Setting up a business in the UAE begins with the right legal foundation—starting with the Memorandum of Association (MOA). This document outlines the company’s ownership, structure, and activities, and in most cases, must be notarised as part of the formal registration process.

At POAUAE.com, we streamline the notarisation of your MOA—whether you’re launching a new business, amending an existing setup, or managing shareholders across jurisdictions. 

When MOA Notarisation is Required

For most mainland companies licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET), notarising the MOA is mandatory—particularly when custom clauses are added or edits are made to the standard template.

Certain free zone authorities may also request notarisation, especially in structures involving joint ventures, foreign shareholders, or corporate entities. Additionally, any changes to an existing MOA (such as share transfers or capital amendments) require re-notarisation.

If a shareholder cannot attend in person, a Power of Attorney (POA) is used—which itself must also be notarised. 

Drafting Your MOA

While templates are available, the MOA should be carefully reviewed—or ideally drafted—by a legal expert to avoid delays. It must accurately state:

  • Shareholding structure
  • Licensed activities
  • Capital allocation
  • Managerial responsibilities

The details must match your trade licence application exactly. Drafts in English must be translated into Arabic by a licensed translator before notarisation. 

What You Need Before the Appointment

Before attending your notarisation session, ensure:

  • Company name is approved and reserved
  • Initial approval of business activities and structure is obtained
  • Each individual shareholder brings their passport and Emirates ID
  • Corporate shareholders provide:
    • Valid trade licence
    • Board resolution
    • Notarised POA naming the authorised signatory
  • For MOA amendments, include the original MOA and clear documentation of the changes

Original documents are typically required—digital or scanned versions may not be accepted. 

In-Person or Online Signing Options

You can complete your MOA notarisation either in person or online:

  • In-person at Dubai Courts or with a licensed private notary. All signatories must attend physically with valid ID or an authorised POA.
  • Online (Smart Notary system): Available for UAE residents. Upload the draft, verify your Emirates ID, and join a video call to finalise the signing—efficient and secure. 

What the Notary Checks

Notaries review:

  • Authenticity of all IDs (Emirates ID or passport)
  • Validity of POAs
  • Accuracy and consistency of the document
  • Legal clarity of wording and format

If anything is missing or unclear, the notary may halt the process until the issue is resolved. This is why document preparation is critical. 

Fees and Costs

Costs vary depending on your company’s capital and number of signatories:

  • AED 100+ per signature
  • Percentage-based fees for high capital (typically 0.25%)
  • Typing/editing fees: AED 100–300
  • Legal translation: AED 500–1,000 (if applicable)

Well-prepared documents reduce both delays and additional costs. 

After Notarisation

Once notarised, the MOA is submitted to the relevant licensing authority—whether that’s the DET, a free zone registrar, or another regulatory body. Approval usually takes 1–3 working days and is essential for your trade licence to be issued.

Submitting an outdated or incorrect MOA can delay the entire process—accuracy matters. 

Why Use POAUAE.com?

At POAUAE.com, we make notarising your MOA easy. Our expert team coordinates with:

  • Licensed notaries
  • Legal translators
  • Government departments
  • Free zones and mainland authorities

Whether you’re acting through a Power of Attorney, adding custom clauses, or working with international shareholders, we ensure your documents are accurate, compliant, and submitted on time.

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