UAE Notary Services: Frequently Asked Questions

Under the applicable legal framework, a notary performs defined functions such as notarising certain documents/instruments, authenticating signatures and undertaking other acts within statutory competence. Exact functions depend on the applicable federal or local framework.

No. Federal law separately regulates private-notary admission. A practising lawyer may perform private-notary duties only if the statutory licensing conditions are satisfied.

No. Some documents require a prescribed form; many contracts do not require notarisation simply to exist. The transaction and applicable law determine the formality.

Yes. A registrar, bank, property authority, court or other recipient may require different wording, evidence of authority or supporting documents.

Electronic and remote channels exist in several jurisdictions, but eligibility and process depend on the document and authority.

A POA authorises another person to act within stated powers. It should identify the transaction and avoid unnecessary authority.

Neither is universally better. The correct scope is the narrowest practical authority that safely achieves the intended purpose.

Yes, subject to transaction-specific wording and the requirements of the competent property authority.

No. The proposed grantor must have authority to delegate the relevant powers.

Often yes, but the overseas execution and authentication route must be suitable for UAE use.

Generally, revocation can be possible subject to the instrument, applicable law and any rights already created. Notice to relevant institutions may also be necessary.

No. Company/share transfers normally require registrar steps and updated company records.

They may. Requirements depend on the registrar, country of origin and transaction.

No. The company's governing framework determines which body has authority.

Yes. Professional arrangements can be discussed based on scope and volume.

No. Title transfer is completed through the competent property authority.

Potentially, subject to a suitable POA and the property authority's current requirements.

That is a significant power and should be decided expressly after considering the transaction.

Attestation/authentication confirms formal aspects such as seals or signatures for official use; it does not determine every substantive legal effect.

They may, depending on the receiving UAE authority.

Where possible, have the UAE-use wording and recipient requirements checked first.

Do not assume so. The current legalisation route should be checked for the origin, destination and recipient.

No. Fees depend on the competent authority, document and transaction.

Professional drafting/review charges and official authority fees are different cost categories unless expressly stated otherwise.

There is no universal time. Review, identity verification, translation, foreign authentication and authority queries can affect completion.

No. The competent authority controls its review and appointment process.

Yes. DIFC Courts operates a Notary Service established under its 2025 framework.

DIFC Courts currently offers virtual, in-person and automated true-copy service options for eligible transactions.

No. Corporate registration and notarial functions are distinct.

Yes. ADGM Courts Notary Public operates in partnership with Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.

ADGM's current FAQ states that its Notary Public service is available for ADGM registered entities; the current service page should be checked for the specific transaction.

ADGM's current notary guidance generally requires bilingual Arabic/English documents certified by a UAE-licensed legal translator unless a different language requirement applies.

Not necessarily. A receiving authority may require the official birth, marriage, divorce, education or other source record.

Requirements depend on the airline, border authority, destination country and circumstances.

Affidavits/sworn declarations can fall within notarial services under applicable frameworks, subject to jurisdiction and competence.

Send the draft or instructions, IDs, corporate/property documents where relevant, foreign records and any authority checklist or rejection.

A template can be a starting point, but high-value or authority-specific documents should be reviewed for the actual transaction.

No. The competent authority or third party decides acceptance.

Yes. The office is in Dubai and matters are coordinated across the UAE according to jurisdiction and authority.

Yes. Remote document review and cross-border coordination can be arranged where appropriate.

No. Website information is general. Matter-specific advice requires review of the facts and documents.