In the fast-paced legal and business environment of the United Arab Emirates, getting a document notarized is a crucial step for making it legally valid, recognized, and enforceable. Whether you are dealing with personal matters like a Power of Attorney, or corporate affairs such as company formation, notarization ensures that your documents comply with local legal requirements.
In this detailed guide, we at Attestation Services Dubai explain what notarization means, how the process works in Dubai, what types of documents need notarization, where to go, what it costs, and how to streamline the experience—both offline and online.
What Does It Mean to Get a Document Notarized?
To notarize a document means to have it authenticated by a notary public—an authorized legal professional—who verifies your identity, witnesses your signature, and confirms the document’s authenticity under UAE law.
Once a document is notarized:
- It is recognized by government authorities, courts, and institutions.
- It is legally admissible in civil, corporate, and real estate transactions.
- It may be used for international legal purposes (after further attestation).
Types of Notary Services in Dubai
There are two main types of notary services available in Dubai:
Public Notary Services
Provided by Dubai Courts, public notaries operate under fixed government fees and serve residents at official centers such as:
- Al Twar Center
- Al Barsha Traffic Center
- Dubai Courts Main Building
Public notary services are ideal for standard documents like:
- Powers of Attorney
- Affidavits
- Lease contracts
- True copies
Private Notary Services
Authorized law firms and legal consultants offer private notary services for added flexibility, such as:
- Mobile notary (home/office visits)
- After-hours appointments
- Multilingual drafting
These services are often used for:
- Urgent matters
- Corporate agreements
- Complex legal documents
At Attestation Services Dubai, we offer mobile notarization, document drafting, Arabic translation, and complete document handling.
Common Documents That Require Notarization
Here are the most frequently notarized documents in Dubai:
Personal Documents:
- Power of Attorney (POA) – For medical, legal, financial, or real estate representation.
- Affidavits & Declarations – Used for immigration, travel consent, inheritance, etc.
- Marriage & Divorce Agreements – Required for family law matters.
- Rental Agreements – In case of property disputes or validation.
- Certified True Copies – Passport, Emirates ID, educational degrees, etc.
Business & Corporate Documents:
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Board Resolutions
- Shareholder Agreements
- Company Formation Papers
- Partnership Agreements
- Service & Sales Contracts
Many of these documents also require further attestation for international use, which we handle seamlessly at Attestation Services Dubai.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Document Notarized in Dubai
Prepare the Document
- Ensure the document is typed in Arabic or bilingual (Arabic-English).
- All names and data must match valid ID documents.
- Review formatting, as notarization may be rejected for incomplete or inaccurate documents.
Translation If Needed
- All documents must be in Arabic or officially translated into Arabic by a Ministry of Justice (MOJ)-certified translator.
Need help? We provide certified legal translation services at competitive rates.
Schedule the Notarization
You can choose one of the following options:
- Public Notary Appointment at a Dubai Courts notary office
- Private Notary Booking through an authorized legal consultant or firm
- E-Notary Online Service (available for certain documents via Dubai Courts portal)
Attend In Person or Book Mobile Notary
You must:
- Present valid ID (Emirates ID or passport)
- Sign in front of the notary (no pre-signing)
- Pay the applicable notary fee
For businesses, company representatives must bring a:
- Board resolution authorizing the signatory
- Valid trade license
Receive the Notarized Document
You’ll receive a stamped, signed version with the official Dubai Courts Notary Seal (or law firm stamp in case of private notaries).
Notarization Fees in Dubai
Public Notary Fees
| Document Type | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Power of Attorney (General) | AED 100 – AED 300 |
| Power of Attorney (Corporate) | AED 300 – AED 600 |
| Personal Declarations | AED 150 – AED 300 |
| MOA/Shareholder Agreements | AED 1,000 – AED 2,500 |
| Lease / Tenancy Contracts | AED 200 – AED 500 |
| Certified True Copies | AED 50 – AED 100 per copy |
Private Notary Fees
| Service Type | Fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| Home/Office Notarization | 699 – 1,299 |
| Urgent Same-Day Services | + AED 250 – AED 500 |
| Legal Translation Add-On | 100 – 300 per page |
| Corporate Documents | 1,500 – 5,000 |
For an exact quote, contact us and our legal team will assess your document needs within minutes.
Can You Notarize a Document Online in Dubai?
Yes. Dubai Courts has launched an e-notary platform that allows users to:
- Upload documents
- Attend video calls for ID verification
- Pay online
- Receive notarized files by email or courier
However, not all document types are accepted online. Complex commercial contracts and MOAs still require in-person presence.
We can help you navigate the Dubai Courts e-notary platform, submit applications on your behalf, and manage approvals.
Important Legal Requirements
- Arabic Language: All documents must be in Arabic or legally translated.
- Identity Verification: Original Emirates ID or passport is mandatory.
- Physical Presence: Signatures must be made in front of the notary.
- Witnesses: Some documents (like wills) may require additional witnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner notarize a document in Dubai?
Yes, provided they are present with a valid passport and the document pertains to UAE jurisdiction.
What is the difference between notarization and attestation?
- Notarization is done inside the UAE for documents created or used here.
- Attestation is required when documents need to be used internationally and involves consulate and MOFA approval.
Can I notarize multiple documents at once?
Yes, but you may be charged per document or per signature, depending on the complexity.
Are notarized documents valid across the UAE?
Yes, notarized documents from Dubai are legally accepted throughout the UAE.
Why Choose Attestation Services Dubai?
At Attestation Services Dubai, we specialize in:
- Power of Attorney drafting and notarization
- Legal document preparation and translation
- Home and office mobile notary service
- E-notary guidance and filing
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation
We combine legal accuracy, document compliance, and quick turnaround times to ensure your paperwork is fully recognized and ready for use.
Conclusion
Getting a document notarized in Dubai is a vital step in formalizing personal and business matters. Whether you are issuing a POA, launching a company, or preparing documents for overseas use, notarization adds essential legal weight.
With the support of professionals like us at Attestation Services Dubai, the process becomes fast, hassle-free, and compliant with all UAE regulations. Whether you’re in a rush or need help with translation and formatting, our team is ready to assist you every step of the way.