Questions and answers about notary services in the UAE

Prepare the finished, unsigned document, choose the Dubai Courts notary public, a licensed private notary or the Ministry of Justice E-Notary system, bring your ID and the original, and sign in front of the notary so they can witness it and apply their seal.

From our page on how it works.

You can use the government notary public at Dubai Courts, a licensed private notary registered on the Dubai Courts roll, or the Ministry of Justice E-Notary system for eligible remote cases. See our notary public in Dubai guide for locations and how each option works.

From our page on how it works.

No. Only the government notary public and lawyers who hold a specific private notary licence from Dubai Courts can carry out notarial acts. A lawyer without that licence can draft your document but cannot notarise it.

From our page on how it works.

You get the stamp by completing the notarisation process itself: attend your appointment with the finished document and your ID, sign in front of the notary, and they apply the official notarial seal and stamp once they have verified you and witnessed the signature.

From our page on how it works.

For most cases this runs through the UAE embassy or consulate in your country, or a remote channel once available for your document type. Our guide on notarising a UAE power of attorney from abroad covers the most common case in detail.

From our page on how it works.

You can sign as an agent for someone else if you hold a valid power of attorney authorising you to do so, and that authority is checked at the appointment. You cannot sign someone else’s document in their name without one, because the notary is witnessing your own free and identified signature.

From our page on how it works.

Once notarised, a document intended for use abroad typically goes to MOFAIC for attestation, then to the destination country’s embassy or consulate in the UAE for legalisation. There is no apostille option because the UAE is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Full steps are in documents attestation in Dubai.

From our page on how it works.

In most cases yes, because the notary needs to verify your identity and watch you sign. Some appointments can be handled by video where the notary’s process supports it.

From our page on how it works.

A notary public is a legal official who witnesses signatures, checks identity, and certifies documents or copies as genuine. In Dubai, this is either the Dubai Courts notary public or a licensed private notary.

From our page on what a notary is.

Notarised means a document has been signed in front of a notary public, who confirmed the signer’s identity and applied an official seal and signature. It shows the signing itself has been verified, not necessarily that the content is legally correct.

From our page on what a notary is.

A notarised letter is a letter, such as a consent or authorisation letter, that has been signed in front of a notary public and carries their seal. It is used when the recipient needs proof the signer’s identity was checked.

From our page on what a notary is.

“Notary attestation” is often used loosely, but notarisation and attestation are separate steps. Notarisation is done by a notary public and confirms the signing. Attestation is a later step, usually done by MOFAIC, confirming the document or seal is genuine for use elsewhere.

From our page on what a notary is.

In Dubai, a notary public is either the government Dubai Courts notary public or a private notary, a lawyer licensed by Dubai Courts to act as a notary. Both are regulated under Dubai Law No. 4 of 2013.

From our page on what a notary is.

On a form that asks whether a document is notarised, it means the form issuer wants your signature or copy verified by a notary public before they accept it, rather than a plain unverified signature.

From our page on what a notary is.

A notarised letter of consent is a permission letter, commonly for a child’s travel, that has been signed in front of a notary public and sealed. Airlines and immigration authorities ask for this because it confirms who actually signed the consent.

From our page on what a notary is.

The two terms are largely used to mean the same thing: a copy of an original document that a notary has compared to the original and certified as a true match. The notary certifies the copy is accurate, not that the document’s content is true.

From our page on what a notary is.

A Dubai Courts notary public is the Government official within the Dubai Courts system who is legally authorised, under Dubai Law No. 4 of 2013, to witness signatures, take oaths and certify documents. They are separate from licensed private notaries, who are lawyers approved to carry out the same notarial acts.

From our page on notary public in dubai.

You can use the Government notary public at Dubai Courts, a licensed private notary on the Dubai Courts roll, or the Ministry of Justice’s e-notary system for cases that qualify for remote notarisation. We check which option fits your document and book the appointment for you.

From our page on notary public in dubai.

The Dubai Courts notary public is a Government office, while a private notary is a lawyer approved by Dubai Courts to carry out the same notarial acts independently. Both have the same legal authority to notarise; the practical difference is usually availability and appointment flexibility. We compare the two in full on public vs private notary.

From our page on notary public in dubai.

You will generally need your original Emirates ID or passport, plus the original document you want notarised. We confirm the exact list for your specific document before your appointment.

From our page on notary public in dubai.

Arabic is the language of notarised instruments in Dubai, and bilingual Arabic and English drafting is common practice. If your document is only in English, we arrange translation through a translator registered with the Ministry of Justice.

From our page on notary public in dubai.

The notary stamp, together with the notary’s signature, shows that the document was reviewed and witnessed or certified by a notary public acting under Dubai Law No. 4 of 2013. It is what turns a plain document into a notarised instrument that banks, government departments and courts will accept.

From our page on notary public in dubai.

Yes, but notarisation on its own is usually only the first step. The UAE is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention (no apostille applies here), so a document for use abroad typically also needs MOFAIC attestation, and sometimes embassy legalisation. See documents attestation in Dubai for the full chain.

From our page on notary public in dubai.

A private notary is a lawyer licensed by Dubai Courts to carry out notarial acts, such as witnessing signatures and certifying documents, from a private office rather than the Dubai Courts notary public counter. The legal effect of the notarisation is the same either way.

From our page on private notary services.

Yes. A document notarised by a licensed private notary carries the same legal standing as one notarised at the Dubai Courts notary public service, because both operate under the same Dubai and federal notary law. Authorities accept either, provided the notary was properly licensed to act.

From our page on private notary services.

Private notaries commonly notarise powers of attorney, affidavits, declarations, acknowledgments of debt, contracts, and certified copies of documents, along with company paperwork such as board resolutions.

