Special Power of Attorney in the UAE
A special power of attorney grants authority for one defined purpose — a single transaction, one matter, one dealing with one authority.
It is narrower than a general power of attorney, and for most people it is the better document: it does exactly what you need without handing over anything you did not intend.
Special or general — which do you need?
| Special POA | General POA | |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | One defined purpose | Broad, across many matters |
| Typical use | A specific transaction | Ongoing, wide-ranging authority |
| Exposure | Limited to what it states | As wide as it is written |
| Price | From AED 1,050 | From AED 1,250 |
Most people need a special power of attorney. The general version exists for genuinely broad situations — someone managing all of your affairs here over time — and it is not the default choice simply because it sounds more useful.
If you are unsure, describe what you are trying to get done. Choosing the wrong document is the most common and most expensive mistake people make here.
What a special power of attorney is used for
- Selling or buying one specific property — Property POA →
- Selling or transferring a vehicle — Vehicle POA →
- One court matter — Court Representation POA →
- Signing one tenancy contract — Lease & Property Management POA →
- One dealing with a government department or authority
- A specific banking or administrative matter, where a representative is permitted
If your situation is not on this list, it does not mean it cannot be done. Describe it and we will tell you which document applies.
What we will ask you for
- Passport copy of the person giving authority
- Emirates ID, if they have one
- Passport copy of the person receiving authority
- A clear description of what you want that person to be able to do
The last point matters most. Authority that is too narrow leaves the document useless; authority that is too wide is a risk you do not need to take. We ask questions here on purpose.
How it works
You tell us what you need — message us and describe the situation.
We confirm your price and document list — in writing, before anything is paid.
We prepare and coordinate — including translation and submission to a licensed private notary.
You receive your notarized document — by email, 1–2 working days from the moment we have all your documents.
Processed through official UAE systems
Your document is notarized by a licensed private notary through the official judicial systems in the UAE — Dubai Courts, the Ministry of Justice, or the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. Nuhuj coordinates the process; the notarization is performed by the licensed notary.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a special and a general power of attorney?
A special power of attorney grants authority for one defined purpose. A general power of attorney grants broad authority across many matters. For a single transaction, the special version does the job with less exposure.
How specific does it need to be?
Specific enough that the authority receiving it can see clearly that it covers what is being done — and no wider. We will ask what you are trying to accomplish and arrange it accordingly.
Can one special power of attorney cover two different matters?
Sometimes, if they are related. Tell us both and we will confirm whether one document works or two are needed, before you pay.
Does it expire?
Validity depends on the document type and its wording. Tell us how long you need it to last.
Do I need an Emirates ID?
Not always. Notarization through Dubai Courts requires a valid Emirates ID. Other routes accept a passport. Which one applies depends on your situation, the emirate and the document — tell us and we will confirm exactly what is needed, and the exact price, before you pay anything.
Can I do this from outside the UAE?
Yes. Verification with the notary is completed by video call, so you do not need to travel. See our full guide to notarizing a UAE document from outside the UAE.
How long does it take?
1–2 working days from the moment we have all your documents.
What language is the document issued in?
Arabic. Bilingual translation of one page is included in the price; each additional translated page is AED 150.
Can I cancel it later?
A power of attorney can be revoked. Message us and we will explain what the revocation process involves for your document.
Not sure which document you need?
Describe what you are trying to do and we will tell you which document does it, what it costs, and how long it takes. Asking costs nothing.