Buying property in Dubai from abroad: how a Power of Attorney makes it possible

Many of our clients buy or sell Dubai property while living in another country. The transfer itself must be completed in person at a DLD trustee office, but the person attending does not have to be you. With a Power of Attorney (POA), you appoint a representative to act on your behalf.

What a POA allows

A property POA can authorise your representative to sign the Form F, apply for the NOC, deal with the bank, pay fees, attend the trustee office and collect the title deed. It can be drafted narrowly for one transaction or more broadly for ongoing management of a property.

Drafting it correctly

The wording matters. The DLD and the trustee offices expect specific powers to be listed, and a POA that is too vague can be rejected on the day. We draft POAs that are accepted first time.

Notarisation and attestation

A POA signed outside the UAE must be notarised in the country where it is signed, then attested so it is recognised in Dubai. The UAE is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, so the route is notarisation in the signing country, legalisation through the UAE embassy there, and attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A legal Arabic translation is then required. We guide you through each step and check the document before you travel to the notary.

Acting as your attorney

Chartered Conveyancing can be appointed as your attorney, so one firm drafts the document and then carries out the transaction. You receive updates at each stage and copies of everything signed in your name.

If you are overseas and want a transaction handled from start to finish, enquire today and we will set out the exact steps for your country.