can typically be notarised on the same day, often within a few hours.
Complex Documents
MOAs or multi-party contracts require drafting, review and appointment scheduling.
Urgent Cases
Some licensed providers offer same-day drafting and notarisation for standard document types.
Cost of Notary Services in the UAE
| Service | Estimated Fee (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Power of Attorney | AED 300–600 | Depending on scope and language |
| Memorandum of Association | AED 1,000–3,000+ | Depending on company size |
| Sales Contracts & Agreements | 0.1%–0.5% | Of transaction value (court-set fees may apply) |
| Affidavits | AED 100–300 | Standard sworn statements |
* Professional drafting fees are charged separately by the legal translation or legal services provider.
Can I Get Documents Notarised in the UAE If I Am Abroad?
If you are outside the UAE and need to notarise a document for use in the UAE, the process involves four steps:
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1
Notarise Locally
Have the document notarised by a local notary in your country.
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2
National Foreign Ministry Attestation
Get it attested by the national foreign ministry of that country.
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3
UAE Embassy Attestation
Get it attested by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in that country.
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4
UAE MOFA Attestation
On arrival in the UAE (or through an agent), get it attested by UAE MOFA.
Conclusion
Notary public services are central to legal, business and personal transactions in the UAE. Whether you need a power of attorney, a company formation document, or a contract notarised, using a licensed and experienced provider ensures your documents are correctly drafted, legally valid, and processed without delays.
Elite Legal Translation Services
Full notary drafting and notarisation services across our UAE offices — same-day service available for standard documents.