In a city as dynamic and global as Dubai, legal documents and transactions often require authentication through a notary public. Whether you are a resident, expat, or international business entity, understanding how notary services in Dubai work is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about notary services in Dubai in 2025, including types of notary services, procedures, costs, legal requirements, online options, and more.
What is a Notary Services in Dubai?
A notary public in Dubai is an official authorized by the Dubai Courts to witness and authenticate legal documents, certify true copies, verify identities, and provide legal assurance for a variety of legal matters. These services are essential for ensuring legal compliance and the validity of documents used in power of attorney, property transactions, company formation, affidavits, declarations, and certified true copies for immigration or business purposes. The notary system in Dubai is regulated by the UAE Ministry of Justice and Dubai Courts and is available in both traditional and digital formats, including the innovative e-notary service.
Types of Notary Services Available in Dubai
Dubai offers a wide array of notary services to cater to the diverse needs of individuals and organizations. One of the most common services is the notarization of Power of Attorney (POA) documents. These include the General POA, which grants broad legal powers to another person; the Special POA, which is limited to specific actions such as selling a property or managing finances; and the Medical POA, which pertains to healthcare decisions.
Affidavits and declarations are also frequently notarized. These are sworn statements made under oath and are used for purposes such as inheritance claims or name changes. Certified true copies of documents are required for many legal and immigration purposes, ensuring that copies are authenticated by a notary as exact representations of the original.
Notarization of contracts and agreements is another key service, providing legal credibility to personal or business arrangements, such as lease agreements and employment contracts. Company formation documents like Memorandums of Association (MOA), board resolutions, and share transfer records also require notarization, especially when dealing with licensing authorities like the Dubai Economic Department (DED).
Online vs Offline Notary Services
Traditional offline notary services require individuals to be physically present at Dubai Courts or at the offices of licensed private notaries. This method involves carrying the original documents and identity proofs to the notary office, signing in front of an official, and receiving a stamped and sealed document. This method is preferred for complex or sensitive documents that might benefit from personal interaction.
Alternatively, the Dubai Courts’ e-notary system provides a more convenient and modern solution. This online platform allows users to notarize documents remotely through secure digital verification, using Emirates ID and a scheduled video call. Documents can be uploaded online, payments can be made electronically, and digitally signed documents are issued upon completion. Services available through the e-notary platform include Power of Attorney, affidavits, and contract notarizations.
How to Notarize Documents in Dubai
The process for notarizing documents in Dubai depends on whether you choose the traditional offline method or the modern e-notary platform. For offline notarization, the first step is to draft the document in Arabic or in a bilingual format. Then, you need to visit a Dubai Courts Notary Public office or a private notary. You must bring your Emirates ID or passport, and the document must be signed in front of the notary. Upon payment of the relevant fees, you will receive a physically stamped and sealed notarized document.
For online notarization, the process starts by accessing the Dubai Courts e-Notary portal. You upload your document and undergo identity verification via Emirates ID or UAE Pass. A video call is conducted with a notary officer for live validation. Once verified, you complete the payment online and receive a digitally signed document in PDF format, legally recognized for use within the UAE and abroad.
Cost of Notary Services in Dubai 2025
The cost of notary services in Dubai in 2025 depends on the type of service and whether it is completed online or offline. For example, a General Power of Attorney typically costs between AED 250 and AED 350, while a Special Power of Attorney ranges from AED 200 to AED 300. Certified true copies can cost between AED 50 and AED 150, and affidavits may range from AED 150 to AED 300. Legal translations, if required, can add another AED 50 to AED 200. It’s important to note that prices may vary based on urgency, the complexity of documents, or the inclusion of additional services like translation or courier delivery.
Where to Find Notary Services in Dubai
Notary services in Dubai can be accessed through several official and private channels. The primary location is the Dubai Courts Notary Public, which has branches in Al Barsha, Deira, and Al Twar. These offices are typically open from Sunday to Thursday between 8 AM and 3 PM. For those seeking a more personalized experience, private legal firms and agents such as MOFA UAE, DahhanBiz, and First Solution UAE also provide notary services. These firms may offer both walk-in and remote services depending on client needs. Additionally, the e-Notary platform provided by Dubai Courts offers an accessible and efficient online alternative that can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
Importance of Notarization in Dubai
Notarization is a critical aspect of legal and business documentation in Dubai. It ensures that documents are legally recognized by the courts and relevant authorities, thus holding full legal weight. By verifying the authenticity of a signature or a copy of a document, notarization serves as a strong deterrent against fraud. It also guarantees that the parties involved have given their full consent, an essential aspect in binding legal agreements. Notarized documents are often required for cross-border recognition, making them crucial for international dealings. Furthermore, many government transactions, including those related to real estate, visas, and business licensing, mandate notarized documents as part of the application process.
Use Cases of Notary Services
Notary services in Dubai are utilized across a wide spectrum of scenarios. In real estate, notarized Powers of Attorney are often used to delegate authority for buying, selling, or managing property. In business, notarized documents are required for company formation, contract approvals, and share transfers. Family law often involves notarized affidavits for issues such as child custody, inheritance, or marriage declarations. Immigration procedures also frequently require certified true copies of documents like passports, birth certificates, and academic qualifications. Each of these cases relies on notarization to ensure that all parties and institutions recognize the authenticity and legal binding nature of the documents.
Conclusion
Notary services in Dubai play a critical role in ensuring the legal integrity of personal, business, and government transactions. With both offline and e-notary options available, the process is now faster, more secure, and more accessible than ever. Whether you are creating a Power of Attorney, certifying a true copy of an important document, or establishing a company, the Dubai notary system provides the legal foundation for your activities. For fast, reliable, and compliant notarization, explore the options offered by Dubai Courts and certified private providers. Visit the Dubai Courts e-notary platform or contact a licensed legal firm to get started with your notarization needs.