Confused about notary public Dubai fees? You’re not alone — many people are surprised by the costs when getting documents notarized in the UAE. Whether you’re handling business contracts, powers of attorney, or property papers, knowing the fees upfront helps you avoid unnecessary delays or overpaying. Here’s what you need to know about notary public charges in Dubai.
What is notary public in dubai?
A notary public in Dubai is an official licensed by the Dubai Courts to witness, verify, and certify legal documents. Their role is to ensure that documents — like contracts, affidavits, and powers of attorney — are signed willingly, by the correct parties, and in compliance with UAE law.
In Dubai, there are two main types:
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Government notaries — working at Dubai Courts or service centers.
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Private notaries — authorized legal professionals offering more flexibility (often at higher fees).
Both can help with personal, business, and real estate documents, making sure they’re legally valid and accepted by courts, banks, and government authorities.
The Role of the Notary Public in Dubai
The notary public in Dubai plays a critical role in ensuring legal documents are authentic and enforceable. Their main job is to act as an impartial witness, verifying the identities of the parties signing and confirming that the document is signed voluntarily.
Key responsibilities include:
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Attesting powers of attorney, contracts, and declarations.
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Verifying copies of passports, IDs, and other official documents.
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Certifying signatures to prevent fraud or disputes later.
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Ensuring documents meet UAE legal standards before submission to courts or government offices.
Whether you’re an individual or a business, the notary ensures your paperwork is properly executed and recognized by Dubai’s legal system.
Types of Notarial Services in Dubai
In Dubai, notary publics offer a wide range of services for both individuals and businesses. Understanding what they can help with makes the process smoother.
Common notarial services include:
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Power of Attorney (POA): Attesting POAs for personal, property, or business matters.
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Contract Attestation: Certifying agreements like partnership contracts, sales deeds, and rental agreements.
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Affidavits & Declarations: Verifying sworn statements for court or official purposes.
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Certified True Copies: Attesting copies of passports, IDs, and certificates.
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Company Documents: Certifying board resolutions, MOAs, or other corporate papers.
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Property Transactions: Witnessing and attesting property sale or lease agreements.
Both government and private notaries in Dubai can provide these services, though fees and processing times may vary.
Understanding the Fee Structure
When it comes to notary public Dubai fees, it’s important to know how costs are calculated so you can budget accordingly. Fees depend on the type of document, the number of pages, and whether you choose a government or private notary.
Here’s what typically affects the cost:
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Type of service: Powers of attorney and contracts usually have higher fees than simple document copies.
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Complexity: More detailed or lengthy documents may incur additional charges.
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Urgency: Some private notaries offer expedited services for a premium.
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Location: Government notaries often have fixed rates, while private notaries set their own prices (often higher for convenience).
For most basic documents, fees start from a few hundred AED, but complex contracts or urgent services can cost significantly more. Always request a quote upfront to avoid surprises.
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notary public dubai fees
The notary public Dubai fees are regulated by the Dubai Courts for government notaries, while private notaries have more flexibility in pricing. Below is an overview of typical fees:
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Power of Attorney (POA): Starting from AED 100 to AED 500, depending on the type (personal, general, or property).
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Contract Attestation: Usually AED 200–AED 600 per contract, based on complexity and length.
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Affidavits & Declarations: Around AED 100–AED 300 per document.
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Certified Copies: Approximately AED 50–AED 100 per page.
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Business Documents: Fees for company papers (like board resolutions) can range from AED 300–AED 1,000 or more.
Keep in mind:
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Fees at private notaries may be higher but come with added convenience, such as faster service or flexible hours.
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Always confirm fees in advance to avoid unexpected costs.
Factors affecting Notary Fees
Several factors can influence the notary public Dubai fees, which is why you may see different prices for similar services. Understanding these factors helps you plan better:
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Type of Document: Complex agreements like business contracts or property deeds usually cost more than simple affidavits or certified copies.
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Length & Pages: Longer documents often incur higher fees because they take more time to review and stamp.
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Notary Type: Government notaries follow fixed fees set by Dubai Courts, while private notaries can charge higher rates for added convenience.
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Urgency of Service: If you need same-day or outside-normal-hours notarization, expect to pay a premium, especially with private notaries.
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Additional Services: Services like translation, delivery, or drafting documents may add to the total cost.
By knowing these factors, you can choose the right notary service for your needs and budget.
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Private Notaries vs. Public Notaries: Fee Differences
When choosing between a private and a public notary in Dubai, it’s important to understand how their fees differ — and why.
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Public Notaries (Government):
Fees are fixed by Dubai Courts and tend to be more affordable. However, you may face longer wait times, limited working hours, and less flexibility. -
Private Notaries (Legal Professionals):
Fees are generally higher because they offer faster service, flexible hours, and more personalized attention. Some also provide additional services like document drafting or translation.
While public notaries are ideal for standard, non-urgent documents at a lower cost, private notaries are worth considering if you value speed, convenience, and privacy — and are willing to pay more.
Understanding these differences helps you pick the option that best suits your priorities and budget.
How to Pay Notary Fees?
Paying notary public Dubai fees is straightforward, but knowing your options can save time during your visit. Here’s what to expect:
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At Public Notaries:
Payment is usually made at the service counter after your documents are reviewed. You can typically pay by cash, debit, or credit card. Some centers also accept e-payment via Dubai Courts’ online portal. -
At Private Notaries:
Private offices often accept cash, card, bank transfer, and sometimes even online payment links sent to your email or phone. -
For Online Services:
If you’re using a remote or online notary service (where permitted), fees are paid electronically before or immediately after the service.
Always request a stamped receipt for your payment, as you may need to submit it as proof with your documents or keep it for your records.
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FAQ
Are notary fees in Dubai fixed or negotiable?
Government (public) notary fees are fixed by Dubai Courts. Private notaries set their own rates, which may be higher but are sometimes negotiable for bulk or frequent services.
Do private notaries cost more than public ones?
Yes, private notaries typically charge more due to the added convenience, faster processing, and flexible hours they offer.
Can I pay notary fees online?
For public notaries, you can often pay through the Dubai Courts portal. Private notaries may also accept online payments or bank transfers.
Are there extra charges for urgent or same-day services?
Usually, yes — especially with private notaries, who may charge a premium for expedited processing.
Are translations included in notary fees?
No, translation services are usually charged separately. Always confirm what is included before proceeding.
Conclusion
Understanding notary public Dubai fees helps you choose the right service for your needs — and avoid surprises. Whether you opt for a cost‑effective public notary or a more flexible private one, knowing the factors that affect pricing, how to pay, and what to expect ensures a smooth process. Plan ahead, ask for a quote upfront, and keep your documents ready to save time and money.