To notarize a document in Dubai, first confirm which authority is competent for the document, prepare the final Arabic or bilingual text where required, gather valid identification and supporting evidence, and submit the application through Dubai Courts or a licensed private notary. Depending on the transaction, you may complete identity verification and signing online or attend in person.
Notarization should not be confused with Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation. A document may require notarization, attestation, legal translation, embassy legalisation, or a combination of these procedures.
What Does It Mean to Notarize a Document in Dubai?
Notarization is the formal process through which an authorised notary verifies or records a legal instrument, signature, declaration, copy or relevant date.
Under the UAE’s federal notary framework, a notary may perform functions including notarizing documents and contracts, authenticating signatures, preparing or notarizing affidavits, recording the date of private instruments and notarizing certain non-Muslim wills.
Dubai also has its own local notary legislation. For a Dubai mainland transaction, the appropriate authority is usually Dubai Courts or a private notary authorised by Dubai Courts.
Where Can You Notarize a Document in Dubai?
Dubai Courts Public Notary
Dubai Courts supervises public and private notarial services in the emirate. Eligible services may be available through electronic systems or approved service locations.
For an online transaction, applicants commonly need to access the relevant Dubai Courts service, sign in through the approved digital identity method, choose the service, enter the parties’ details and upload the supporting documents.
Licensed Private Notaries
A private notary is not simply a general document-services provider. The person and office must be authorised to perform notarial work.
Before using a private provider:
- Check the Dubai Courts private-notary directory.
- Confirm the name of the authorised notary.
- Ask which notarial acts the notary is authorised to perform.
- Request a written breakdown of official and professional fees.
- Confirm how your identity and documents will be protected.
- Do not hand over original documents without understanding the process.
DIFC Courts Notary Service
DIFC Courts operates a separate notary service that may be useful for certain English-language instruments.
Its available methods include:
- Virtual notarisation through secure video conferencing.
- In-person notarisation.
- Automated true-copy notarisation for eligible documents.
DIFC Courts publishes a separate scope and USD fee schedule. Using DIFC Courts is not the same as submitting a mainland Dubai Courts notary application, so confirm whether the receiving institution will accept the proposed form of notarisation.
When the Ministry of Justice Is Relevant
The UAE Ministry of Justice operates an e-Notary system under the federal judicial framework. It should not automatically be treated as the correct portal for every Dubai transaction because Dubai’s local judicial authority has its own notary system.
When MOFA Is Relevant
MOFA attestation may be required where:
- A foreign-issued document will be used in the UAE.
- A UAE-issued document will be used abroad.
- A receiving authority requires confirmation of an official seal or signature.
- A document has already completed the required notarisation or certification stage.
MOFA attestation does not replace the need to properly draft or notarize an instrument where notarization is legally or operationally required.
How to Notarize a Document in Dubai Step by Step
Identify the Document and Its Intended Use
Start by identifying:
- What the document is.
- Where it was issued.
- Where it will be used.
- Who will sign it.
- Whether the signatory acts personally or for a company.
- Whether the document creates financial, property, court or management authority.
- Whether the receiving authority requires a particular wording or format.
Choose the Correct Authority
The correct route may be:
- Dubai Courts public notary.
- A licensed Dubai private notary.
- DIFC Courts Notary Service.
- The federal MOJ e-Notary system.
- ADJD or another emirate’s judicial authority.
- A foreign notary, foreign ministry, UAE embassy and MOFA.
- A specialist registry or government body with exclusive jurisdiction.
For example, a university certificate usually follows an attestation path, while a newly granted power of attorney generally requires execution before a competent notary.
Finalise the Draft
Do not submit an incomplete instrument or a document containing blanks.
Check:
- Names against passports and Emirates IDs.
- Passport and Emirates ID numbers.
- Company name and licence number.
- Property, vehicle, bank or case references.
- Scope of authority.
- Start and expiry dates.
- Revocation provisions.
- Governing language.
- Signature blocks.
