Public and Private Notary Services in the UAE:

Overview

Notary services in the UAE are essential for validating and legalizing documents, ensuring their authenticity and enforceability under UAE law. The UAE offers both public notary and private notary services, catering to individuals and businesses.

Public Notary in the UAE

A Public Notary is a government official authorized to perform notarial acts, mainly involving the authentication and legalization of documents.

Functions

1. Authentication of Documents:
   • Sale and purchase agreements.
   • Memorandums of understanding (MoU).
   • Power of attorney (POA).
   • Lease agreements.
2. Attestation of Signatures: Ensures the identity of signatories to prevent fraud.
3. Legalization for Official Use: Certifies documents for government and judicial purposes.

Process

1. Appointment Scheduling:
   • Book an appointment online through platforms like Dubai Courts or Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
   • Walk-in appointments are also available at some public notary offices.
2. Document Submission:
   • Original documents and valid identification (e.g., Emirates ID, passport).
   • Drafted agreements (if required).
3. Verification and Approval:
   • Documents are reviewed and approved by the notary.
4. Signing and Stamping:
   • Documents are signed in the presence of the notary.
   • The notary affixes the official seal.

Fees

• Fees vary based on the type of document and service. Basic attestation starts from AED 100 and can go higher depending on the complexity.

Locations

• Public notary offices are located in judicial buildings or dedicated government centers across the UAE.

Private Notary in the UAE

A Private Notary is a licensed individual or law firm authorized by the government to perform certain notarial services, providing flexibility and accessibility for clients.

Functions

1. Corporate Document Notarization:
   • Shareholder agreements.
   • Company resolutions.
   • Articles of incorporation.
2. Private Agreements:
   • Contracts and leases.
   • Settlement agreements.
3. Specialized Services:
   • Assistance with bilingual documents.
   • Remote notarization in specific cases.

Advantages Over Public Notary

1. Convenience: Private notaries often operate with extended working hours and provide mobile services.
2. Personalized Service: Tailored solutions for corporate clients and individuals.
3. Faster Turnaround Time: Ideal for urgent document notarization.

Process

• The process is similar to that of a public notary but can be arranged at the notary’s office, at the client’s location, or remotely (subject to UAE laws).

Fees

• Fees are generally higher than public notaries due to the added convenience and speed. They start from AED 500 and may vary significantly based on the service and document type.

Licensing

• Private notaries must be licensed by judicial authorities in the UAE (e.g., Dubai Courts or Abu Dhabi Judicial Department).

Key Differences Between Public and Private Notary

Remote Notarization in the UAE

The UAE has introduced digital notary services for certain documents, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Documents can now be notarized through secure online platforms provided by the judicial departments.

Steps for Remote Notarization

1. Submit the request through the official online portal.
2. Upload scanned copies of the documents.
3. Attend a video call session for identity verification and signing.
4. Receive the notarized document digitally.

Important Notes

1. Language Requirements:
   • Documents must be in Arabic or accompanied by a certified translation.
2. Witnesses:
   • Certain documents may require witnesses to be present during notarization.
3. Legalization for International Use:
   • Documents notarized in the UAE may require further attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassy of the destination country.

Conclusion

Both public and private notaries in the UAE provide vital services for individuals and businesses. While public notaries are cost-effective and suitable for standard legal procedures, private notaries offer convenience and faster service. Choosing between them depends on the urgency, complexity, and personal preferences.