From our page on private notary services.

Appointment days and hours vary by notary office. We confirm actual availability with you at the time of booking rather than assume it in advance.

From our page on private notary services.

The federal base fee for common notarial acts, such as AED 100 per party for a power of attorney or AED 300 for an affidavit, is set by Cabinet Resolution No. 19 of 2024, and a private notary can add a professional fee of up to 30 percent on top. See our notary fees in Dubai page for more detail.

From our page on private notary services.

Yes. Powers of attorney, both general and special, are one of the most common documents private notaries in Dubai handle. Our power of attorney in Dubai page explains the types and what each one covers.

From our page on private notary services.

Some matters sit outside what a private notary can do, and some routes, such as DIFC matters, run through a different notary service entirely. Tell us what you need and we will point you to the right channel before you book anything.

From our page on private notary services.

A public notary works inside Dubai Courts as a government department. A private notary is a lawyer licensed by Dubai Courts as a notary to carry out the same category of notarial acts from a private office. Both operate under Dubai Law No. 4 of 2013.

From our page on public vs private notary.

Yes. Private notaries are licensed by Dubai Courts to work as notaries, regulated under Dubai Law No. 4 of 2013, within the federal framework of Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2022. They are a recognised part of Dubai’s system of notaries, not an informal alternative.

From our page on public vs private notary.

For the acts a private notary is licensed to perform, yes, the notarial certificate carries the same legal weight as a Dubai Courts notarisation. Some receiving authorities have their own preference for certain high-value or specific transactions.

From our page on public vs private notary.

It depends on demand on the day and which office you book with. Private notaries often have shorter appointment waits because there are more of them spread across Dubai, but this varies by office and by document type.

From our page on public vs private notary.

No. Both follow the federal fee schedule under Cabinet Resolution No. 19 of 2024 as a base, for example AED 100 per party for a general or special power of attorney. A private notary can add a professional fee of up to 30% on top under Article 2(2) of the same resolution. Dubai Courts sets private notary pricing separately under its own decision.

From our page on public vs private notary.

Some acts may sit outside what a given private notary is licensed for, or an authority receiving the document may ask specifically for a Dubai Courts notarisation.

From our page on public vs private notary.

E-notary is the Ministry of Justice’s official system for completing a notarial act, such as an affidavit or certain powers of attorney, remotely through identity verification and a video appointment, instead of visiting an office in person.

From our page on e-notary in dubai.

You register and verify your identity, typically through UAE PASS, submit the document, then join a video appointment with a notary who completes the identity check, review and signing or declaration.

From our page on e-notary in dubai.

UAE PASS or an equivalent accepted digital identity method is typically required. We confirm the current requirement before you start.

From our page on e-notary in dubai.

Once the notary completes the e-notary appointment and is satisfied with your identity verification and document, the system applies its official notarial record to produce the notarised digital document. There is no separate step to request a stamp; it happens as part of the appointment.

From our page on e-notary in dubai.

Dubai Courts, which regulates notaries public and private notaries in Dubai, also supports notarisation with personal or virtual attendance in principle. We check which route fits your document before booking.

From our page on e-notary in dubai.

An e-notarised document carries the same legal standing as one notarised in person, but using it abroad usually needs a further step. The UAE is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, so no apostille applies here, and the route is MOFAIC attestation and, where needed, embassy legalisation.

From our page on e-notary in dubai.

A notary services provider like us drafts or checks your document, arranges translation if it needs to be in Arabic or bilingual, confirms whether it qualifies for e-notary, and guides you through the identity verification and appointment steps.

From our page on e-notary in dubai.

No service can genuinely promise a notary is available every hour of every day. Some private notaries take appointments in the evening or at the weekend, and online notarisation can remove the need for travel, so ask us about your specific deadline rather than relying on a “24 hour notary near me” search result.

From our page on urgent notary requests.

Friday and Saturday are the weekend in the UAE for most government offices, though private notary availability varies by notary.

From our page on urgent notary requests.

For document types that a remote or e-notary process can handle, yes, an online session with a private notary or through the Ministry of Justice E-Notary System avoids travel time. See online notary services in Dubai.

From our page on urgent notary requests.

It depends on the document, whether it is already in Arabic or bilingual format, and whether the notary has an appointment slot free.

From our page on urgent notary requests.

Contact us with the deadline and the exact document as early as possible. A same-day or next-day appointment can often be arranged; the main risk to that deadline is a document that still needs translation, not the notarisation step itself.

From our page on urgent notary requests.

A hospital visit is possible in principle for a patient who cannot travel, but the notary needs to be satisfied the patient understands the document and is signing freely, which can take longer to arrange than a routine visit. See notary services at home for how a mobile visit works.

From our page on urgent notary requests.

Our office is in Business Bay, at Empire Heights Tower B, Marasi Drive. If that is not convenient, a home or office visit may be available; see notary services at home.

From our page on notary near me.

Bring your original ID and your document, ideally already in Arabic or bilingual format, to our Business Bay office, or contact us to book a visit to you.

From our page on notary near me.

Certified copies and signature witnessing both go through a notary public, either at our office or during a booked visit; tell us the document type and we will confirm the fastest option.

From our page on notary near me.

A letter, such as a declaration or a consent letter, is notarised the same way as any other document: original ID, the letter in the required language, and a notary to witness the signing.

From our page on notary near me.

Search results will show several offices; we can tell you whether your specific document is one we can help prepare and book, and where the nearest available appointment is.

From our page on notary near me.

Yes, for some documents and signatories a home or office visit can be booked instead of an office appointment. See notary services at home for how that works.

From our page on notary near me.

