Notarization is a critical process in Dubai for validating the authenticity of legal documents and ensuring they are accepted by courts, government departments, and third parties. Whether you’re drafting a Power of Attorney, establishing a company, or legalizing a contract, or Notary Public Fees, using the services of a notary public is often a legal requirement.
Dubai offers two primary types of notarization services: Public Notary (offered by Dubai Courts) and Private Notary (licensed legal professionals who provide flexible options). In this guide, we explore both options in detail, covering fee structures, document types, additional services, and tips to save money.
What is a Notary Public Fees?
A notary public is an officially authorized individual or entity responsible for witnessing signatures, verifying identities, and certifying the legitimacy of legal documents. In Dubai, notarization ensures documents are legally binding and compliant with UAE laws.
There are two key types of notarial services:
- Public Notary – Governed by Dubai Courts, offering fixed fees under Dubai Law No. 4 of 2013.
- Private Notary – Licensed legal professionals offering mobile or urgent notarization services with premium fees.
Who Needs Notarization in Dubai?
Notarization is required in a variety of personal and business scenarios, such as:
- Granting someone Power of Attorney (POA)
- Establishing or amending a company
- Certifying contracts, leases, and agreements
- Preparing sworn declarations or affidavits
- Legalizing foreign documents for UAE use (or vice versa)
Public Notary Fees in Dubai (2025)
Public notary services in Dubai are delivered through Dubai Courts and are regulated in terms of cost. These fees are relatively affordable compared to private services.
Power of Attorney (POA)
- General POA: AED 100 – AED 300
- Special POA (specific tasks): AED 150 – AED 400
- Corporate POA: AED 300 – AED 600
- Revocation of POA: AED 200 – AED 400
Tip: Public notaries charge per signature. Additional signatories or witnesses increase the cost.
Contracts & Agreements
- Residential Lease Agreement: AED 200 – AED 500
- Employment Contract: AED 300 – AED 800
- Commercial Contracts (e.g., partnerships, services): AED 500 – AED 2,000
- Loan Agreements: AED 500 – AED 1,500
- Settlement Agreements: AED 500 – AED 2,000
Business & Corporate Documents
- Memorandum of Association (MOA): AED 1,000 – AED 2,500
- Shareholder Agreements: AED 800 – AED 1,800
- Board Resolutions: AED 500 – AED 1,200
- Company Amendments: AED 600 – AED 1,500
Declarations & Affidavits
- Personal Declaration / Affidavit: AED 150 – AED 300
- Corporate Declarations: AED 300 – AED 600
- Undertakings / NOCs: AED 150 – AED 300
Certified True Copies
- Standard Document (passport, license, etc.): AED 50 – AED 100 per copy
- Legal or Academic Documents: AED 75 – AED 150 per page
Note: If you are notarizing multiple pages or documents, costs can accumulate quickly. Dubai Courts often limit how many documents can be notarized in one session.
Private Notary Fees in Dubai 2025
Private notaries in Dubai are authorized by the government but operate as licensed law firms or professionals. They offer the same legal authority as public notaries but charge additional professional fees for flexibility and convenience.
Typical Private Notary Services
- Mobile notarization (at your home or office)
- After-hours or urgent notarization
- Multilingual support and translation
- Drafting and legal review of documents
Fee Structure
Private notary fees start at a minimum of AED 500 for simple documents but can go much higher depending on services and document type.
Document Type | Approx. Fee (Private Notary) |
---|---|
POA (Standard) | AED 699 – AED 1,299 |
POA (Corporate) | AED 1,200 – AED 2,500 |
Lease/Contract | AED 800 – AED 1,800 |
MOA/Company Formation | AED 2,000 – AED 5,000 |
Mobile Notarization | Additional AED 250 – AED 750 |
Translation + Notary | AED 100 – AED 300 extra |
Important: Always confirm what is included in the fee—some private notaries bundle document drafting, Arabic translation, and courier services, while others charge separately.
Online and E-Notary Services
Dubai has rapidly modernized its legal infrastructure, and electronic notarization (e-notary) is now available for many document types through the Dubai Courts portal or authorized service centers.
Key Features:
- Submit documents online
- Pay electronically
- Schedule video-call verification
- Receive notarized documents by email or courier
Fees:
Online notary services by Dubai Courts follow the same public fee schedule, but third-party facilitation centers may charge an admin or processing fee (AED 100–300).
How to Reduce Notarization Costs
Here are practical tips to keep your notary expenses under control:
- Use Public Notaries When Possible – Especially for simple POAs or declarations.
- Consolidate Documents – Notarizing multiple items in one visit may save time and fees.
- Use Online Services – Cheaper and faster for many standard documents.
- Confirm Inclusions – When using private notaries, check if drafting and translation are included.
- Avoid Revisions – Ensure your document is complete and accurate to avoid repeat notarization costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a notary from another Emirate in Dubai?
No, notarized documents must be authenticated by a notary licensed in Dubai for them to be accepted by local authorities.
What documents must be in Arabic?
All notarized documents must either be in Arabic or accompanied by a certified Arabic translation.
How long does notarization take?
Public notary services usually take 30 minutes to 1 hour. Private notaries can expedite the process within the same day.
Can a foreigner notarize documents in Dubai?
Yes, but the document must be relevant to UAE jurisdiction. Foreigners may need a legal translator and Emirates ID or passport.
Can I notarize a document online?
Yes, through the Dubai Courts e-notary system or licensed providers, especially for powers of attorney, contracts, and declarations.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a business owner, expat, or resident managing personal affairs, understanding notary public fees in Dubai helps you plan and budget effectively. Public notaries offer cost-effective solutions for standard needs, while private notaries are ideal for urgent, complex, or mobile service requirements.
By using this guide, you’ll be better equipped to navigate Dubai’s notarization landscape and avoid unnecessary expenses.