Foreign Power of Attorney for Use in the UAE

Signed a Power of Attorney outside the UAE? We handle translation and attestation so UAE authorities accept it.

Make a Power of Attorney from abroad valid in the UAE

A Power of Attorney signed in another country is not automatically accepted in the UAE. It usually has to be notarised where it was signed, then legalised through the route that applies between that country and the UAE, translated into Arabic by a certified translator, and finally presented to the UAE authority.

The route depends on the country. Some documents can use an apostille, while others need legalisation through the UAE embassy or consulate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We confirm the correct route before you sign, so you do not repeat the process.

What you will need to start

  • The Power of Attorney, signed and notarised where it was signed
  • Passport copy of the person who signed
  • Details of the attorney in the UAE
  • The name of the UAE authority, bank or office that will receive it
  • Any earlier attestations or apostille already completed
Reviewed wordingNotary and attestation handledSign here or abroad

Where we can help

A foreign Power of Attorney goes through several stages. We can take on any or all of them:

  • Advising on the correct attestation route for your country
  • Checking a draft before you sign, so the wording works in the UAE
  • Certified Arabic translation of the Power of Attorney
  • Attestation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and related offices
  • Presenting or delivering the finished document in the UAE

How the process works

  1. Tell us the country and the purpose. We confirm the route and the wording needed for the UAE authority that will receive the document.
  2. Sign and notarise abroad. You sign before a notary in your country, following the wording we have reviewed.
  3. Legalise or apostille. The document goes through the legalisation or apostille step that applies to your country.
  4. Translate. A certified translator prepares the Arabic version required by UAE authorities.
  5. Attest and present in the UAE. We complete the UAE attestation and deliver the document or present it to the receiving authority.

What to check before you sign

  • The route, before you sign. Signing first and asking later can mean doing the whole process again.
  • Whether the UAE authority accepts the draft wording. We confirm with the receiving office early.
  • Translation. The Arabic version must match the original exactly.
  • Document dates and validity. Some offices only accept recently issued documents.
  • Originals and copies. Keep originals safe and send only what each step requires.

Frequently asked questions

No. The attorney or our team can complete the UAE steps for you, so you do not need to travel.

An apostille is a single certificate used between countries that are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention. The UAE is not listed as a party on the Hague Conference status table (last updated 30 June 2026), so an apostille alone is not enough for UAE use. The document also goes through legalisation by the UAE embassy or consulate and attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We confirm the exact steps for your country.

Usually yes, if it is not already in Arabic, because UAE authorities work in Arabic. We arrange the certified translation as part of the process.

It depends on the country, the route and the offices involved. We give you an estimate once we know where the document was signed and where it will be used.

Yes. Reviewing the draft first is the best way to avoid rejection and repeat work.

Usually yes. The document is notarised at home, authenticated by that country’s foreign ministry, legalised by the UAE embassy there and then attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC). See our guide: Does a Foreign Power of Attorney Need MOFA Attestation in the UAE?.

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Tell us about the Power of Attorney you need. We reply with the right type, the documents required and the next steps.