A private notary can travel to a home for certain documents and certain signatories, subject to the notary’s own availability.

From our page on notary services at home.

You send us the document and your ID details, we prepare the paperwork and confirm a time, and the notary travels to you to check ID, witness the signing and apply the seal, the same steps as an office visit.

From our page on notary services at home.

A hospital visit is possible in principle, but the notary needs to be satisfied the patient understands the document and is signing freely, so it can take longer to arrange than a home visit.

From our page on notary services at home.

The government notarisation fee for documents like a power of attorney is fixed by federal and Dubai regulation, but the home visit itself carries a separate service charge that is not yet published here.

From our page on notary services at home.

You can start the booking by phone, WhatsApp or email today.

From our page on notary services at home.

Have your original Emirates ID or passport, the document itself in Arabic or bilingual format, any supporting paperwork such as a trade licence, and a quiet table for the notary to work at.

From our page on notary services at home.

Yes. The Ministry of Justice operates an official e-notary system for remote notarisation, alongside in-person notarisation at Dubai Courts and licensed private notaries. A document notarised through the official remote route carries the same legal standing as one notarised in person, for acts that qualify.

From our page on online notary services.

Yes, for many personal documents such as affidavits and some powers of attorney. Some acts, particularly certain certified true copies, still need an in-person appointment.

From our page on online notary services.

You verify your identity digitally, typically through UAE PASS, then join a video call with a notary through the official system. The notary reviews your document, witnesses your signature or declaration remotely, and the notarial act is recorded.

From our page on online notary services.

Many declaration-style letters, such as sworn statements, can be handled through the online route if they qualify. We check your specific document before booking.

From our page on online notary services.

We prepare your document first, confirm it qualifies for the online route, then guide you through the identity verification and booking steps so the appointment itself goes smoothly.

From our page on online notary services.

Common examples include affidavits and some powers of attorney. Certain company documents and some certified true copies typically still require an in-person visit.

From our page on online notary services.

For some document types, yes. This is common for people who need a power of attorney notarised for use in the UAE while they are abroad. See notarising a UAE power of attorney from abroad for that specific case.

From our page on online notary services.

It means a notary confirms your identity, watches you sign a document (or recognises your existing signature), and certifies that the signature is genuine by adding their own seal and signature. This is what makes a signature legally reliable for a bank, court or authority that was not present when it was signed.

From our page on witnessing of signature.

A notary checks your ID against the name on the document, reviews the document, watches you sign or confirms your signature, then applies an official stamp and their own signature to record that the witnessing took place.

From our page on witnessing of signature.

A lawyer can sign as an ordinary witness on some documents, but formal witnessing of a signature, the kind foreign authorities usually require, needs to be carried out by a notary public.

From our page on witnessing of signature.

Some cases can be completed through the Ministry of Justice’s e-notary system, using identity verification and a video call. Not every receiving authority abroad accepts electronic witnessing, so we check this before booking.

From our page on witnessing of signature.

Bring your finished document and your original Emirates ID or passport to a Dubai Courts notary public or a licensed private notary. We prepare the document beforehand and book the appointment so the process goes smoothly.

From our page on witnessing of signature.

Signature attestation, also called signature authentication, describes the same act as having a signature witnessed: a notary confirming a signatory’s identity and certifying their signature is genuine.

From our page on witnessing of signature.

A Dubai notary public or licensed private notary can witness a signature on a document intended for use abroad, provided the document is correctly prepared and, where needed, translated. The document will usually then need MOFAIC attestation to be accepted in the destination country.

From our page on witnessing of signature.

It is a copy of your bank statement that a notary has checked against the original and marked as genuine, with a stamp, a signature and the date. It is used when a visa application, embassy, university or court needs proof that a statement is accurate without seeing your original.

From our page on bank statement copy.

A notary public can certify a copy as a true copy of your original statement. Your bank can also stamp a statement it has itself issued, which is a separate kind of certification and may or may not be accepted depending on who is asking for it.

From our page on bank statement copy.

Bring your original statement, valid passport or Emirates ID, and the copies you need certified to a notary. The notary compares the copies against the original and stamps, signs and dates each one. We can prepare the paperwork and book the appointment for you.

From our page on bank statement copy.

The notarisation itself is done in person, since the notary needs to see your original identification and compare the physical copy.

From our page on bank statement copy.

Yes. Print the e-statement from your online or mobile banking, then bring it with your original identification so the notary can compare the printed copy against your online statement and certify it.

From our page on bank statement copy.

It depends entirely on who is asking. Some requesting bodies accept a bank-stamped statement on its own; others specifically ask for a notarised certified true copy. Check the exact wording of the request before you decide which route to take.

From our page on bank statement copy.

A notary public or licensed private notary certifies a true copy by checking it against the original and applying a stamp. We confirm the route that works for your document before you send or bring anything.

From our page on true copy in abu dhabi.

Some certified copy and attestation steps can be started remotely, but the physical comparison of a copy against an original generally still needs to happen in person with a notary.

From our page on true copy in abu dhabi.

The cost depends on the document type, the number of pages and whether MOFAIC attestation is added afterwards. We give you an exact figure once we know what you need certified.

From our page on true copy in abu dhabi.

Many Abu Dhabi visa files ask for certified copies of the passport, Emirates ID or supporting certificates rather than the originals. The exact list depends on the visa category and the authority processing it, so check the specific requirement before your appointment.

From our page on true copy in abu dhabi.

Yes, a certificate of good conduct or similar police document can be certified as a true copy once it has been issued, the same way as other official documents.

From our page on true copy in abu dhabi.

