Notary, POA & MOA Services

Notary Services in Dubai

Notarization in Dubai is carried out either by the Dubai Courts Notary Public or through licensed private notaries. Many procedures are also available digitally via the Dubai Courts Smart App, allowing remote verification through video. Notary services cover a wide range of documents including contracts, affidavits, declarations, corporate resolutions, and company formation documents.

To notarize a document, individuals must present a valid passport or Emirates ID, while companies must provide a trade license, corporate documents, and identification for all authorized signatories. Documents must be in Arabic or in a bilingual Arabic–English format. If the document is in English only, an official Arabic translation is required. Notarization is usually completed the same day, and e-notary services are often processed within hours. Fees vary depending on the type of document, with company-related documents generally costing more than personal ones.

Power of Attorney (POA) in Dubai

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that authorizes another person to act on behalf of an individual or company. Dubai recognizes several types of POAs, including general POAs, property POAs, company POAs, and specific POAs for tasks such as vehicle registration or court representation.

POAs must be drafted in Arabic or bilingual format and signed in the presence of a notary. For remote notarization, the signer must verify their identity via video call. Requirements include a valid passport or Emirates ID, and for corporate POAs, business documents such as the trade license. There is no fixed standard validity period for POAs—validity depends on what is written in the document. However, certain authorities like RERA typically limit property-related POAs to two years.

A POA may be rejected if IDs are expired, translations are inaccurate, signatures cannot be verified, or if the content grants powers that conflict with UAE regulations.

Memorandum of Association (MOA) Services

The Memorandum of Association is one of the most important documents for company formation in Dubai. It outlines the company’s structure, shareholding, capital distribution, business activities, and management roles. For mainland companies, the MOA must be notarized through the Dubai Courts Notary Public. Free zones may notarize MOAs internally depending on their regulations.

MOA services are required not only during company setup but also during amendments such as adding partners, changing activities, increasing capital, or updating the authorized signatory. Requirements include passports and Emirates IDs of shareholders, trade name approval, and initial approvals from the relevant authority. Drafting and notarization are often completed the same day, while government processing typically takes one to three working days.

Rejections may occur due to incorrect drafting, missing clauses, mismatched activities, or incomplete partner documentation.

Notary Services in Dubai

Where They Are Done

• Dubai Courts Notary Public (government notary).
• Licensed private notaries approved by Dubai Courts.
• Certain documents can be notarized through the Dubai Courts     Smart App (e-notary).

Common Documents Notarized

• Power of Attorney (POA)
• Memorandum of Association (MOA)
• Contracts & agreements
• Board resolutions
• Declarations & affidavits
• Partnership agreements
• Signatures & document attestations

Requirements

• Original passport or Emirates ID
• For companies: trade license, MOA, shareholder documents
• Document in Arabic or bilingual Arabic–English format (Arabic     is mandatory for notarization)
• If the document is in English only, a legal Arabic translation     is required

Fees

Government notary fees vary depending on the document type.

• Company-related documents (like MOA) have higher fees than     personal documents.
• Additional fees apply for translation, drafting, typing, and     private notary services.

Timelines

• Same-day for standard walk-in notarization.
• E-notary services are usually approved within a few hours (if     all signatories verify online).

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2. Power of Attorney (POA) in Dubai(Facts)

Types of POA

• General POA
• Specific / Limited POA
• Property POA (selling/buying real estate)
• Vehicle POA (RTA)
• Company-related POA (signatory powers, bank dealings)
• Court POA (legal representative)

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Requirements

• POA must be in Arabic or bilingual
• Passport / Emirates ID of the signer
• For company POA: trade license + business documents
• All signatories must be present or verify via digital channels

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Execution Methods

• Government notary office
• E-notary via video call
• Private notaries (licensed)

Validity

• POA validity depends on the content; there is no fixed     standard.
• Property-related POAs are commonly limited to 2 years (based on     RERA practice).

Rejection Reasons

• Incorrect Arabic translation
• Missing IDs or expired documents
• Signer not physically present or not available for video     verification
• Document permissions conflicting with UAE regulations (e.g.,     unlimited authority in certain areas)

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3. Memorandum of Association (MOA)Services in Dubai (Facts)

Purpose

• The MOA is a legally binding company formation document.
• It defines ownership structure, business activities, capital,     and rights of shareholders.

When It Is Required

• For LLC (Limited Liability Company) formation
• For amendments such as:
   
  • Change of shareholding
   
  • Change of business activity
   
  • Change of manager or authorized signatory
   
  • Change in company capital
   
  • Addition/ removal of partne

Requirements

• Draft MOA in Arabic or bilingual
• Passports & Emirates IDs of partners
• Trade name reservation
• Initial approval from the licensing authority
• For amendments: supporting board resolutions or approvals from     free zone/mainland authorities

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Execution & Notarization

• Mainland companies: MOA must be notarized by Dubai Courts     Notary Public.
• Free zone companies:
   
  • Some zones notarize internally (no court required).
   
  • Others require external notarization depending on structure.

Fees (Based on share capital and number of pages).

• Higher fees for amendment MOAs.
• Additional costs: typing, Arabic translation, drafting.

Timeline

• Drafting: same day
• Notarization: same day (walk-in)
• Amendment process with DED / free zone: usually 1–3 working days

Common Rejection Reasons

• Incorrect drafting or missing mandatory clauses
• Incomplete shareholder documents
• Unauthorized signatory
• Mismatch between MOA content and licensed activities
• Lack of required approvals from authorities

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