Owning a business or property in the UAE while living abroad can be challenging, especially when you need to sign documents, deal with government departments, or manage day-to-day affairs. This is where a Power of Attorney in the UAE becomes a practical and legally valid solution for foreign owners.

But how far can a POA go? Can it allow someone to run a business in your name? Let’s break it down.

Why is a Business POA the Smartest Choice for Foreign Business Owners?

If you’re a foreign owner managing multiple ventures remotely, or you’re waiting for your UAE visa, a POA ensures business continuity without delays. It’s also ideal during travel restrictions, long-term absences, or while waiting for corporate structures or licenses to finalize. In short, it’s a smart fallback that keeps your business moving even when aren’t present.

There are two primary types of POA relevant to businesses:

  • General Power of Attorney: Grants wide-ranging authority across multiple areas, including business dealings, contracts, and property matters.
  • Special Power of Attorney: Limits the agent’s authority to a specific task like renewing a trade license or selling a property.

For business matters, a Business POA is the most commonly used type. It allows the agent to act on behalf of the owner in matters relating to company operations.

Can a Foreign Owner Use a POA in the UAE?

Yes, definitely. A foreign business owner can legally issue a Business Power of Attorney in the UAE to appoint someone as their authorized representative for handling various business affairs on their behalf. This is especially valuable for owners who reside abroad or travel frequently.

With a properly executed Business POA, the appointed agent can:

  • Represent the company before government authorities such as the DED, Municipality, Immigration, and other regulatory bodies
  • Sign contracts, agreements, and official forms on behalf of the business
  • Submit and collect documents related to trade licenses, permits, and approvals
  • Oversee the renewal of company licenses and other regulatory documents
  • Manage property-related transactions linked to the company
  • Operate or open bank accounts, depending on the bank’s internal acceptance policies
  • Handle visa applications, employee documentation, and related immigration processes

By issuing a Power of Attorney in the UAE, business owners can ensure seamless operations, even in their absence, all while maintaining legal compliance and control.

When Do Foreign Owners Use a Business POA?

A Business POA in the UAE comes in handy when:

  • You’re unable to physically be present in the UAE for business tasks
  • You want to authorize a trusted employee or legal consultant to handle day-to-day operations
  • You’re managing multiple companies or properties in different Emirates
  • You’re out of the country and need someone to renew trade licenses or process visas

A Business or Company POA enables smooth operations without needing to be in the UAE every time a signature or presence is required.

How to Legally Issue a Power of Attorney in the UAE

If You Are in the UAE:

  • Draft the POA: Clearly mention the scope (general or business-specific).
  • Sign before a UAE Notary Public: This can be done at a notary’s physical office or via e-notary video service (widely available now).
  • Use a bilingual format: POAs must be in Arabic or Arabic-English, as required by UAE authorities.

If You Are Outside the UAE:

  1. Draft and notarize the POA in your country of origin.
  2. Get the POA attested by:
    • Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of origin.
    • UAE Embassy/Consulate in the country of origin.
  1. Send the document to the UAE, and complete:
    • Arabic legal translation (certified translator).
    • Attestation at the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
    • Attestation at the UAE Ministry of Justice.

Only after these steps is your Power of Attorney in the UAE legally valid and enforceable for business use.

Important Limitations to Know

Even though a Business POA grants strong authority, keep these limitations in mind:

  • No Ownership Rights: The POA gives authority to act, not shareholding or legal ownership of the business.
  • Bank Restrictions: Some UAE banks may not accept POAs for account opening or transactions, always confirm with your bank.
  • Court Representation: You need a Litigation POA for legal matters before courts, General POAs won’t suffice.
  • Validity: You can specify an expiration date or set a limited duration of the POA, but it must be clearly mentioned in the document.
  • Misuse Risk: The agent must act within the granted powers only. Any misuse can lead to revocation or legal penalties.

The Importance of Drafting the POA Right

A poorly worded POA can be rejected or misused. That’s why every Business Power of Attorney must:

  • Clearly define the actions permitted
  • Specify jurisdiction (e.g., Dubai, UAE)
  • Mention the duration
  • Be in Arabic or bilingual (Arabic-English)
  • Include notarization and proper attestation

Conclusion

Yes, foreign owners can use a Power of Attorney in the UAE to manage business operations efficiently and legally. A well-drafted Business POA allows you to delegate authority without giving up control.

Whether you’re starting a new company, managing real estate, or simply need someone to represent you legally, a POA is your gateway to hassle-free operations in the UAE.

At MakeMyPOA, we specialize in drafting precise and legally compliant POAs tailored to your business needs in the UAE.

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