A general power of attorney gives someone broad authority over your affairs, while a special power of attorney limits them to one specific task. The choice between general vs special power of attorney in the UAE depends on what you need the POA for.
Momentum provides power of attorney services in Dubai covering both general and specific powers of attorney.
What is a General Power of Attorney?
A general power of attorney lets your agent act on your behalf across most or all of your affairs, not just one task. Your agent can manage your bank accounts, buy or sell property, run your business, sign contracts, and represent you legally.
This works when you need one person handling several parts of your life or business over time. It suits investors who don’t live in the UAE full-time, business owners who travel often, and anyone who wants a trusted manager running daily operations without a new document for every task.
A general POA can also let your representative complete your business setup in Dubai while you’re abroad.
How Much Does a General Power of Attorney Cost?
A general power of attorney cost in Dubai ranges from AED 300 to AED 2,500. The exact cost depends on the Notary you choose (private or public) and whether you need foreign attestation.
This is how the costs break down:
- Translation: AED 100 to AED 300
- Public Notary: AED 100 to AED 200 per page
- Local attestation: AED 150 to AED 250
- Foreign attestation: AED 150 to AED 2,000
Apart from these costs, the drafting fees depend on the service provider you choose.
How to Get a General Power of Attorney
You can get a general power of attorney by gathering the necessary documents, drafting the document, translating it into Arabic, and getting it notarized. This the power of attorney in Dubai process:
- Collect the documents: You will need to submit passport copies of yourself and the agent and the documents relevant to the purpose of your power of attorney.
- Draft the power of attorney: Draft the document outlining your requirements.
- Translate into Arabic: Every power of attorney in the UAE must be translated into Arabic.
- Notarize the power of attorney: You can use a Public Notary like the Dubai Courts, authorized private notaries, or e-notary to notarize your power of attorney
What is a Special Power of Attorney?
A special power of attorney grants your chosen agent authority to complete one single, clearly defined action on your behalf. Once your agent finishes that specific job, such as selling a vehicle or signing a lease, their legal authority ends immediately.
This protects your assets by preventing your representative from making decisions outside the agreed scope. It is ideal for one-off real estate transactions, vehicle transfers, trade license updates, or specific court appearances.
How to Get a Special Power of Attorney in the UAE
You get a special power of attorney in the UAE by submitting your IDs, drafting a document for your specific task, translating it into Arabic, and getting it notarized. Here is the process step by step:
- Gather your IDs: Collect copies of your passport and Emirates ID (or visa details if you live outside the UAE) for both you and your representative.
- Bring task documents: Gather proof related to your task, like a property title deed, vehicle registration card (Mulkiya), or trade license.
- Draft the document: Write out the exact task and limits so your representative can only handle that single job.
- Translate into Arabic: Have a certified legal translator prepare your power of attorney in both Arabic and English.
- Notarize the document: Visit a public notary, an authorized private notary, or use the online e-notary system through UAE Pass.
How Much is a Special Power of Attorney?
A special power of attorney costs between AED 500 to AED 2,500. Drafting a special POA is usually cheaper because the document covers only one job. The total cost depends on the notary you choose, translation fees, and whether you need foreign attestation.
General vs Special Power of Attorney in the UAE: How to Choose
You should choose a general POA if you need continuous representation across multiple financial, legal, and operational matters while living abroad or traveling. You should choose a special POA if you only want an agent to complete a single, isolated transaction with zero financial risk to your other assets.
Feature | General Power of Attorney | Special Power of Attorney |
Scope of Authority | Broad (covers bank accounts, contracts, and daily management) | Limited (restricted strictly to one specified task or asset) |
Risk Level | Higher (agent gains extensive authority over your affairs) | Lower (agent cannot act outside the single defined task) |
Typical Duration | Long-term until formally revoked or expired | Ends automatically once the specified task is completed |
Best Used For | Overseas investors, busy founders, and broad business management | Selling a vehicle, completing one property sale, or single court cases |
Average Cost | Higher drafting and court notarization fees | Lower fees due to a narrower legal scope |
Get a Power of Attorney in the UAE With Momentum
Getting a power of attorney in the UAE can feel complicated with translations, notarization, and government rules. Whether you need a general POA to manage your affairs or a special POA for a single transaction, Momentum handles the drafting, legal translation, and notary process for you. Contact us for a free consultation.
