You can buy or sell property in Dubai without flying in: a representative signs for you under a power of attorney. But since July 2025 the Dubai Land Department has tightened its rules, and one wrong wording now means a refused registration. Here is how to get it right the first time.
Which power of attorney you need
Only a special power of attorney for a specific action on a specific property. The Dubai Land Department no longer accepts general “do everything” POAs. Under DLD Circular 29/R/2025 of 16 July 2025 the text must state the action exactly:
- buying — “purchase for oneself” or “co-purchase”;
- selling — “sale of real estate”;
- mortgage — “real estate mortgage”;
- gift — “grant of real estate”.
Where to issue it
In the UAE. With a Dubai Courts notary, a private notary, or online through the UAE Ministry of Justice service, which is also available to people abroad. Foreigners without UAE Pass may need an extra identity check.
Abroad. Four conditions apply:
- the POA is certified by a local notary;
- legalised at the UAE embassy and attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
- accompanied by an Arabic translation from a UAE-licensed translator;
- no more than two years old, with the original presented to the Land Department.
Note: an apostille does not work here. The UAE is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, so consular legalisation is required. Many people lose weeks on this.
How the Land Department checks a POA
Authenticity is verified only through official portals: Dubai Courts, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and the Ministry of Justice. A QR code on the document is no longer accepted as proof on its own.
When selling, the proceeds are paid by cheque in the owner’s name by default. They can go to the representative only if the POA and the contract expressly allow it. Lawyers interpret this rule differently, so I advise receiving the money into your own account.
Costs and timing
| What | Guide |
|---|---|
| Dubai Courts notary | AED 100–300 |
| Private notary in the UAE | AED 1,000–1,900 |
| Arabic translation | AED 500–1,500 |
| UAE MOFA attestation | about AED 150 |
| Drafting by a lawyer | AED 1,500–5,000 |
| Time when issued abroad | usually 15–30 working days |
These are market guides from Dubai law firms; exact costs depend on the notary and the country of issue.
The most common mistakes
- A general POA or an imprecise description of the action.
- A POA older than two years.
- The passport in the POA has since been replaced — then both are needed.
- An apostille instead of embassy legalisation.
- Overly broad powers for the representative.
How to protect yourself
- Limit the powers to a specific property and a specific action.
- Set a validity period and keep the right to revoke.
- Receive sale proceeds only into your own account.
- Verify the POA on the court portal before the transaction date.
My view
Many overseas buyers purchase exactly this way — without a flight. It is reliable if the POA is drafted correctly from the start. That is why we first agree its text for the specific deal, and only then does the client go to the notary. It saves weeks.
More on the deal itself: how to buy an apartment in Dubai step by step. If you want to buy or sell remotely, leave a request and my team will handle the transaction.
Information as of September 2026; not legal advice. Sources: BSA Law on DLD Circular 29/R/2025, UAE Ministry of Justice, UAE MOFA attestation, Hague Apostille Convention status, Dubai Land Department, cost guides.
