Types of Power of Attorney: Which One Do You Need?

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Granting someone legal authority to act on your behalf is a significant decision. Whether you’re dealing with property, business, or personal matters in the UAE, a Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal tool that gives another person or organisation the right to make decisions and complete transactions for you.

Used correctly, a POA can save you time, prevent delays, and allow someone you trust to act when you’re unavailable or legally required to have representation. But not all POAs are created equal. The type you need depends on your circumstances, the decisions being made, and whether you’re in the UAE or abroad.

In this guide, we’ll explain the different types of Power of Attorney in the UAE, what they cover, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

What Is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that authorises another person—known as the “attorney-in-fact” or “agent”—to act on your behalf. It must be signed by the person granting the power (the principal), notarised, and, in some cases, legalised depending on where and how it will be used.

In the UAE, POAs are frequently used in real estate transactions, company formation, legal representation, and personal matters when someone is unavailable to act directly. They can be limited to a single action or very broad, depending on how they are drafted.

Why Use a POA?

There are several common reasons people use a POA in the UAE:

• You are travelling or live overseas and need someone to handle matters locally

• You want a lawyer or advisor to represent you during a property transaction

• You are setting up a company and need someone to manage paperwork and government submissions

• You want to delegate legal decision-making to a spouse, family member, or trusted advisor

A POA is especially helpful for non-residents and expats who may not be physically present to complete tasks that require in-person attendance, signatures, or government interaction.

General vs. Special Power of Attorney

There are two main categories of POA used in the UAE: General POA and Special POA. Each serves a different purpose.

General Power of Attorney

A General POA gives broad authority to the appointed person. They can act on your behalf in multiple areas including property transactions, bank dealings, company formation, government paperwork, and legal matters.

It’s useful when you want someone to manage a wide range of responsibilities for an extended period. However, due to the power it grants, it should only be given to someone you fully trust.

Typical uses of a General POA include:

• Managing real estate and banking while you’re overseas

• Running your business operations in your absence

• Representing you in government departments or legal issues

Some banks or government bodies may still require a more specific POA for certain actions even if a General POA exists.

Special Power of Attorney

A Special POA limits the authority to a specific transaction or action. It’s more commonly used in the UAE as it defines clear boundaries for what the agent can do.

Examples of Special POA use cases:

• Authorising someone to sell or buy a specific property

• Allowing a representative to sign business setup documents

• Enabling a lawyer to file a specific legal case on your behalf

A Special POA is usually valid only for the duration of that transaction and includes exact details such as the plot number of a property or the name of the business being formed.

Personal POA vs. Business POA

In addition to General and Special POAs, POAs are also categorised based on their purpose—whether personal or business-related.

Personal POA

Used for matters involving your private affairs. This could include:

• Managing family legal matters

• Signing documents for medical procedures

• Appointing someone to handle day-to-day tasks during absence

These are often used between spouses, family members, or close friends.

Business POA

Used for corporate or commercial purposes. Examples include:

• Appointing a manager to act on behalf of the company

• Giving signing authority for trade licence applications or visa submissions

• Allowing an external advisor or PRO to deal with government departments

A Business POA often needs to be drafted in both English and Arabic and may need legalisation from the Notary Public, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant entities.

How to Create a Power of Attorney in the UAE

Creating a POA in the UAE involves a few key steps:

1. Draft the POA
   It must be clear, legally sound, and list all powers being granted. At Elite Service Group, we help ensure the language is correct and in line with local legal requirements.

2. Notarise the POA
   This can be done at a Notary Public in the UAE. For those outside the UAE, the POA must be notarised locally and then legalised through the UAE Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs once in the country.

3. Translate into Arabic
   All POAs must be in Arabic, or accompanied by a certified legal translation.

4. Submit to relevant parties
   Once notarised, the POA can be used for transactions, legal filings, or submitted to government entities as needed.

Validity and Cancellation

A Power of Attorney can be valid for a fixed period or until the task is completed. Some POAs automatically expire after a specific duration, while others remain valid until you officially revoke them.

If you wish to cancel a POA, you must issue a revocation through the Notary Public and inform all parties who received the original POA. Failure to do this may allow the agent to continue acting on your behalf.

Choosing the Right POA

The right POA depends entirely on your situation. If you just need someone to represent you in a one-time property transaction, a Special POA is usually enough. If you’re travelling or managing a wide range of responsibilities, a General POA might be more suitable.

Here’s a quick guide:

Delegate With Confidence

Giving someone Power of Attorney is a major decision, but with the right guidance, it becomes a powerful tool to manage your life and business more efficiently. Whether you’re appointing someone to handle a single task or entrusting them with broader authority, getting it drafted correctly is key.

At Elite Service Group, we help clients draft, notarise, and legalise POAs for property, business, and personal use. Our experts guide you through every step to ensure your rights are protected and your documents are legally sound.

Contact us today for personalised advice or to get started with your Power of Attorney.