Key takeaway
The United Arab Emirates is not a party to the Apostille Convention, so the apostille route used in the US, UK or Canada is not available. Indian citizens in the UAE usually sign their Power of Attorney in person before a consular officer at the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General of India in Dubai, which attests it. The POA must then be stamped in India within the time allowed.
This guide covers the UAE side only. For drafting, stamping and registration in India, read how to sign a Power of Attorney abroad for use in India.
Why there is no apostille route
An apostille only works between countries that are parties to the 1961 Hague Convention. The UAE is not listed as a party in the Hague Conference’s status table, so documents executed in the UAE need attestation through the diplomatic route to be used in India.
Signing at the Indian mission
- Get the draft from your lawyer in India, in the format required by the Indian office that will use it. Do not sign it in advance.
- Check the mission’s current guidelines — the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General of India, Dubai, depending on where you live — for appointments, documents and fees.
- Appear in person with your original passport. The Embassy’s attestation guidelines state that the executant must appear personally with the original passport and sign the POA in the presence of the consular officer.
- Collect the attested POA — the Embassy states that this service is generally provided the same day — and courier it to India.
In 2026 the Indian missions in the UAE announced that consular services previously handled by outsourced providers are being provided directly by the Embassy and the Consulate, and invited proposals for future outsourcing. Check the mission’s website for the arrangement in force when you apply.
If you are not an Indian citizen
The mission’s attestation guidelines address documents executed by Indian citizens. OCI cardholders and other foreign nationals should check with the mission before applying; an alternative route may involve UAE notarisation and authentication followed by attestation, and should be confirmed in advance.
When the POA reaches India
- Have it stamped within the period allowed after its first receipt in India (commonly three months) under the state stamp law.
- A POA attested by an Indian consular officer generally satisfies the authentication requirement of section 33 of the Registration Act, 1908. Register it where the state requires.
Tips for UAE-based NRIs
- Carry your original passport, a copy, Emirates ID and passport photographs; check whether witnesses are needed.
- Make sure the property description and attorney details are complete; corrections after attestation mean a fresh visit.
- Keep the POA specific to the task. See general vs special POA.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an apostille in Dubai?
No apostille route exists between the UAE and India because the UAE is not party to the Apostille Convention.
Can someone else submit the POA at the Consulate for me?
For a POA, the mission requires the executant to appear in person and sign before the consular officer.
Can I revoke an Indian POA from the UAE?
Yes, by executing a revocation deed at the mission in the same way. See revoking a Power of Attorney from abroad.
Need help?
LegalCops connects NRIs in the UAE with independent lawyers in India to draft POAs and complete stamping and registration. See legal help in India for NRIs living in the UAE and NRI Power of Attorney services.
Need a POA ready for your Embassy appointment?
Tell us the task and the Indian state where it will be used.
Related guides
- All NRI legal guides
- How to sign a Power of Attorney abroad for use in India
- Apostille, consular attestation or notarisation
- Preparing Indian legal documents from overseas
References
- Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi, attestation guidelines; Consulate General of India, Dubai
- Hague Apostille Convention — HCCH status table
- Diplomatic and Consular Officers (Oaths and Fees) Act, 1948
- Registration Act, 1908, sections 32–33; Indian Stamp Act, 1899, section 18 and state stamp laws
Last reviewed: November 2026. Mission procedures and service arrangements change; check current information before your appointment.
The information provided is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Applicable laws and procedures may vary depending on the facts, jurisdiction, and circumstances of each matter. Consult a qualified legal professional before taking action.
