Power of Attorney (POA) Legalization for Use in the UAE
A Power of Attorney (POA) is an essential legal document that authorizes an individual or representative to act on behalf of a company, organization, or individual in legal, business, or financial matters. To be valid in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the POA must be fully authenticated and legalized through the proper U.S. and UAE authorities.
The Embassy of the UAE in Washington, D.C., together with the U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce (USACC), facilitates the complete legalization of POAs to ensure they are recognized for official, commercial, or personal use in the UAE.
Legalization Process
Notarization – The POA must be signed and notarized by a licensed U.S. notary public.
State Certification – The notarized POA is certified by the Secretary of State in the state where it was issued.
U.S. Department of State Authentication – The certified document is authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
Embassy Legalization – The UAE Embassy affixes its official legalization stamp, confirming the document’s validity in the UAE.
Types of Powers of Attorney
POAs can cover various purposes, including:
Corporate or business representation
Signing contracts, agreements, or official documents
Managing bank accounts, real estate, or corporate affairs
Personal or family matters
Notarized Company Document Processing Time & Fees.
| Service | Fees | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Service fee | $80 | - |
| Maryland notary, court and state fees | $15 | 1 |
| Embassy of UAE fee | $700 | 8 |
| Total | $795 | 9 business days |
When Legalization Is Required
Legalizing a POA ensures that:
The document is genuine and legally binding in the UAE.
The authorized agent can act on your behalf without delays.
Compliance is maintained with UAE ministry, court, and banking requirements.
Risks of Skipping Legalization
Failing to properly legalize a POA may result in:
Rejection by UAE authorities
Delays in transactions or approvals
Inability of the agent to act legally
Additional costs for reprocessing
How to Submit a POA
Submit the original notarized POA via mail or through an authorized service provider.
Include a prepaid, self-addressed envelope with tracking for timely return.
Digital copies may be provided initially to expedite review.
The U.S. Arab Chamber of Commerce ensures that all POAs are processed efficiently, accurately, and in full compliance with UAE legalization requirements.