Notarizing a Document in Dubai
Notarizing a document in Dubai—whether a power of attorney, corporate record, contract, or affidavit—is essential for legal legitimacy and acceptance by authorities. In 2025, Dubai Notary Public Services include both public notaries and private notaries—the latter offering additional convenience but at a premium cost.
What Is a Dubai Notary Public Services?
A notary public is an authorized legal professional who verifies identities, witnesses signatures, and certifies documents in line with UAE regulations. In Dubai, there are two types:
- Public Notary (Dubai Courts): Government-regulated, fixed fees, and formal procedures.
- Private Notary: Licensed practitioners offering mobile, same‑day, and multilingual assistance, charging higher service fees.
Dubai Courts follow Dubai Law No. 4 of 2013. Notarization outside its jurisdictions—like DIFC—follows separate rules.
Public Notary Fees (Dubai Courts, 2025)
Fees are based on document type and value, and calculated per signature. They range from AED 100 to AED 15,000 per signature.
2.1 Power of Attorney (POA)
- General POA (vehicles, utilities, basic business): AED 100 per signature
- Special POA (real estate, trademarks, etc.): AED 100–300 depending on scope
- Corporate/business POA: AED 300 if document value ≤ AED 100,000; otherwise 0.5% of value (capped at AED 15,000)
2.2 Contracts & Agreements
- Up to AED 100,000: AED 300 per signature
- Over AED 100,000: 0.5% of instrument value (max AED 15,000)
Examples: rental, employment, joint ventures, shareholder agreements.
2.3 Amendments & Annulments
- MOA, service agent contracts, etc.: AED 200–300 per signature (if ≤ AED 100,000) or 0.5% of value otherwise
2.4 Declarations & Affidavits
- Declarations (residency, no competition, debt, assignments): AED 200–300 per signature (up to AED 100,000), or 0.5% above cap, max AED 15,000
2.5 Memorandums of Association (MOA)
- LLC or civil company:
- ≤ AED 100,000: AED 300 per signature
- AED 100,000: 0.5% of capital value, max AED 15,000
2.6 Other Common Services
- Notarizing minutes of meetings, legal notices: AED 200–300 per signature
Private Notary Fees
Private notaries (e.g., licensed lawyers and service firms) follow the official schedule as a base but charge professional fees—often bundled in packages.
Example: Standard Pricing Table (Feb 2025)
| Service | Government Fee | Private Notary Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General POA | AED 100 per signature | AED 1,000–1,900 |
| Corporate POA | AED 100 | AED 1,900–2,500 |
| MOA Amendments/Formation | AED 200–300 or 0.5% | AED 2,500–2,750 |
| Agreements/Contracts | AED 300 or 0.5% | Around AED 2,500 |
| Declarations | AED 200–300 or 0.5% | Around AED 2,100–2,500 |
| Minutes of Meetings | AED 200 | Around AED 2,550 |
Private notary fees often include:
- Document drafting and legal review
- Mobile service at office/home
- Translation or courier services
- Urgent/same‑day booking
Online (E‑Notary) Services
Dubai Courts’ e-Notary System allows digital submission and virtual verification:
- Upload documents online
- Identity verified via video
- Secure digital signature
- Delivery by email or courier through authorized centers
Fees follow the public notary schedule, though third-party providers may add AED 100–300 service charges.
Practical Tips to Manage Notary Costs
- Use public notary for routine documents to minimize cost
- Bundle documents in one appointment to avoid duplicated fees
- Choose online notarization when available for convenience
- Clarify inclusions before paying a private notary (translation, courier, etc.)
- Ensure document completeness—errors may require re-notarization
- Request itemized quotes to understand government vs. service charges
Frequently Asked Questions (2025)
Q: Are private notary fees fixed?
A: No, private notaries determine professional fees based on convenience, speed, drafting, location, and translations.
Q: Can transactions under AED 100,000 cost more than AED 300?
A: Only if the notary charges for special services; government fee remains AED 300.
Q: Do couriers, translators, or legal drafting affect total cost?
A: Yes—most private notaries add separate service fees for additional services.
Q: Does Dubai Notary in DIFC charge differently?
A: Yes—DIFC operates under a separate system. Example: POA for AED 500 + USD 80.
Q: Can foreigners notarize documents in Dubai?
A: Yes, with valid ID/passport and relevant documents. Arabic translation is often required.
Fee Scenarios: Real Examples
- Scenario A: Simple POA (General)
Public: AED 100
Private: AED 1,000–1,900 - Scenario B: Commercial Contract (AED 500,000 value)
Public: AED 2,500 (0.5%)
Private: AED 2,500 + service fees - Scenario C: Amend MOA for LLC capital AED 50,000
Public: AED 300
Private: AED 2,750 - Scenario D: Declaration of Debt (AED 150,000 value)
Public: AED 750
Private: AED ~2,500
Summary: Public vs Private Notary — Pros & Cons
| Feature | Public Notary (Dubai Courts) | Private Notary |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | AED 100–300 or 0.5% (max AED 15,000) | AED 1,000–2,750+ per document |
| Flexibility | Standard hours, in‑person only | Mobile, same‑day, multilingual |
| Document Types | All official types under regulation | Same legal recognition |
| Extras | No bundled services | Drafting, translation, delivery |
Final Thoughts
Public notary services remain the most cost-effective way to notarize documents in Dubai, especially for amounts under AED 100,000 or for simple POAs and declarations.
Private notaries offer streamlined, customized services and bundled packages—ideal for busy professionals, businesses, or urgent needs.
E-notary services are increasingly accessible and align with Dubai’s digital legal evolution—particularly useful during peak times or for remote verification.
By understanding the fee structures and preparing in advance, you can save time, control costs, and ensure full legal compliance in Dubai.