It is an official stamp and signature applied by the notary public or private notary who compared the copy to the original, confirming the copy is a true and accurate match. The exact stamp design varies by notary.

From our page on true copy in abu dhabi.

A certified true copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been checked, signed, stamped and dated by a notary, private notary, lawyer or issuing authority to confirm it is an accurate copy of the original. It is used when a receiving organisation will not accept an original document or a plain, unverified photocopy.

From our page on certified true copies.

You can get a certified true copy in Dubai from the notary public at Dubai Courts, from a licensed private notary, or in some cases from a lawyer or the body that issued the document. Notary Services Dubai prepares your documents and books the appointment so the copy is certified through the right route for your situation.

From our page on certified true copies.

A notary public, a private notary licensed by Dubai Courts, and in some cases a lawyer, the issuing authority, or your embassy can certify a document as a true copy, depending on the document type and where the copy is going.

From our page on certified true copies.

No. A certified true copy is a verified reproduction of the original, not the original itself. For most official purposes it is accepted as equivalent to the original because a qualified authority has confirmed it is an accurate copy, but the original document remains the only true original.

From our page on certified true copies.

There is no fixed legal expiry for a certified true copy in UAE law. In practice, the receiving organisation decides how old a certified copy it is willing to accept, and some ask for a copy certified within a recent window.

From our page on certified true copies.

The cost depends on the document type and the certifying authority. Dubai private notary fees are set separately by Dubai Courts, and the current schedule has not been confirmed for this page.

From our page on certified true copies.

Bring the original document, a photocopy if you have one, and valid ID such as your Emirates ID or passport, to a notary public, private notary or authorised certifier. Contact us and we will book the appointment and guide you through what to bring.

From our page on certified true copies.

Generally, certification is meant to be done against an original document, not against a copy of a copy. If you need multiple certified copies, it is usually simpler to have the notary certify several copies from the original in one appointment.

From our page on certified true copies.

A notary public or licensed private notary certifies a true copy by checking it against the original and applying a stamp. Tell us your document and we confirm the route.

From our page on true copy in sharjah.

It is the process of a notary public or licensed private notary comparing a copy of a document to its original and stamping it to confirm the copy is a true and accurate match, so it can be submitted in place of the original.

From our page on true copy in sharjah.

Cost depends on the document type, the number of pages, and whether MOFAIC attestation is needed afterwards. We confirm the exact cost once we know what you need certified.

From our page on true copy in sharjah.

Bring the original certificate and transcript pages, plus a complete copy of each page, to a notary public or licensed private notary for comparison and stamping. We confirm the exact requirements for your institution before your appointment.

From our page on true copy in sharjah.

Yes, certified copies of a passport or Emirates ID are a common requirement for Sharjah visa files. The exact list depends on the visa category.

From our page on true copy in sharjah.

Yes, a certificate of good conduct or similar Sharjah Police document can be certified as a true copy once issued.

From our page on true copy in sharjah.

Some steps, such as confirming requirements and booking, can be arranged remotely, but the physical comparison of the copy against the original generally needs an in-person notary appointment.

From our page on true copy in sharjah.

A notary public or a private notary in Dubai can certify a true copy of your passport. We book the appointment and guide you through what to bring so the copy is accepted by your bank, company registrar or embassy.

From our page on passport copy attestation.

Bring your original passport, and your Emirates ID if you are a resident, to a notary appointment. The notary checks the copy against your original and adds a certification statement, signature and stamp confirming it is a true copy.

From our page on passport copy attestation.

It is a photocopy of your passport that a notary has personally checked against the original and certified as accurate with a signed and stamped statement. It lets an organisation rely on the copy without seeing your original passport.

From our page on passport copy attestation.

Contact us with your receiver’s exact requirement and we will confirm the current cost before you book.

From our page on passport copy attestation.

Book an appointment with a notary public or private notary in Dubai, bring your original passport, and the notary will check it against the copy and apply the notarisation stamp and signature. We can book this appointment for you.

From our page on passport copy attestation.

Bring your original passport, the specific pages your receiver needs (usually the photo page and, if requested, the visa or residence page), and your Emirates ID if you hold UAE residency.

From our page on passport copy attestation.

No. The notary must physically check the copy against your original passport before certifying it, so a photo, scan or expired passport is not enough on its own.

From our page on passport copy attestation.

It is a written confirmation, usually signed, stamped and dated on the back of the photo, that the photo is a true likeness of the applicant. Many visa and passport forms ask for this alongside the photo itself.

From our page on photo certification.

Bring your passport or Emirates ID and the photo that meets your form’s specification to a notary. The notary compares the photo against your ID and writes, signs and stamps the certification on the back. We can prepare the paperwork and book the appointment for you.

From our page on photo certification.

The certification itself needs the notary to compare your photo against your original identification in person.

From our page on photo certification.

Cost depends on the number of photos and copies you need certified.

From our page on photo certification.

A certified true copy is a copy of a document confirmed by a notary to match the original. A certified photocopy generally means the same thing, though the term is used loosely. Photo certification for a visa is different again: it confirms the photo is a true likeness of you, not that a document copy matches an original.

From our page on photo certification.

An Ejari or tenancy contract, a DEWA or other utility bill, a recent bank statement, or an employer or landlord letter are the documents most commonly accepted. Which one you need depends on who is asking for it.

From our page on proof of address.

Start with a document already in your name, such as your Ejari, a utility bill or a bank statement. If none of these carry your name, a landlord letter or a notarised declaration of residency, backed by a copy of the actual tenancy contract, can stand in.

From our page on proof of address.

It is a copy of your address document with a notary’s or other authorised certifier’s stamp and signature confirming the copy matches the original. Some receiving bodies also ask for the certified copy to be attested.

