Do I need to give a General or a Special Power of Attorney?

✅ Quick Summary: General and Special Power of Attorney in the UAE

•   A Power of Attorney (POA) lets someone act on your behalf legally.
•   General POA grants broad powers over financial, legal, and property matters.
•   In Dubai, a General POA usually cannot be used to sell real estate unless the agent is a first-degree relative.
•   Special POA limits authority to specific tasks or assets (e.g., selling a vehicle or managing one property).
•   Choosing the right POA depends on the scope of authority you want to grant.
•   POA.ae offers professional POA drafting and related services in the UAE.

Do I need to give a General or a Special Power of Attorney?

If you want someone to act on your behalf in the UAE, you’ll need to choose between a General Power of Attorney (POA) or a Special POA.

A General POA grants broad authority over legal, financial, or property matters. A Special POA, on the other hand, is limited to specific tasks like selling one vehicle or managing a specific property.

This article will help you distinguish between a General POA and a Special POA by clearly explaining their respective definitions.

What Is a Power of Attorney (POA)?

For most people, a Power of Attorney (POA) is not common knowledge. Many have heard of it, but few truly understand what it is, what it can do, or when it’s needed.

To begin with, a Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes another person, called an agent or attorney-in-fact, to act on behalf of the person granting the authority, referred to as the principal. 

This is typically used when the principal is unable to represent themselves personally, for example, due to a busy schedule or being in a different country.

What Is a General Power of Attorney (GPOA)?

A General Power of Attorney (POA) grants broad authority to the agent, allowing them to act on behalf of the principal in a wide range of matters. 

This may include:

• Managing finances or bank transactions (to a certain extent)
• Handling legal matters
• Maintaining and managing real estate properties
• Managing vehicle sales, RTA registration or export
• Representing you in government or legal offices

However, it is important to note that in Dubai, UAE, a General POA is typically not accepted for the sale of real estate property unless the principal and the agent are first-degree relatives (e.g., spouses, children, or parents). 

Otherwise, the principal must provide a copy of the property’s title deed or Oqood certificate (initial contract of sale), and the POA must specifically mention the property details. This would then be considered a Special POA.

General POA for Specific Assets

On the other hand, there are General POAs that apply to specific asset types. For example, there can be a General POA for Vehicle Transactions or a General POA for Property Transactions.

• A General Vehicle POA grants the agent authority to use, drive, maintain, register, export, and sell vehicles.
• A General Property POA gives the agent the authority to buy, handover, manage and sell properties.

What Is a Special Power of Attorney (SPOA)?

A Special POA is limited to specific tasks. It clearly defines and limits the specific actions the agent is authorized to perform. It’s ideal when you want to grant legal authority for a single activity, such as:

• Selling a car
• Representing you in court
• Handing over keys for one specific property
• Signing documents for a business deal

For example, a Special POA may authorize your spouse to represent you in court while you are away and unable to attend personally. 

Another common example is a Special POA granted to a business manager, giving them authority to oversee operations, manage the business, or make certain decisions for the company on your behalf during your absence.

A Special POA can also be issued for single, specific tasks without granting broad powers, such as selling a vehicle or managing a specific real estate property.

Recap: Which POA Is Right for You?

To recap, a Power of Attorney (POA) authorizes someone to act on your behalf.

• A General POA grants broad authority but typically does not cover the sale of real estate property.
• A General Vehicle or Property POA allows the agent to handle the management, maintenance, and sale of those specific assets.
• A Special POA is used to grant specific, clearly defined powers for a particular purpose or task.

Why Choose POA.ae for Your POA Needs?

POA.ae is the first dedicated Power of Attorney firm in the United Arab Emirates and offers a full range of related services, including POA drafting, translation and representation services.

To order your POA today, please place an online order or get in touch with us on +971 55 173 6935 or +971 80076223 or email: contact@poa.ae.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can a General POA be used to sell real estate in Dubai?

In most cases, no. In Dubai, a General POA is typically not accepted for the sale of real estate unless the agent is a first-degree relative (such as a spouse, child, or parent). Otherwise, the POA must be specific to the property and include its details, making it a Special POA.

2. What is a General Property POA?

A General Property POA gives the agent authority over property-related matters. This includes buying, receiving handover, managing, leasing, and selling real estate properties, subject to local restrictions on real estate sales via POA in Dubai.

3. When would I need a Special POA?

You would need a Special POA when you want to authorize someone for a specific, clearly defined task, such as:

• Selling a particular car
• Representing you in court
• Managing or handing over a specific property
• Signing documents for a business deal

4. How long does it take to prepare a POA in the UAE?

POA preparation in the UAE is typically fast and efficient. With firms like POA.ae, a POA can usually be drafted, translated, and ready within 1 to 2 working days, depending on complexity and document requirements.

5. Can POA.ae assist with both General and Special POAs?

Yes, POA.ae specializes in drafting both General and Special Powers of Attorney in the UAE. We also offer related services such as legal translation, attestation, and representation, ensuring a smooth and professional process.

📩 contact@poa.ae | ☎️ 800-POAAE (76223)

Disclaimer: The content on this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute as legal advice nor should it be used as a basis for any specific action or decision. Nothing on this page or website is to be considered as rendering of legal advice or legal services for any specific matter. Users of this website are advised to seek specific legal advice by contacting a lawyer regarding any specific legal issues.