Nothing slows down a power of attorney application like a missing document. You book the notary slot, queue up, and get sent home because the agent’s ID copy is missing or the name on the title deed does not match the passport. This Power of Attorney Document Checklist lists exactly what to prepare — for the principal, the agent, and each common POA type — so your application goes through the first time.
Requirements vary slightly between emirates and notary offices, and a POA for selling property needs different papers than one for collecting a car. But the core identity documents are the same everywhere, and getting those right covers most of the battle.
Quick Answer
For a standard UAE power of attorney you need: the principal’s original Emirates ID (or passport for non-residents), a copy of the agent’s Emirates ID or passport, and the POA draft itself — in Arabic or with a legal Arabic translation. Add purpose-specific documents: title deed for property POAs, vehicle registration (mulkiya) for car POAs, trade licence for business POAs, and bank details for banking POAs. Non-residents and anyone signing from abroad will also need attested documents from their home country.
Identity Documents: The Non-Negotiable Core
Every notary in the UAE will ask for these, regardless of POA type:
- Principal’s Emirates ID (original): the person granting the POA must present a valid, unexpired Emirates ID. This is the single most common point of failure — check the expiry date before you go.
- Principal’s passport copy: some notaries ask for this alongside the Emirates ID; bring it anyway.
- Agent’s ID copy: a copy of the agent’s Emirates ID or passport. The agent does not usually need to be present, but their identity details must be accurate.
- POA draft: the written text of the powers being granted, in Arabic or bilingual with a legal translation. Many notaries will not accept an English-only draft.
If your Emirates ID is expired or close to expiry, sort that out first — our Emirates ID renewal guide walks through the process. And if any document is not in Arabic, check our legal translation requirements guide before visiting the notary.
Power of Attorney Document Checklist by POA Type
General POA
A general POA grants broad powers. Documents: principal’s Emirates ID (original) + passport copy, agent’s ID copy, POA draft in Arabic. No property or asset papers needed, but be aware that banks and land departments often refuse general POAs for specific transactions — they may demand a special POA instead.
Special POA
A special POA covers one defined task, such as selling a specific car or collecting documents from one department. Bring the core identity documents plus whatever proves the subject of the task: the vehicle’s mulkiya for a car sale, the tenancy contract reference for a rental matter, or the case number for a court filing. Because the powers are narrow, notaries scrutinise the wording closely — the draft must name the exact task, the exact asset or matter, and any limits (such as a sale price floor). A vague special POA is the most common reason this type gets rejected.
Property POA (buying, selling, managing real estate)
- All core identity documents above.
- Title deed (or Oqood/pre-registration document): proving the principal owns the property the POA covers.
- Property details: unit number, building, area — matching the title deed exactly.
- If the property is mortgaged, some notaries ask for a no-objection letter from the bank.
Vehicle POA (selling or transferring a car)
- All core identity documents above.
- Vehicle registration card (mulkiya): original or copy showing the principal as owner.
- Plate number and chassis details as stated in the POA draft.
Business / company POA
- All core identity documents above.
- Trade licence copy: current and valid.
- Memorandum of association or establishment card, if the notary requests proof of signatory authority.
- Emirates ID of the authorised signatory granting the POA (may differ from the owner).
For more on company-related POAs, see our business power of attorney guide.
Banking POA
- All core identity documents above.
- Account details the POA will cover (account number, branch).
- Some banks require their own POA format or an additional bank-specific authorisation form — ask the bank before the notary visit.
Banking POAs get extra scrutiny; our banking POA guide explains what banks expect.
POA for court cases / litigation
- All core identity documents above.
- Case number and court details, if the POA is for a specific case.
- The appointed lawyer’s details and licence information.
Documents for Non-Residents and Overseas Signers
If the principal is outside the UAE, the checklist grows:
- Passport copy (attested, if required by the notary).
- POA signed abroad and then attested for UAE use: typically notarised in the home country, attested by that country’s foreign ministry, then by the UAE embassy, then by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs on arrival.
- Legal Arabic translation of the foreign POA, done by a UAE-licensed legal translator.
- Proof of address abroad, if the notary requests it.
Alternatively, non-residents can use digital POA services with remote verification, which avoids the attestation chain entirely in many cases.
The Name-Match Rule
The single most rejected detail in POA applications is a name mismatch. The principal’s name must appear identically on: the Emirates ID, the passport, the POA draft, and any supporting document (title deed, mulkiya, trade licence). Common failures:
- Middle names included on one document but not another.
- Transliteration differences (e.g., “Mohammed” vs “Muhammad”).
- Married vs maiden names on older documents.
Before your appointment, lay every document side by side and check the spelling character by character. Fixing a mismatch at the counter is not possible — you will be sent away. See our guide on common POA mistakes for this and other avoidable errors.
Pre-Appointment Checklist (Print This)
- ☐ Principal’s Emirates ID — original, valid, unexpired
- ☐ Principal’s passport copy
- ☐ Agent’s Emirates ID or passport copy
- ☐ POA draft in Arabic (or bilingual with legal translation)
- ☐ Purpose documents: title deed / mulkiya / trade licence / account details
- ☐ Attestation chain complete (if signed abroad)
- ☐ Names match exactly across all documents
- ☐ Fee payment method ready (card for online, cash/card at counter)
- ☐ Appointment booked (where the notary requires one)
Fees vary by emirate and POA type, so check the official fee schedule before you go; read up on drafting guidance before your visit, too.
Originals vs Copies: What to Bring
Notaries need to see originals of identity documents — the physical Emirates ID, not a photo of it. For supporting papers like title deeds and trade licences, a clear copy is usually accepted, but bringing the original avoids arguments. A practical rule: originals for anything that proves who you are, copies for anything that proves what you own, plus one spare copy of everything.
Digital applications work the same way in scanned form: clear, uncropped scans or photos of each document, with all text legible. Blurry phone photos are a common reason online applications get bounced back for re-submission, so scan properly the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the agent need to be present at the notary?
Usually not. The principal (the person granting the powers) must appear and sign; the agent’s identity documents are enough in most cases. Confirm with the specific notary, as practice varies.
Can I use a passport instead of an Emirates ID?
Non-residents can — a passport is the standard ID for visitors and overseas signers. UAE residents are expected to present their Emirates ID. An expired Emirates ID will be rejected either way.
Do all documents need to be in Arabic?
The POA itself generally must be in Arabic or bilingual with a certified legal translation. Supporting documents (like a foreign passport) do not need translation, but any foreign-issued POA needs a legal Arabic translation to be accepted.
What if the title deed shows an old name spelling?
Get the spelling issue resolved with the land department before the POA appointment. The notary will go by the documents as presented and will reject mismatches rather than interpret them.
How many copies of each document should I bring?
Bring the originals plus at least two copies of everything. Some notaries keep copies for their records, and having spares avoids a trip to a typing centre mid-appointment.
Do I need attestation for documents issued inside the UAE?
No. UAE-issued documents (Emirates ID, local title deeds, UAE trade licences) need no attestation. Only documents signed or issued abroad need the attestation chain.
The Bottom Line
A POA application is a paperwork exercise, and paperwork rewards preparation. Get the identity documents right, match every name exactly, add the purpose-specific papers for your POA type, and handle translation and attestation before you arrive. Do that, and the notary visit is a formality instead of a second trip.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Asandada24, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Asandada24 is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the UAE government or any agency mentioned; content is general information only, not legal, immigration or financial advice; verify critical details with official sources before acting.