From our page on proof of address.

A notary public or licensed private notary can certify a copy after comparing it to the original. For some documents, such as Ejari, the issuing body can also verify or reissue it directly.

From our page on proof of address.

Yes, in the form of a declaration of residency, a sworn statement where you declare your address. It is typically used when no tenancy contract or utility bill exists in your name, and it carries more weight when backed by a supporting document such as a copy of the actual lease.

From our page on proof of address.

Often, yes, since the bank cannot see your original document in person. Many overseas banks and brokers ask for a certified copy as part of their know your customer checks, and some also ask for attestation.

From our page on proof of address.

Ask the named tenant or landlord for a letter confirming you live at the address, ideally notarised, or use a declaration of residency backed by a copy of the tenancy contract. See our declaration of residency in the UAE page for the format.

From our page on proof of address.

It is a short, signed statement confirming that a specific amount of cash was handed over from one person to another, for a stated reason, on a stated date.

From our page on acknowledgment of cash receipt.

A signed acknowledgment of cash receipt is a valid private document between the two parties. Notarizing it adds an independently verified record of who signed it and when.

From our page on acknowledgment of cash receipt.

The full names and ID details of the payer and payee, the amount in figures and words, the date and place, what the payment was for, and signatures. See the layout above.

From our page on acknowledgment of cash receipt.

Not always. Smaller payments between trusted parties are often fine with a signed receipt. For larger amounts, a car sale, or a payment more likely to be disputed, notarizing it is worth doing.

From our page on acknowledgment of cash receipt.

Yes, see the sample layout above. We adjust it to your situation before it is signed or notarized.

From our page on acknowledgment of cash receipt.

It is a signed, written statement in which a debtor confirms they owe a specific amount to a named creditor, along with how and when it will be repaid. It records a debt that already exists rather than creating a new one.

From our page on acknowledgment of debt.

Name both parties clearly, state the exact amount in figures and words, explain briefly what the debt is for, set out the repayment terms, and have both parties sign and date it. See the sample outline above as a starting point, then have the wording checked before signing.

From our page on acknowledgment of debt.

Only sign a debt letter if the amount and terms in it are accurate and you genuinely agree to them. It is a written admission of what you owe, so read it carefully, and get advice first if you are unsure about any of the terms.

From our page on acknowledgment of debt.

No, it can be a private signed agreement, but notarizing it before a notary public adds an independently verified record of who signed it and when.

From our page on acknowledgment of debt.

Some notarial processes in the UAE support remote or electronic signing for eligible documents through official channels. We can tell you what applies to your document when you get in touch.

From our page on acknowledgment of debt.

No. A debt letter confirms a debt that already exists and how it will be repaid. A promissory note is typically drawn up at the start of a loan as a promise to pay. See the comparison table above.

From our page on acknowledgment of debt.

The full names and ID details of both parties, the amount owed in figures and words, what the debt is for, the repayment terms, the date and place of signing, and signatures. See the full list above.

From our page on acknowledgment of debt.

You have it drafted in the correct wording and language, then sign it in person before a notary public, who checks your ID and witnesses the signature. If the document is going abroad, it then goes through MOFAIC attestation.

From our page on affidavits and declarations.

Yes. An affidavit only has legal weight once it has been sworn and signed in front of a notary public, who confirms the signer’s identity and witnesses the signature.

From our page on affidavits and declarations.

The federal schedule sets executing and notarising an affidavit at AED 300. A private notary in Dubai adds its own professional fee on top, under a separate Dubai Courts fee decision.

From our page on affidavits and declarations.

At a Government notary public office under Dubai Courts, or at a private notary, which is a lawyer licensed by Dubai Courts to carry out the work of a notary. See our notary public in Dubai page for how the two compare.

From our page on affidavits and declarations.

Some affidavits can be started or completed remotely through the Ministry of Justice’s E-Notary system or a virtual notary appointment, but this depends on the document and your situation.

From our page on affidavits and declarations.

A declaration of residency confirms where you live in the UAE for a foreign authority, employer or institution that needs proof of your address. See our declaration of residency page for the full requirements.

From our page on affidavits and declarations.

UAE notarial documents are generally drafted in Arabic, with bilingual Arabic-English versions common in practice.

From our page on affidavits and declarations.

The wording depends on what you are swearing to and who is asking for it, so there is no single universal form. We draft the affidavit to match the exact requirement the receiving authority has given you.

From our page on affidavits and declarations.

It is a sworn statement, signed before a notary public, declaring that two or more names appearing on your documents belong to the same individual. It is used to resolve a name spelling or format discrepancy without altering the original documents.

From our page on affidavit of same person.

You need one when a bank, university, employer, visa office or other authority points out that your name is spelled or ordered differently across two or more of your documents, and asks you to confirm they refer to the same person.

From our page on affidavit of same person.

Bring your passport, Emirates ID and every document that shows a version of your name to us. We check the documents, draft the affidavit wording and book your appointment for you to sign it before a notary public.

From our page on affidavit of same person.

At minimum, your current passport, Emirates ID and the specific documents that show the differing name versions. Bring originals and copies. If a document is in another language and needs translating, bring that too.

From our page on affidavit of same person.

Not always. Some countries, including India, issue their own official certificate through a local authority rather than through a Dubai-sworn affidavit. Check what the requesting authority specifically asked for before choosing between the two.

From our page on affidavit of same person.

State your full legal name, list each document and the exact name spelling it uses, explain briefly why the names differ, and swear that all versions refer to you. We draft this wording for you and check it against your actual documents before your appointment.

From our page on affidavit of same person.

