Buying property in dubai through power of attorney — what you must know

Buying property in Dubai can feel complicated if you're not living in the city. You've probably spotted an apartment or villa that seems perfect, maybe in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, or Palm Jumeirah. The price is reasonable, the location fits your lifestyle, but you're miles away. How do you handle contracts, payments, or registration when you can't be there in person?

This is where a Power of Attorney (POA) comes into play. It's a legal tool that allows someone you trust to act on your behalf. With it, they can sign contracts, make payments, and even complete property registration, all while you stay elsewhere.

Before you go down this route, there are a few things you should know to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Types of Power of Attorney

When it comes to buying property in Dubai, not all POAs are the same. There are two main types, and knowing the difference makes a big difference in how you handle the process.

General Power of Attorney

A General POA gives your agent broad authority. They can handle a variety of tasks on your behalf, not just property matters. It's useful if you want someone to manage multiple responsibilities for you, but you need to trust them completely because they'll have a lot of control over your affairs.

Special (or Specific) Power of Attorney

A Special POA is more focused and commonly used for buying property in Dubai. It's meant for a specific task, like buying a particular apartment or villa. Your agent can only act on that one transaction. It's the safer choice for most property buyers because it limits the scope, making the process simpler and reducing the chance of mistakes or misuse.

Most people buying property from abroad go for a Special POA. It's clear, precise, and easier for the Dubai Land Department to process, while still letting someone handle all the practical steps for you.

When and Why a POA Is Useful

If you're living abroad and want to buy property in Dubai, being there for every step isn't always possible. A Power of Attorney lets someone you trust handle the paperwork, sign contracts, pay fees, and even attend the DLD on your behalf.

Here are some common situations where people use a POA:

• Foreign investors who live outside the UAE.
• Buyers with tight schedules who cannot attend registration.
• Situations where the property purchase needs to be completed quickly.

Using a POA doesn't mean you lose oversight. You can set conditions, request regular updates, and monitor all transactions. It simply makes the process more manageable.

Legal Requirements in Dubai

Dubai has strict rules to ensure POAs are valid and secure. A POA must meet the following criteria:

Notarisation

If the POA is issued in Dubai, it must be notarised by a public notary. If your POA is issued outside the UAE, the process has a few more steps. First, it needs to be attested by the UAE embassy in the country where it was created. After that, it has to be legalised by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Without this, the POA will not be recognised for property transactions.

Registration with the Dubai Land Department (DLD)

After notarisation, the POA must be registered with the DLD to be valid for buying property. Registration confirms the document's authenticity and links the agent to the specific property transaction. Without this, your agent might not be able to act on your behalf at the DLD, and the property purchase could stall.

Clear and Specific Wording

The POA must clearly state its purpose, such as "to purchase and register a specific apartment or villa." Vague language can cause delays or legal issues. If your POA is drafted in English or another language, it must be translated into Arabic by a certified translator before it can be submitted to the Dubai Land Department. The Arabic version is the legally recognised one, so even if there's a minor difference between the original and the translation, the Arabic version prevails.

Original Document Only

Copies or scanned versions are not accepted. The DLD requires the original notarised and attested POA for registration. The original document carries the official signatures, stamps, and notarisation that prove its authenticity. A copy, even if it looks perfect, doesn't have the same legal weight. If you try to use a copy, your property registration could be delayed or rejected.

Costs Associated with a POA

Getting a POA in Dubai involves a few costs, which vary depending on where and how you prepare it:

Drafting the POA: AED 200 to AED 500, depending on complexity and whether you need translation services.

Notarisation Fees: AED 100 to AED 200 if done locally; AED 550 to AED 3,000 if done abroad and attested.

Legal Consultation: AED 300 to AED 600 if you hire a lawyer to review the document.

Overall, expect to spend roughly AED 1,000 to AED 4,000 to prepare a POA correctly. While it might feel like an extra expense, it ensures the transaction is legal and secure.

Risks and How to Mitigate Them

A Power of Attorney can make property dealings in Dubai a lot easier, but it's not something to hand out lightly. You're giving another person the legal authority to act on your behalf, so a bit of caution goes a long way. Here's how to protect yourself and keep things on track.

Choose Someone You Truly Trust

The person you appoint under a POA will have access to important documents and participate in important decisions. So, pick wisely. Most people go with a family member, close friend, or a professional legal representative. If you're hiring a professional, do your homework. Check credentials, read reviews, and make sure they've handled similar property matters before. 

Be Clear About What They Can Do

A POA doesn't have to give someone unlimited power. You can outline exactly what they're allowed to handle, for example, "signing the Sales and Purchase Agreement for Apartment No. 2501, Dubai Marina." The more specific you are, the safer you'll be. Vague or broad wording can lead to confusion or misuse. 

Stay in the Loop

Even if you're miles away, stay involved. Ask your agent for copies of signed documents, payment receipts, DLD confirmations or anything that shows progress. Thanks to email and video calls, it's easy to stay connected. Just because you've handed over the paperwork doesn't mean you disappear from the process.

Know When to Revoke It

Sometimes, situations may arise in which your agent moves abroad, your plans shift, or your trust in your agent fades. Whatever the reason, you can revoke the POA. It's a simple legal process done through a notary. Once revoked, make sure everyone involved (your agent, DLD, developer, and bank) is aware of it. That way, no one can use the old POA after it's cancelled.

Conclusion

If you're buying property in Dubai but can't be there yourself, a Power of Attorney can make life a lot easier. It lets someone you trust handle all the practical stuff, like signing documents, paying fees, and even going to the Dubai Land Department. You're not giving away control. Think of it more like having a helping hand who knows exactly what to do while you stay updated. The trick is to pick the right person, make sure the POA is clear and official, and keep in touch as things move along. That way, you can focus on planning your move or investment without worrying about every little step.

Don’t let distance slow down your plans. With the right Power of Attorney and a trusted team on the ground, owning property in Dubai is easier than you think. Contact us today and let us help you get started.