Investing in Dubai’s real estate market no longer requires you to board a plane. A Power of Attorney (POA) for Property in Dubai enables overseas investors to complete entire property transactions through a trusted representative who handles everything at the Dubai Land Department (DLD). This legal tool has become essential as Dubai attracts global investors seeking high returns in one of the world’s fastest-growing property markets.
The UAE’s digital transformation has streamlined remote property transactions significantly. Whether you’re purchasing your first investment property or selling an existing asset, understanding how a Power of Attorney (POA) for Property in Dubai works will save you time, money, and travel expenses while ensuring full legal compliance.
Table of Contents
- What is a POA for Dubai Property?
- POA Requirements and Restrictions
- How to Issue a POA Remotely
- Buying Dubai Property Remotely
- Selling Dubai Property Remotely
- Key Considerations and Costs
- FAQs
What is a POA for Dubai Property?
A Power of Attorney (POA) for Property in Dubai is a legal document authorizing a designated person (your agent) to act on your behalf for real estate transactions. The DLD recognizes POAs as valid instruments for property registration, transfers, and sales, eliminating the need for overseas investors to travel for every transaction step.
The POA grants specific powers to your representative—from signing contracts to completing title transfers. You maintain control by clearly defining the scope of authority. Dubai recognizes two POA types: general POAs for multiple transactions and special POAs for specific actions like selling a particular property.
POA Requirements and Restrictions
Essential Documentation
Your Power of Attorney (POA) for Property in Dubai must include precise details: full names and passport information for both you and your agent, exact property specifications (plot numbers, developer names, locations), and explicitly stated powers like “buy,” “sell,” or “transfer ownership.”
The document requires notarization in your home country, followed by attestation from your Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE Embassy, and finally UAE MOFA. Non-Arabic POAs need certified Arabic translation before DLD submission.
Validity and Payment Rules
UAE-issued POAs remain valid for up to 2 years; foreign POAs last up to 1 year. The DLD restricts general sales POAs to first-degree relatives unless you possess a title deed or Oqood certificate.
Critical payment rule: All transaction funds must flow directly to the title deed owner’s account, never to the POA holder. This DLD mandate prevents financial misappropriation and ensures transparent transfers.
How to Issue a POA Remotely
Traditional Attestation Route
Step 1: Engage a UAE property lawyer to draft your POA with all required details and specific powers.
Step 2: Notarize the document at a local notary public in your home country (USD 50-150).
Step 3: Submit to your Ministry of Foreign Affairs for attestation (3-10 business days, USD 100-200).
Step 4: Get UAE Embassy/Consulate attestation (5-15 business days, USD 100-300).
Step 5: Your Dubai agent submits to UAE MOFA for final attestation (2-5 business days).
Step 6: Obtain certified Arabic translation if needed (AED 300-500).
Step 7: Agent registers POA with DLD (AED 200-300).
Total timeline: 15-30 business days.
Digital Alternative
Some developers and the DLD offer online POA platforms with video verification. These digital services reduce processing to 5-10 days and eliminate traditional attestation routes. Check if your transaction qualifies for these streamlined processes.
Buying Dubai Property Remotely
Preparation Phase
Research Dubai’s property market through online platforms and reputable brokers. Focus on freehold zones where foreigners can own property: Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, and Jumeirah Lake Towers.
Request virtual tours, floor plans, and legal documentation. Verify the property’s title deed status and confirm no outstanding disputes exist before proceeding.
Appointing Your Agent
Select a RERA-licensed broker or registered property lawyer as your POA holder. Verify credentials through the Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Agency. Your Power of Attorney (POA) for Property in Dubai should authorize your agent to sign purchase agreements, submit Form A/F applications, obtain NOCs, and complete DLD registration.
The Purchase Process
Your agent identifies properties matching your criteria and negotiates terms. They sign the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) on your behalf. For off-plan properties, they submit Form F to DLD; for ready properties, Form A accompanies the transfer application.
Open a UAE bank account remotely through banks offering international services. Transfer funds according to the SPA payment schedule. Your agent ensures correct payment flow and obtains receipts for DLD submission.
Completion
Your agent coordinates with sellers or developers for title deed transfer. Electronic signatures enable complete remote transaction completion. Once DLD registration completes, your agent collects the title deed and can courier it to your location.
Selling Dubai Property Remotely
Pre-Sale Requirements
Provide your agent with the original title deed or Oqood certificate. Your Power of Attorney (POA) for Property in Dubai must explicitly authorize “sell” powers with acceptable price ranges to guide negotiations.
Marketing and Transfer
Your agent lists the property, conducts viewings, and negotiates offers within your specified parameters. Once an acceptable offer arrives, they prepare the SPA outlining sale terms.
Your agent schedules a DLD appointment for title transfer and signs the Iqrar (transfer acknowledgment) on your behalf. The DLD verifies all documents before processing.
Payment Collection
Ensure your UAE bank account is active. Buyers pay through manager’s cheques or transfers directly to your account. The DLD requires payment proof before finalizing transfers. Your agent obtains completion documents and transfers net proceeds after deducting fees.
Revoke your POA immediately after sale completion by submitting a notarized revocation notice to the DLD.
Key Considerations and Costs
Choosing the Right Agent
Select licensed RERA brokers or registered lawyers with verifiable credentials and proven track records. Avoid over-broad POAs—limit powers to specific necessary actions with clear expiration dates.
Cost Breakdown
| Service | Cost Range (AED) |
| POA Attestation (Total) | 1,000 – 2,500 |
| Arabic Translation | 300 – 500 |
| DLD Registration | 200 – 300 |
| Online POA Platform | 550 – 1,000 |
| Legal Consultation | 1,000 – 5,000 |
Additional transaction costs include 4% DLD transfer fees (split between buyer and seller) and 2% agent commission.
Legal Safeguards
Consult UAE property lawyers before issuing a Power of Attorney (POA) for Property in Dubai. Maintain regular communication with your agent and request copies of all documents. You retain revocation rights at any time through formal DLD notification.
FAQs
Can I complete property transactions without visiting Dubai?
Yes, a properly executed Power of Attorney (POA) for Property in Dubai enables complete remote transactions. Your agent handles all DLD procedures, signings, and registrations without requiring your physical presence.
How long does the POA process take?
Traditional attestation requires 15-30 business days. Online POA platforms with video verification reduce this to 5-10 days for qualifying transactions.
Who can I appoint as my agent?
You can appoint any trusted individual, but DLD restricts general sales POAs to first-degree relatives without ownership documents. Licensed brokers or lawyers offer professional accountability and regulatory oversight.
Do I need Arabic translation for my POA?
Yes, all non-Arabic POAs require certified Arabic translation by approved UAE translators before DLD submission, costing AED 300-500.
Can foreigners buy property anywhere in Dubai?
Foreigners can purchase freehold properties only in designated zones and leasehold properties in other areas. Verify the property location permits foreign ownership before proceeding.
A Power of Attorney (POA) for Property in Dubai removes geographical barriers from real estate investment while maintaining complete legal security. By understanding POA requirements, selecting qualified agents, and following proper processes, you can confidently buy or sell Dubai properties remotely, capitalizing on one of the world’s most dynamic markets from anywhere in the world.