Usually yes. Notarisation makes it valid in the UAE, but a foreign authority will typically also want MOFAIC attestation, and sometimes embassy attestation, since the UAE is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention and no apostille applies here. Confirm the exact requirement with the receiving office first.

From our page on affidavit of same person.

It is a sworn statement, signed before a notary public, declaring that you are currently unmarried. It is used most often for marriage registration abroad or by embassies and consulates as part of a marriage or visa process.

From our page on affidavit of single status.

Bring your passport, Emirates ID or visa page, and details of any previous marriage that has ended. We draft the affidavit around your circumstances and book your appointment for you to sign it before a notary public.

From our page on affidavit of single status.

No. A singleness certificate is issued by an authority in your home country, while the affidavit is sworn here before a notary public in Dubai. Which one you need depends on what the receiving marriage registry, embassy or consulate has asked for.

From our page on affidavit of single status.

If your home country issues one and you bring it to the UAE for use here, it will typically need attestation in its country of issue and then MOFAIC attestation in the UAE before it is accepted, in the same way as other foreign civil documents. See documents attestation in Dubai.

From our page on affidavit of single status.

You sign it yourself, as the affiant, in person before the notary public, who verifies your identity from your passport or Emirates ID before witnessing your signature.

From our page on affidavit of single status.

It should state your full legal name and identity details, declare that you are currently unmarried, give brief details of any previous marriage that has ended, and state the purpose for which the affidavit is being sworn.

From our page on affidavit of single status.

In Dubai, you can have this affidavit drafted and sworn before a notary public. Some people instead obtain a singleness certificate from an authority in their home country. Check with the receiving office which route it accepts.

From our page on affidavit of single status.

It is a sworn statement in which a sponsor promises to financially support an applicant, usually submitted with a visa, visit or immigration application to show the applicant has financial backing.

From our page on affidavit of support.

Where a UAE notary can execute it, the sponsor’s affidavit is drafted, translated if needed, and signed before a notary public who checks their ID and witnesses the signature. Some destinations instead require the document to be executed at your own embassy.

From our page on affidavit of support.

The process is the same as in Dubai: drafting, translation if required, and signing in front of a notary public in Abu Dhabi, or at your embassy if that is what your destination requires.

From our page on affidavit of support.

Where a UAE notary executes it, the federal fee for executing and notarising an affidavit is AED 300 plus a private notary’s professional fee.

From our page on affidavit of support.

Commonly a passport, Emirates ID, salary certificate, bank statements and a tenancy contract, plus the applicant’s details, though the exact list depends on the destination.

From our page on affidavit of support.

No. Some destinations use their own named version of the document, executed at their embassy or consulate rather than at a UAE notary. Check the receiving authority’s exact wording before assuming a UAE notary can complete it.

From our page on affidavit of support.

Where a UAE notary is the correct authority for your destination, yes, it must be signed before the notary. Where your destination requires an embassy-issued document instead, that embassy sets its own execution process.

From our page on affidavit of support.

There is no general validity period set by UAE law; the receiving authority decides how long it will accept the document for.

From our page on affidavit of support.

The UAE does not use this title. The equivalent role is carried out by a notary public, either the Government notary public under Dubai Courts or a licensed private notary.

From our page on commissioner of oaths.

You cannot get that exact stamp in Dubai, because the role does not exist here. A notary public’s seal is the UAE equivalent for a sworn document. See our notary public in Dubai page for how the Government and private notary routes compare.

From our page on commissioner of oaths.

They are not the same title, but they perform the same core function: checking your identity and witnessing you swear to the truth of a document.

From our page on commissioner of oaths.

Book an appointment with a notary public in Dubai instead. We can confirm beforehand whether your specific form accepts a notary’s seal or needs your own embassy.

From our page on commissioner of oaths.

There is no commissioner of oaths fee in the UAE, because the role does not exist here. The federal schedule sets the notary fees instead: AED 200 per party for authenticating a signature, and AED 300 for executing and notarising an affidavit, plus a private notary’s own professional fee.

From our page on commissioner of oaths.

They are officials appointed under common law systems, such as the UK, India, Pakistan and Australia, to administer oaths and witness sworn statements. The UAE’s civil law system gives this role to notaries public instead.

From our page on commissioner of oaths.

You can book a notary appointment, which is the UAE equivalent, and some documents can be started through the Ministry of Justice’s E-Notary system.

From our page on commissioner of oaths.

It is a signed, notarised statement in which you confirm your current residential address in the UAE, used when the usual proof of address documents are not in your name.

From our page on declaration of residency.

It is commonly asked for by banks, schools, embassies and visa or family sponsorship processes, particularly when the applicant is not the named tenant on the property.

From our page on declaration of residency.

Your full name and ID details, your current address, a statement that you reside there, the purpose of the declaration, and your signature witnessed by a notary.

From our page on declaration of residency.

Yes. It is signed before a notary public, who verifies your identity and witnesses the signature, which is what gives the document standing with the authority requesting it.

From our page on declaration of residency.

No. It supplements a tenancy contract or Ejari rather than replacing it. If you hold documents in your own name, a certified copy of those is usually the more direct route.

From our page on declaration of residency.

It is a signed, notarised statement in which you confirm that you are not currently employed, used to support visa, embassy or family sponsorship applications.

From our page on declaration of unemployment.

It is drafted to fit your situation and then signed and notarised in front of a notary public in Dubai. Bring your Emirates ID and passport to the appointment.

From our page on declaration of unemployment.

State your full name and ID details, a clear and accurate statement that you are not employed, the purpose of the declaration, and sign it in front of the notary who witnesses it.

From our page on declaration of unemployment.

Embassies, visa authorities and family sponsors most commonly ask for one, usually as supporting evidence for a dependent, spousal or sponsorship application.

