فهرس المقال
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Who is the Government Notary Public in the UAE?
- 3 Who is the Private Notary Public in the UAE?
- 4 Comprehensive Comparison Between Government and Private Notary Publics
- 5 When Should You Choose a Government Notary Public?
- 6 When Should You Opt for a Private Notary Public?
- 7 Mobile Notary Public Services in the UAE
- 8 Conclusion
Introduction
The profession of the Notary Public plays a crucial role in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), contributing significantly to protecting rights and organizing contractual relationships between individuals and businesses.
As part of the country’s efforts to streamline legal services, there are now two types of notary publics: the Government Notary Public and the Private Notary Public.
In this article, we explore the difference between a government notary public and a private notary public in the UAE, and highlight the main advantages of each, helping you make the best choice based on your needs.
Who is the Government Notary Public in the UAE?
The Government Notary Public is an official employee appointed by the relevant judicial authority, such as:
The Judicial Department in Abu Dhabi.
Sharjah Courts.
Ras Al Khaimah Courts, among others.
Their main duties include:
Authenticating contracts.
Certifying declarations and affidavits.
Drafting official and private powers of attorney.
Attesting various legal documents.
Government notary services are offered at notary public offices located within courts or official government service centers.
Key Features of the Government Notary Public:
Fixed and affordable fees compared to private services.
Clear official supervision by judicial authorities.
Standardized procedures following government regulations.
Operates within judicial institutions for added legal assurance.
Who is the Private Notary Public in the UAE?
To meet the growing need for flexible and fast services, the UAE introduced the Private Notary.
A private notary is a licensed lawyer authorized by judicial authorities to independently perform notarial acts through licensed offices or mobile services, such as:
Visiting clients at their homes or offices (Mobile Notary Services)
Providing on-site document authentication.
Offering services outside traditional working hours. (E Notary)
Key Features of the Private Notary Public:
Flexibility: Can travel to the client’s location (home or office).
Speed: Offers quicker processing compared to traditional methods.
Personalized service: Tailored to client needs.
Availability: Often available after-hours, weekends, and holidays by arrangement.
Comprehensive Comparison Between Government and Private Notary Publics
| Feature | Government Notary Public | Private Notary Public |
|---|---|---|
| Supervising Authority | Courts or Government Bodies | Licensed by courts, operates independently |
| Location of Service | Court buildings and government centers | Client’s home, office, or private office |
| Working Hours | Official government working hours | Flexible according to client needs |
| Service Fees | Lower, fixed government rates | Higher, due to personalized service |
| Speed of Transaction | Requires in-person visits and waiting | Often faster and more convenient |
| Service Nature | Formal and traditional | Personalized and flexible |
When Should You Choose a Government Notary Public?
Choosing a Government Notary Public is ideal if you:
Prefer lower authentication fees.
Have routine documents that can wait for processing during regular hours.
Are located near a court or government center and have the time to complete the process.
When Should You Opt for a Private Notary Public?
Using a Private Notary Public is best if you:
Need urgent document authentication.
Prefer the notary to visit your home or office.
Have multiple parties who need to sign documents at different locations.
Require privacy and convenience during the process.
Mobile Notary Public Services in the UAE
One of the most notable developments in the UAE is the introduction of Mobile Notary Public Services.
Now, you can request a Notary to come to your home or Notary to visit your office for document signing and authentication, saving you valuable time and effort.
Mobile notary services typically include:
Attesting general and special powers of attorney.
Signature verification and authentication.
Certifying declarations and affidavits.
Authenticating corporate contracts and partnership agreements.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to work with a Government Notary Public or a Private Notary Public in the UAE depends mainly on two factors: time and flexibility.
If you prefer lower fees and have time to visit a government center during working hours, then the government notary is your best option.
However, if you require fast, flexible, and personalized services, especially outside regular hours, a private notary — or even a mobile notary service — would be the most convenient choice.
Always ensure you deal with a notary licensed by the appropriate judicial authority in the UAE to guarantee the validity and legal safety of your transactions.
Legal expert specializing in commercial companies laws, with over 15 years of experience in drafting commercial contracts and advising startups and large corporations.