Jenny Hunt
- 3 min read

5 Tips For Visiting The Notary Public In Abu Dhabi

3rd November 2014

A Notary Public is responsible for legalizing the corporate documents during a company formation. It’s a key part in the process and if not approached correctly could waste lots of time. In Abu Dhabi, the documents most likely to be notarized as part of a company formation, include some of the following: Memorandum of Association (MOA) , Power of Attorney (POA), Signature Specimen, and National Service Agent Agreement (NSAA).

Getting documents notarized at the Notary Public can be challenging. Here are 5 top tips to avoid you needing to make several trips to the Notary and thus saving you time.

1) Good legal documents

Ensure your legal documents are drafted by a reputable locally-based lawyer, or at least reviewed by a locally-based lawyer, to ensure that they meet the requirements of the Abu Dhabi Notaries. They will know the local nuances which will save time by preventing the need for changes, such as the word ‘partners’ is acceptable, but the word ‘shareholders’ is not acceptable.

2) Correct attestations / legalisations for foreign documents

All overseas company documents will need to be: certified by the Notary Public in the country of origin; legalised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of origin; and, legalised by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin. Once they arrive into the UAE, the documents will need to be stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) before being legally translated.

3) Dry run

Once your complete suite of legal documents are in agreed form, its recommend that a dry run is conducted. This is when the suite of documents and supporting documents are taken to the Notary for review. This is usually carried out by the locally-based law firm or the PRO (Public Relations Officer). The purpose of the dry run is to identify any minor changes and to get these made before the signatories are required to attend for signing.

4) Respectful clothing

Wear considerate clothing, particularly if you are a woman. It is necessary to ensure shoulders are covered and skirts/dresses are below knee length. However, sometimes this is still not sufficient and a full length skirt is requested. Alternatively, when the dress is not considered appropriate, some Notaries will provide an Abaya such as at the main Abu Dhabi Judicial Department located between Zayed Sports City and the ADNEC complex.

5) Take copies of all documents

To avoid delays on the day of signing take originals and ensure that you have sufficient numbers – the Notary will keep one of the originals! Also, be sure to take a copy of all documents as the Notary will require these too and it saves time/money getting copies made on site.

How can Gateway Group help your company with PRO services?

Gateway provides concierge company formation and a unique selection of local sponsor packages to foreign companies expanding to the UAE. Gateway protects its clients’ businesses and their profits. It provides foreign companies with the peace of mind their business is secure, they have full operational control, their profits are protected and their local sponsor is responsive whenever they might need support doing business in a new market. We can also assist with ongoing compliance requirements, such as visas processing and trade license renewals. Furthermore, from a human capital perspective, we can help your organisation to ensure you have the right people in place, appropriately motivated and maximizing productivity - ideal for getting your multicultural teams to work. To get started with expanding your business into the UAE, email us: info@GatewayToUAE.com