- Annexes and schedules.
A power of attorney should give only the authority that is genuinely required. Broad phrases may permit the attorney to sell, transfer, receive funds, appoint others, settle disputes or dispose of assets.
Arrange Arabic or Bilingual Text
Many mainland Dubai notary transactions require Arabic or an acceptable bilingual document.
Where a legal translation is required:
- Use a properly authorised legal translator.
- Ensure names and defined terms match across both languages.
- Check whether the Arabic version prevails in case of inconsistency.
- Avoid changing the commercial meaning during translation.
- Keep all pages, annexes and schedules together.
English-only services may be available through separate frameworks such as DIFC Courts, but this does not mean every Dubai authority accepts English-only documents.
Gather Identification and Supporting Documents
The exact checklist depends on the transaction.
Common documents include:
- Emirates ID.
- Passport.
- Residence visa, where relevant.
- Final document draft.
- Existing power of attorney if a representative is acting.
- Proof of ownership or transaction.
- Trade licence.
- Memorandum or constitutional documents.
- Board or shareholder resolution.
- Authorised-signatory evidence.
- Court, property, vehicle, bank or succession documents.
- Foreign attestations and legal translations where applicable.
Submit the Application
For an online application:
- Sign in through the approved digital channel.
- Select the correct service.
- Enter the parties’ data.
- Upload clear documents in the required format.
- Provide contact details for all necessary signatories.
- Submit the application for legal and administrative review.
- Respond promptly if corrections or further documents are requested.
For an in-person application, take the original identification and any original supporting evidence requested by the authority.
Complete Identity Verification and Signing
The authority may require:
- A virtual meeting.
- Electronic authentication.
- An OTP or approved electronic signature.
- In-person appearance.
- Interpretation where a party does not understand the document language.
- Confirmation that the party is signing voluntarily.
- Proof that a corporate representative is authorised.
Do not sign prematurely unless the authority or legal adviser confirms the permitted process.
Pay the Fees
Review the fee breakdown before payment.
Confirm whether the quotation includes:
- Official notary fee.
- Private-notary professional charge.
- Lawyer drafting or review.
- Legal translation.
- Service-centre charge.
- VAT.
- Courier or international legalisation costs.
- Urgent or out-of-office attendance.
Receive and Verify the Final Document
The completed document may be delivered electronically or physically, depending on the service.
After receipt:
- Confirm that all pages are included.
- Check the parties’ names and document number.
- Check the notarial seal, certificate or verification mechanism.
- Save the original electronic file rather than only a screenshot.
- Send the document to the receiving authority for acceptance confirmation.
- Keep supporting records and payment receipts.
What Documents Are Required for Notarization in Dubai?
Individuals and UAE Residents
A resident commonly needs:
- Valid Emirates ID.
- Passport or passport copy.
- Final document.
- Supporting evidence relevant to the authority being granted or confirmed.
A residence document or proof of address may be requested in particular cases, but it should not be presented as the only universal supporting requirement.
Non-Residents
A non-resident may need:
- Valid passport.
- Overseas address and contact details.
- Foreign identity or corporate evidence.
- Virtual identity verification, where permitted.
- Foreign notarisation and legalisation if signing abroad.
- UAE embassy or consular authentication.
- MOFA attestation after the document enters the UAE.
- Legal translation.
Do not sign a foreign POA before checking the wording required by the Dubai receiving authority.
Companies and Authorised Signatories
A company transaction may require:
- Current trade licence.
- Memorandum and articles or equivalent constitutional document.
- Certificate of incorporation or registration.
- Board or shareholder resolution.
- Incumbency or authorised-signatory evidence.
- Emirates ID and passport of the signatory.
- Existing POA where a representative acts.
- Ultimate parent or shareholder documents for layered structures.
- Foreign legalisation for documents issued outside the UAE.
The notary must be able to see a clear chain of authority from the company to the person signing.
