EPISODE 25

Welcome back to the POA Desk.

In the last episode, we covered POA fees and the hidden costs that can catch people by surprise. Today, we're looking at something even more practical: the documents and information you should have ready before starting a Power of Attorney, and how proper preparation can prevent unnecessary delays.

The biggest cause of delay isn't drafting or notarisation—it's incomplete documentation. A POA cannot be prepared without the correct information, and it cannot be notarised without the required supporting documents. Having everything ready from the start can save days.

Here's what you'll typically need.

For a Property Sale POA:

• Title deed (PDF or clear image)
• Principal's passport and Emirates ID (if resident)
• Attorney's passport and Emirates ID (if applicable)
• Sale agreement or MOU (if the sale has already begun)
• Mortgage details, including bank information and liability letter where available

For a Property Management POA:

• Title deed
• Identification for both principal and attorney
• Existing tenancy contracts
• Ejari details (if registered)
• Service charge account information

For a Corporate POA:

• Valid trade licence
• Memorandum of Association or company constitutional documents
• Board resolution (where required)
• Identification of the authorised signatory
• Attorney's identification
• Any free zone or mainland authority documents relevant to the company

For a Bank Account POA:

• Principal's identification
• Attorney's identification
• Bank name, branch, and account details
• Any bank-specific forms or specimen signature requirements

For an Inheritance POA:

• Death certificate
• Inheritance order or recognised will
• Identification of the heir
• Documents linking the heir to the deceased
• Details of the assets involved

Some requirements apply to almost every POA.

If the principal is overseas, valid identification suitable for remote notarisation is essential. If they are not comfortable in English, let us know their preferred language so they fully understand the document before signing. The legal version remains Arabic, with English provided for reference, and additional translations can be arranged where needed.

You'll also need to clearly explain what the attorney is authorised to do. Clear instructions create an effective POA. Vague instructions often result in amendments later.

Finally, provide the attorney's contact details and decide how long the POA should remain valid—whether for one year, several years, or indefinitely.

We regularly see three avoidable mistakes:

• Starting with only "I need a POA" and no supporting information.
• Sending expired passports, Emirates IDs, or trade licences.
• Uploading blurred or incomplete document photos that cannot be read.

Each of these creates unnecessary delays.

At POAS, every client receives a tailored document checklist before drafting begins. We explain exactly what is required, the preferred format, and only start once everything has been received. That keeps the process efficient and the timeline predictable.

In Episode 26, we'll explain what a court-licensed entity is, where a POA is notarised, and why choosing the right provider matters.

I'm Patrick. Thanks for joining me at the POA Desk.