RAKcompare buyer guide

Online Power of Attorney for UAE property purchases

A simple guide for overseas buyers who want someone in the UAE to complete a property transaction on their behalf without flying in for every signature.

Important: A POA is usually not required when buying directly from a developer. It is mainly used for secondary resale, off-plan resale, or situations where a buyer cannot be physically present for signing and transfer.

1–2

working days typical online timeline

15–20

minutes for the video notary session

AED 1k–3.5k

typical online service cost range

Specific

POA recommended for one property transaction

What is a Power of Attorney?

A POA lets an appointed person act for you in a defined transaction, such as signing documents or completing a property transfer.

How it helps buyers

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that authorizes another person, usually a lawyer, authorized representative, or trusted family member, to act on your behalf for specific property steps.

For UAE real estate, this can include signing contracts, paying approved fees, visiting a developer office, or completing registration steps when you are not physically in the Emirates.

General vs specific POA

General POABroad authority across multiple matters or transactions.

Specific POALimited authority for one transaction, unit, or property only.

RAKcompare recommendation: Use a Specific POA for each property purchase. It is cleaner, safer, and easier for transaction-specific wording.

The 8-step online process

A cleaner process for buyers outside the UAE who want to finish signing and transfer requirements remotely.

Book your online notary session

RAKcompare can connect you to an authorized notary company. Most firms offer same-day or next-day availability. You will usually provide your name, nationality, passport details, property details, and the authorized person’s Emirates ID.

The firm drafts the POA document

The licensed firm drafts the POA with transaction-specific wording and electronic verification protocols. You normally receive a draft PDF before the session to review the powers being granted.

Upload your passport scan

Before the video call, upload a high-resolution scan of every passport page through the firm’s secure portal. Make sure the passport is valid and the scan is clear.

Make your payment online

Pay the service fee online, typically AED 1,000 to AED 3,500 depending on jurisdiction and urgency. Most firms accept credit card, bank transfer, or PayPal.

Join the live video session

At the scheduled time, join the call through the firm’s secure platform. The notary verifies your identity by comparing your face to your passport and may ask basic security questions.

Typical duration: 15–20 minutes

Sign electronically with OTP

During the call, you receive a one-time password by email and mobile. Enter the OTP to sign digitally. No physical signature, printing, or courier is normally required for the online route.

Receive your notarized POA by email

After the session, the notarized POA PDF is sent by email. Forward a copy to your authorized person in the UAE so they can use it for the approved transaction steps.

Your authorized person completes the transaction

Your authorized person presents the POA at the relevant Land Department Trustee Centre or developer office, signs the required documents, pays approved fees, and completes registration in your name.

Transaction complete remotely

What you need to prepare

✓Valid passport — clear scan, all pages, not expired

✓Authorized person’s full details — full name, nationality, and Emirates ID number

✓Property details — project name, unit number, and plot number where applicable

✓Device with a working camera — needed for video identity verification

✓Stable internet and good lighting — to avoid issues during the notary call

✓Email address and mobile number — for OTP delivery during signing

When to check before using POA

Before paying for a POA, confirm the exact wording and acceptance requirements with the notary, developer, trustee centre, or transfer authority involved in your transaction.

Reason: requirements can vary depending on the property, emirate, transaction type, and whether the purchase is direct from the developer or a resale.

Alternative physical notary route

Sign before a local notary in your country of residence.

Legalise the document through your Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Attest it at the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your country.

Complete final MOFAIC attestation when required in the UAE.

Note: this route can take 1–2 weeks, while the online route is usually faster.

Compare before you commit

Use RAKcompare to compare UAE and Ras Al Khaimah projects by location, developer, payment plan, beach access, service level, completion date, and investment potential.

← Back to Blog Start Comparing →

How to issue a Power of Attorney