Supporting Documents by Transaction Type
| Transaction | Possible Supporting Evidence |
| Property POA | Title deed, property details, sale or developer documents |
| Vehicle POA | Vehicle registration or ownership certificate |
| Corporate POA | Trade licence, constitutional documents, board resolution |
| Litigation POA | Case details and lawyer/representative information |
| Inheritance POA | Succession or heirship documents |
| Bank POA | Bank information and institution-specific requirements |
| Debt acknowledgement | Debt details, amount and payment terms |
| Legal notice | Contract, tenancy or underlying legal relationship |
| Affidavit | Evidence supporting the declaration |
The receiving authority may ask for additional evidence.
Can You Notarize a Document Online in Dubai?
Yes, many transactions can be processed electronically, but availability depends on the document and parties.
An online procedure may include:
- UAE Pass or another approved login method.
- Uploading the document and IDs.
- Legal review.
- Online payment.
- Video identification.
- Electronic signature or OTP.
- Secure delivery of the completed file.
When In-Person Attendance May Be Required
- Identity cannot be verified remotely.
- The document category is not enabled online.
- Original evidence must be inspected.
- A party cannot use the required digital identity.
- The authority has concerns about capacity or consent.
- Interpretation or additional examination is required.
- The transaction has been referred for further review.
Out-of-Office or Mobile Attendance
Dubai’s rules permit attendance outside the notary’s usual workplace in identified circumstances, including where a person cannot attend because of health or another approved reason. Availability, approval and fees should be confirmed directly rather than assumed.
How Much Does Notarization Cost in Dubai?
Dubai’s published fee schedule includes the following official examples:
| Notarial service | Published official fee |
| General or special power of attorney | AED 100 per party |
| Instrument with unspecified value | AED 200 per party |
| Signature attestation where value does not exceed AED 100,000 | AED 300 per party |
| Instrument exceeding AED 100,000 | 0.5% of value, subject to the applicable maximum |
| Date validation | AED 200 |
| Translator-signature attestation | AED 50 per page of original instrument |
| Legal notice | AED 200 |
| Non-Muslim will | AED 2,000 |
| Executory formula | AED 500 |
| True or additional copy | AED 5 per page |
| Certificate from notary records | AED 300 |
These figures are official fee examples, not guaranteed all-inclusive quotations.
Possible Additional Charges
You may also pay for:
- Lawyer drafting.
- Legal review.
- Arabic translation.
- Private-notary professional services.
- Service-centre processing.
- VAT.
- International legalisation.
- Courier delivery.
- Additional copies.
- Out-of-office attendance.
Ask for the official fee and professional fee to be shown separately.
Documents Commonly Notarized in Dubai
Powers of Attorney (General & Special)
A General POA grants broad authority, while a Special POA is limited to a specific task or transaction.
Before signing, ensure clarity on key points such as selling or transferring assets, receiving funds, delegation rights, validity period, revocation terms, and any required approvals from banks, courts, or developers.
Affidavits and Declarations
These documents record sworn statements of fact. The notary may administer an oath or affirmation where required. It is essential to ensure all statements are accurate and personally verified before signing.
Corporate Documents and Resolutions
Companies may notarize documents such as board resolutions, shareholder resolutions, meeting minutes, powers of attorney, authorized signatory documents, and certain amendments or liquidation-related papers.
However, some filings may fall under the jurisdiction of other authorities like free zone registrars.
Contracts and Debt Acknowledgements
Notarization does not guarantee the legal or commercial validity of a contract. A debt acknowledgement should clearly state the amount, currency, payment terms, instalments, interest (if applicable), security, default terms, and governing law.
Legal Notices
Some legal notices may be notarized or formally served through approved procedures. Key details such as recipient information, notice period, and method of service must be accurate before submission.
Certified True Copies
A certified true copy confirms that a copy matches the original document. It does not verify the truth of the content itself.
Non-Muslim Wills
DIFC Wills can be registered through different routes in Dubai or DIFC. They should be tailored to the individual’s assets, family situation, and jurisdiction, rather than using generic templates.
