Legal ProcessJune 2026 · 5 min read

Tenancy Contract Attestation Dubai (When You Need It, How to Get It)

Last updated 21 June 2026

'Attestation' (notarisation) of tenancy contracts in Dubai is one of the most misunderstood requirements. The short answer: most renters don't need it. Here are the specific cases where you DO need attestation, and how to get it.

When attestation is NOT required

The standard case — both parties physically signing the DLD Unified Tenancy Contract — does NOT need notarisation. Ejari accepts:

Two original wet-ink signed copies
Both parties' Emirates IDs as proof of identity
Standard DLD Unified Tenancy Contract v1.4 format

No notary involvement needed. This covers ~95% of Dubai rentals.

When attestation IS required

Case 1: Signing through a Power of Attorney (POA)

If the landlord or tenant is unable to sign in person (overseas, hospitalised, military duty), they grant a Power of Attorney to a UAE-based representative. The POA must be:

Notarised in the country where the principal is located
Attested by the UAE consulate in that country
Translated to Arabic by a UAE-certified translator (if not in Arabic)
Attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Stamped by the Dubai notary public when used in Dubai

Total cost: AED 500-2,000 depending on origin country and turnaround. Takes 2-4 weeks.

Case 2: Long-term commercial leases (5+ years)

Some commercial leases exceeding 5 years, especially those involving significant fit-out investment, are notarised for additional legal protection. Not strictly required by Ejari, but recommended.

Case 3: Tenant applying for residency from overseas

If a tenant is applying for a UAE residence visa from outside the UAE and needs to prove future accommodation, GDRFA may require an attested tenancy contract. The notary stamp adds legal weight in immigration processing.

How to get a tenancy contract attested in Dubai

Visit a Dubai notary public

Most courts and some private legal offices offer notary services. Government notary offices are in Deira, Dubai Courts, and select malls.

Bring required documents

Original signed tenancy contract, both parties' Emirates IDs (or passports for non-residents), POA documents if applicable.

Both parties present (or POA holder)

Notary verifies identity and witnesses the existing signatures. AED 100-300 fee depending on contract value and notary location.

Receive notarised contract

Notary stamp and signature added. Original returned to you. Process takes 15-60 minutes.

Common attestation myths

Myth: 'All Dubai contracts need notarisation' — FALSE. Most don't.
Myth: 'Notarisation replaces Ejari registration' — FALSE. They're separate. Ejari is still mandatory.
Myth: 'Notarised contracts are more legally binding' — Misleading. Both are legally binding; notarisation adds an extra witness layer for specific use cases.
Myth: 'Attestation is required for visa renewal' — FALSE. Only Ejari is required for visa renewal.

If you're signing through a representative, see how to sign a tenancy contract in Dubai for the POA flow.

Generate Your Tenancy Contract Free →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Dubai tenancy contract need attestation?+

What's the difference between attestation and Ejari registration?+

Ejari is government registration of the contract. Attestation is notary witness of the signatures. Ejari is mandatory for all Dubai rentals. Attestation is rarely required.

How much does tenancy contract attestation cost in Dubai?+

AED 100-300 at a Dubai notary public, plus additional fees if Power of Attorney documents need separate attestation (AED 500-2,000).

Where do I get a tenancy contract notarised in Dubai?+

Dubai Courts (Deira and Bur Dubai), Dubai notary public offices, and some authorised private legal offices. Bring both parties (or POA holders), Emirates IDs, and the original signed contract.

Can I notarise a tenancy contract before signing?+

No — the notary witnesses existing signatures. Both parties must have signed the contract first, then bring it to the notary.

Do I need attestation if I'm using a POA?+

Yes. The POA itself must be notarised in the country of origin, attested by the UAE consulate, translated to Arabic, and stamped by a Dubai notary public when used.