From our page on declaration of unemployment.

Yes. It is signed before a notary public in Dubai, who verifies your identity and witnesses the signature, which is what makes it acceptable to the authority requesting it.

From our page on declaration of unemployment.

Yes, the layout above shows the structure most authorities expect. We adjust the exact wording to match what your embassy or visa process specifically asks for.

From our page on declaration of unemployment.

Yes. Gifting to close family, such as a spouse, parent or child, is the most common form of property gift in Dubai and can qualify for a reduced Dubai Land Department transfer fee, subject to proof of the relationship.

From our page on gift deed.

You draft and sign a gift deed before a notary, then register the transfer with the Dubai Land Department using the title deed, IDs, proof of relationship and any required NOCs. The DLD registration is what actually changes the ownership record.

From our page on gift deed.

Yes. The gift deed is signed before a notary public, who verifies the identities of the donor and donee and witnesses the signatures, before the document moves on to Dubai Land Department registration.

From our page on gift deed.

Dubai Land Department applies a transfer fee that can be reduced for certain close relatives compared with a standard sale, but the current figures and eligible categories need to be confirmed before quoting.

From our page on gift deed.

A gift deed is the legal document recording a voluntary transfer of property from a donor to a donee without payment, used as the basis for registering the transfer at the Dubai Land Department.

From our page on gift deed.

Usually yes, but only after obtaining a bank NOC and satisfying the lender’s requirements, which can include settling or restructuring the mortgage before Dubai Land Department will register the gift.

From our page on gift deed.

Yes. A donor outside the UAE can appoint someone in Dubai to sign the gift deed and handle the Dubai Land Department steps through a power of attorney, provided that power of attorney is properly notarised and attested in the country where the donor signs it, then attested again in the UAE.

From our page on gift deed.

It is IRCC form IMM 5409, a sworn declaration used to confirm a common-law relationship as part of a Canadian immigration application, in place of a marriage certificate.

From our page on common law union declaration.

Each partner completes their own section, declaring their relationship details and history. IRCC’s form instructions set out exactly what each field requires, and these should be followed directly rather than guessed.

From our page on common law union declaration.

Yes. You sign it before a notary public in Dubai, who verifies your identity and witnesses the signature, the same as for other sworn declarations signed outside Canada.

From our page on common law union declaration.

IRCC’s guidance sets out who is authorised to witness a statutory declaration signed outside Canada. In Dubai this is generally arranged before a notary public.

From our page on common law union declaration.

Both partners normally complete and sign the declaration from their own side, and both should attend the notary appointment in person with valid ID.

From our page on common law union declaration.

Documents such as a joint tenancy contract, joint utility bills or joint bank statements are commonly submitted alongside the declaration. Check IRCC’s current guidance for what your specific application expects.

From our page on common law union declaration.

You decide what you want to happen to your UAE assets and, if relevant, who should care for your children, put that in writing with the help of a legal consultant, then sign it before witnesses and have it notarized or registered through the route that fits your situation, such as the DIFC Courts Wills Service or Dubai Courts.

From our page on wills.

The main routes are the DIFC Courts Wills Service and Dubai Courts notarization, with a separate route for non-Muslim wills connected to Abu Dhabi. We confirm which one fits your situation before you start.

From our page on wills.

Yes. Expats commonly make and register a will covering their UAE assets, and where relevant their wishes for their children’s care, through one of the registration routes above.

From our page on wills.

A mirror will is a pair of matching wills, usually for a married couple, where each person’s will names the other and sets out the same wishes. Each will is a separate document and needs its own review if either partner wants to change it later.

From our page on wills.

Notarization, where the testator and witnesses sign in front of a notary public who checks their identity, is part of how a will is prepared for use in the UAE under some routes.

From our page on wills.

The cost depends on the registration route and whether you also need drafting help or translation. We confirm the exact cost before you commit to anything.

From our page on wills.

Common types include a single will covering one person’s estate, a mirror will for a couple, a guardianship will focused on naming a guardian for children, and a property will limited to specific UAE property. See the section above for details.

From our page on wills.

What happens to a UAE estate without a registered will depends on current UAE law, which changed with the new Civil Transactions Law. This is exactly why many expats choose to register a will rather than rely on the default position.

From our page on wills.

An addendum is a document attached to a company’s original memorandum of association that records a specific change, such as a new shareholder or a changed activity, without replacing the whole MOA.

From our page on addendum to moa.

Whenever something the MOA records changes: a shareholder joining or leaving, a change of manager, a change of business activity, a capital change, or a company name or address change.

From our page on addendum to moa.

It references the original MOA’s date and the exact clause being changed, sets out the old and new wording clearly, and is signed by the required shareholders or authorised signatories before being notarised and filed.

From our page on addendum to moa.

In most cases, yes, in the same way the original MOA was.

From our page on addendum to moa.

Yes, if a shareholder cannot attend in person, they can usually authorise someone else to sign on their behalf through a properly notarised power of attorney, legalised and attested first if it was signed outside the UAE.

From our page on addendum to moa.

The outline above shows the structure an addendum typically follows. Because the exact wording depends on your MOA and the change you are making, we draft it for your specific document rather than working from a generic template.

From our page on addendum to moa.

Often, yes, when it is being submitted to a bank, government department or free zone authority as proof that the board or shareholders approved a decision.

From our page on board resolution.

The directors, or shareholders where the company’s own rules require shareholder approval, matching who the MOA or articles of association say must approve that type of decision.

From our page on board resolution.

It is the process of getting an official body, MOFAIC in the UAE or an embassy abroad, to confirm that a board resolution and its signatures are genuine, so it can be relied on by a bank or authority in another country.