How Foreign-Issued Documents Are Used in Dubai
A foreign document may need several stages before acceptance in Dubai.
A typical sequence may include:
- Notarisation or certification in the country of issue.
- Authentication by that country’s competent foreign-affairs authority.
- Legalisation by the UAE embassy or consulate.
- MOFA attestation in the UAE.
- Arabic legal translation.
- Submission to the relevant Dubai authority.
The order is country- and document-specific.
Documents Issued in the UAE for Use Abroad
A UAE-issued document may require:
- Certification by the issuing or competent UAE authority.
- MOFA attestation.
- Attestation or legalisation by the destination country’s embassy.
- Translation required by the destination country.
Confirm the destination authority’s requirements before beginning.
Common Reasons a Notary Application Is Rejected
An application may be delayed or rejected because:
- The wrong authority was selected.
- The document is incomplete.
- Names do not match the IDs.
- The Arabic and English texts conflict.
- The signatory lacks authority.
- Corporate documents are expired.
- A foreign document has not been legalised.
- The requested act falls within another authority’s exclusive competence.
- The instrument conflicts with UAE law or public order.
- The party lacks legal capacity.
- Supporting documents are missing.
- The uploaded scans are unclear.
- A transaction value is omitted or incorrectly stated.
- The parties signed in an unauthorised manner.
- The receiving authority requires different wording.
A legal pre-review can identify many of these issues before official submission.
When Should a UAE Lawyer Review the Document?
Obtain legal review where the document:
- Grants authority to sell property or shares.
- Allows another person to receive money.
- Authorises court representation or settlement.
- Creates a debt or security.
- Waives legal rights.
- Contains an indemnity or guarantee.
- Binds a company.
- Affects children, inheritance or family assets.
- Will be used in more than one country.
- Is difficult to revoke.
- Is written in a language you do not fully understand.
- Was provided by another party whose interests differ from yours.
The safest time to correct a document is before it is signed and notarized.
Conclusion
Notarizing a document in Dubai is an essential legal step to ensure its authenticity and official recognition by both local and international authorities. By following the proper procedures through the Notary Public or authorized entities, the process can be completed smoothly and securely. It is always recommended to check the requirements in advance and prepare all necessary documents to avoid delays or rejection, ensuring that your legal transactions proceed efficiently and with full validity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a notary cost in Dubai?
The official fee depends on the document, number of parties and transaction value. Examples include AED 100 per party for a general or special POA, AED 200 per party for an instrument with no stated value and AED 300 per party for certain instruments not exceeding AED 100,000. Additional drafting, translation, private-service and VAT charges may apply.
Are there notaries in the UAE?
Yes. The UAE has public notaries, licensed private notaries and other authorised notarial channels. Dubai Courts supervises notary services in Dubai and publishes a directory of licensed private-notary offices.
Is online notarization available in Dubai?
Yes, eligible transactions may be submitted or completed electronically. The process can involve digital login, document upload, online payment, video verification and electronic signing, depending on the service.
What ID is needed for a Dubai notary?
Residents normally use a valid Emirates ID and may also need a passport. Non-residents commonly use a passport, while company representatives need evidence proving their authority to bind the company.
Does my document need to be in Arabic?
Many mainland Dubai notary instruments must be in Arabic or an accepted bilingual format. A legal translation may therefore be required. DIFC Courts and other specialised authorities may follow different language rules.
Can a non-resident notarize a power of attorney?
Potentially, yes. The person may use an eligible virtual service or execute the POA abroad and complete the required foreign authentication, UAE embassy legalisation, MOFA attestation and translation process.
How long does notarization take?
Simple transactions may be completed quickly once accepted, but no single timeline applies. Translation, corrections, foreign legalisation, corporate approvals and missing evidence can extend processing.
Can I use a mobile notary?
Out-of-office attendance may be available in approved circumstances. Eligibility, location, additional charges and required evidence must be confirmed with the competent notary.
