When a power of attorney is enough
DLD allows an owner to be represented at the transfer by an attorney. If you live abroad, a power of attorney lets your representative do everything that needs a physical presence in Dubai: sign Form F, deal with the developer and attend the transfer at the trustee office. The rest of the sale, such as your first call with us, the valuation and the search for a buyer, can be done remotely.
DLD's digital route through the Dubai Now app requires a UAE ID and a property without a mortgage. Owners who live abroad without an Emirates ID therefore usually sell through a power of attorney.
The steps
| Step | Where |
|---|---|
| Wording of the power of attorney | lawyer or agency |
| Notarisation | notary in your country or a UAE embassy |
| Legalisation | according to UAE rules |
| Attestation in the UAE | UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| Arabic translation | legal translator |
| Use at the transfer | DLD trustee office |
- Choose your attorney. Pick a person you trust, because they will act for you in the sale.
- Draft the wording. The document should name the property and list what the attorney may do. We can help you check the wording before you sign.
- Notarise the document. Sign it before a notary in your country or at a UAE embassy or consulate, depending on the route available.
- Legalise the document. A power of attorney signed outside the UAE usually needs legalisation before it can be used in Dubai.
- Attest it in the UAE. Once the document reaches Dubai, it may also need attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Hand it to your attorney. Your attorney presents the original at the trustee office on the transfer day.
What the power of attorney should cover
The document should name the property, including the building, unit and title deed number, and list what the attorney may do. Typical powers include signing Form A and Form F, applying for the developer NOC, representing you at the trustee office and, if you agree, receiving the sale proceeds. If the wording is too general or omits a needed power, the trustee office may refuse it. Check the scope with a lawyer before you sign.
How the money reaches you
How you receive the sale proceeds is agreed in Form F before the transfer. Whether the payment goes to you directly or to your attorney depends on the wording of the power of attorney and on the requirements that apply at the time of the sale. We go through the options with you before you sign the power of attorney, so its wording fits the way you want to be paid.
Timing
Preparing a power of attorney, including notarisation, legalisation and any Arabic translation, depends on the country of signature and the authorities involved. Start early, before a buyer is ready, so the document does not delay the trustee appointment.
The sale itself follows the usual steps described in our guide on how to sell property in Dubai, and the fees are listed in selling costs in Dubai.
Frequently asked questions
Who can act as my attorney?
Any adult you trust can act as your attorney, for example a family member, a friend or a lawyer. Your attorney will sign documents and attend the transfer for you, so choose someone reliable and available in Dubai on the transfer date.
Does a foreign power of attorney need legalisation?
Yes, usually. A power of attorney signed outside the UAE must be legalised before DLD can use it. The steps depend on the country where it was signed and the UAE rules that apply.
Is an Arabic translation required?
Usually, yes. A power of attorney for use in the UAE generally needs a legal Arabic translation. The authority handling the transaction determines whether the translation is required for your document.
How will I receive the sale proceeds?
You receive the proceeds in the way agreed in Form F before the transfer, either directly or through your attorney. Which of the two applies depends on the wording of the power of attorney and on the requirements at the time of the sale.
Can I revoke the power of attorney?
Yes. The process depends on the wording of the document and the applicable legal process, so obtain legal advice before revoking it or appointing someone else.
How long does a power of attorney take?
There is no single timetable. It depends on the country, notarisation, legalisation, translation and any UAE attestation, so those steps should be checked before signing.
Selling your Dubai property from abroad?
We will check which power of attorney your case needs.