From our page on board resolution.

It generally needs notarisation or authentication in the country where it was passed, legalisation by that country’s foreign ministry and the UAE embassy, then MOFAIC attestation once it reaches the UAE. There is no apostille route.

From our page on board resolution.

Notarised instruments in the UAE are generally in Arabic, with a conditional exception for certain document types, and bilingual Arabic and English drafting is common practice for a board resolution.

From our page on board resolution.

It is a short document from the company secretary or an authorised officer confirming that a resolution was validly passed, that the required quorum was met, and that the copy being presented is a true copy of the original.

From our page on board resolution.

Federal notarial fees run from AED 200 per party for a standard signature authentication up to 0.5% of value for high-value resolutions, at the time of writing. Dubai private notary pricing for a board resolution is, and MOFAIC attestation for a foreign resolution is AED 2,000.

From our page on board resolution.

The documents that most often need notarising are a company power of attorney, a board resolution, the memorandum of association and its addenda, share transfer instruments, and some commercial contracts. Which one applies depends on what you are trying to do, for example open a bank account, change a manager or transfer shares.

From our page on company documents.

Some notarial acts can be completed through the Ministry of Justice’s E-Notary system using UAE PASS and a video session, but We are not that system and do not operate it; we tell you which route applies to your document and book the appointment that fits.

From our page on company documents.

Corporate attestation is the process of getting an official body, usually MOFAIC in the UAE or an embassy abroad, to confirm that a company document and the signatures or seals on it are genuine, so it can be relied on across a border. It sits after notarisation in the chain, not instead of it.

From our page on company documents.

Yes, in most cases. A document created outside the UAE typically needs notarisation or legalisation in its home country, then legalisation by the UAE embassy there, then MOFAIC attestation once it reaches the UAE. There is no apostille route, because the UAE is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention.

From our page on company documents.

Usually the person named as manager or authorised signatory on the MOA or trade licence, or someone holding a valid power of attorney from the company. The notary checks the signatory’s ID and their proof of authority before accepting the signature.

From our page on company documents.

Federal notarial fees under Cabinet Resolution No. 19 of 2024 run from AED 100 to AED 300 per act depending on the document, plus 0.5% of value above AED 100 thousand for high-value instruments, at the time of writing. Dubai private notary pricing for company documents specifically is, and MOFAIC attestation is AED 150 for personal or AED 2,000 for commercial documents.

From our page on company documents.

A company representative can usually submit supporting paperwork, but the person signing the document itself generally needs to attend in person or appear through an approved remote channel, unless they have given someone else a properly notarised power of attorney to sign on their behalf. We can collect documents, prepare the file and book the appointment around this.

From our page on company documents.

A memorandum of association is the founding document of a UAE company. It records who the shareholders are, how much capital each has contributed, who manages the company and what activities it is licensed to carry out.

From our page on memorandum of association.

It typically includes the company name and legal form, the shareholders and their share of capital, the manager’s authority, the registered activities, the company address, and terms for transferring shares or dissolving the company.

From our page on memorandum of association.

For most mainland Dubai companies, yes, the MOA is signed before a notary public as part of setting up or amending the company. Free zone requirements vary by authority.

From our page on memorandum of association.

Notarised instruments in the UAE are generally in Arabic, with a conditional exception for certain document types, and bilingual Arabic and English drafting is common practice for an MOA.

From our page on memorandum of association.

It usually needs MOFAIC attestation in the UAE, at AED 2,000 for a commercial document at the time of writing, followed by legalisation from the destination country’s embassy or consulate. There is no apostille route, since the UAE is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention.

From our page on memorandum of association.

Yes. Changes to shareholders, manager, activities, capital or company name are made through an addendum to the MOA, not a new document, and are signed and filed in the same way as the original.

From our page on memorandum of association.

The memorandum covers ownership: who the shareholders are, the capital and the company’s activities. The articles cover internal governance: how meetings and decisions are run. Many smaller UAE companies combine both into a single MOA document.

From our page on memorandum of association.

It depends on the document. Under the federal fee schedule, a power of attorney is AED 100 per party to execute or notarise, and an affidavit is AED 300. A private notary may add a professional fee on top, capped at 30 percent under federal rules. Dubai Courts’ own private notary fee table has not been confirmed here.

From our page on fees.

The federal schedule (Cabinet Resolution No. 19 of 2024) sets the base government fees for notarial acts nationwide, such as AED 100 per party for a power of attorney and AED 300 for an affidavit. Dubai adds its own private notary fee table under a separate Dubai Courts decision.

From our page on fees.

Dubai Courts operates the government notary public, which charges under the same federal fee schedule that applies nationwide. A separate Dubai Courts decision on private notary fees took effect on 2 January 2026, and its full table has not been confirmed here at the time of writing.

From our page on fees.

A private notary may charge a professional fee on top of the base government fee, capped at 30 percent under the federal schedule, so a document handled by a private notary can cost more than the same document at the Dubai Courts notary public. The exact difference depends on the document and the applicable Dubai fee decision.

From our page on fees.

MOFAIC’s stated attestation fee is AED 150 for a personal document and AED 2,000 for a commercial one, at the time of writing. An embassy step, if your document needs one, is charged separately by that embassy.

From our page on fees.

A letter is usually notarised as an affidavit or a signature authentication, priced at AED 300 or AED 200 per party under the federal schedule, depending on how it is drafted. A private notary’s professional fee, where it applies, is added on top.

From our page on fees.

Yes. Notarising a translation included in the instrument is priced at AED 50 per page under the federal schedule, and that is separate from the translator’s own charge for producing the translation.

From our page on fees.