Notarization rejected Dubai – Legal Reasons Explained

Notarization rejected Dubai refers to the refusal of the Dubai Land Department (via the “Ejari” system), a notary public, or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to register or authenticate a specific transaction. Therefore, the POA&More team provides the following comprehensive guide on notarization rejected in Dubai.

What “Notarization Rejected” Means in Dubai?

The phrase Notarization rejected Dubai, specifically when dealing with a “Notary Public” or digital platforms such as “Digital Dubai”, means that the transaction or document you submitted did not meet the legal requirements to be officially approved.

Common Reasons Documents Get Rejected by Notaries

Document rejections by notaries in Dubai are often due to procedural or technical reasons that can be avoided with some preparation. The POA&More team explains the reasons for Notarization rejected Dubai:

1. Reasons related to identity and presence:

• Absence of parties involved: The fundamental principle is personal appearance before the notary. If you sign the document beforehand, it will be rejected; the signature must be made in front of the notary (or via video call in the case of electronic notarization).
• Name discrepancies: Any slight difference between the name on the document and the name on the Emirates ID or passport (such as the omission of a grandfather’s name or a spelling mistake) leads to immediate rejection.
• Expired ID: The Emirates ID (or passport for non-residents) must be valid at the time of application.

2. Linguistic and legal reasons:

• Lack of legal translation: Dubai courts only accept documents in Arabic. If your document is in another language, it must be translated by a legal translator accredited by the UAE Ministry of Justice. 
• Ambiguous or Irregular Formulation: If the wording contains ambiguous phrases regarding the definition of powers (especially in powers of attorney), or if the document includes clauses that violate local laws or public order in the country.
• Lamination: Original documents laminated with heat are not accepted because lamination prevents the notary from directly affixing official seals to the paper.

3. Reasons Related to the “Chain of Notarization”

• Insufficient External Notarization: If the document is issued outside the UAE, a notary public alone is insufficient; the document must bear the seal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country, then the UAE embassy there, and finally the seal of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) within the country.
• Expiration of Validity Period: Some documents (such as criminal record certificates or medical reports) have a short validity period; submitting them after their expiration will result in rejection.

4. Technical and Procedural Errors

• Incomplete Documents: Missing necessary attachments, such as a “Trade License” for companies or a “Title Deed” in the case of real estate transactions. 
• Poor scanning: If applying through the electronic system, uploading blurry or “shaky” images of documents will result in the application being rejected administratively.

How Legal Format Mistakes Affect Notarization Approval?

In Dubai, legal formatting is a fundamental pillar, no less important than the document’s content. Any flaw in this formatting can lead to immediate Notarization rejected Dubai by the Notary Public or government entities such as the Dubai Land Department or free zone authorities. Here’s how these errors affect the notarization process:

1. Immediate Formal Rejection

Dubai’s digital and manual notarization systems adhere to strict standards. The following errors typically result in rejection before even legal review:

• Bilingualism: Contracts must be in Arabic, or in a two-column format (Arabic & English) where Arabic is the legal reference.
• Margins and Page Formatting: Using unclear fonts or excessively narrow margins may render the document unsuitable for digital archiving.
• Scanning Quality: In remote notarization, any poor quality of the digital file (PDF) will lead to rejection.

2. Loss of Legal Validity

If a document with formatting errors is mistakenly authenticated, it may encounter problems later during implementation:

• Conflicting Numbers and Dates: Writing dates in inconsistent formats (e.g., mixing Gregorian and Hijri calendars without clarification) confuses the unified system.
• Names of Parties: Not writing names accurately as they appear on the Emirates ID or passport (including spaces and diacritics) renders the document unlinkable to the digital system.

3. Impact on Electronic Notarization

Dubai is a leader in blockchain Notarization and smart applications. Formatting errors have a doubly significant impact here:

• Smart Fields: The system requires specific data to be entered in defined templates; any deviation from this format disrupts the algorithm that verifies the document’s authenticity.
• Digital Signature: If the format does not allow sufficient space for digital Notarization seals or barcodes, the transaction may be canceled.

Steps to Resolve a Notarization Rejection in Dubai

Notarization rejected Dubai (whether through Dubai Digital, UAE PASS, or a notary public) can be frustrating, but it’s often due to simple technical or procedural issues. Here are the practical steps to resolve this problem based on the type of notarization:

1. Resolve UAE PASS App Issues

If the rejection is related to login Notarization or digital signature:

• Update your data: Ensure your UAE PASS app is updated to the latest version.
• Upgrade your account: Verify your account by visiting the nearest service kiosk or using facial recognition in the app.
• Data Match: Ensure the phone number associated with your ID is the same one used in the app.

2. Resolve Notary Public Issues

If your application was rejected by a Dubai Courts notary public, follow these steps:

• Review your documents: Ensure all powers of attorney or contracts are legally translated into Arabic by a certified translation office.
• Authorization: If you are signing on behalf of a company, ensure you attach your Trade License and Articles of Association, which prove your authority to sign.
• To Whom It May Concern Certificate: If the rejection is due to insufficient attestation, you may need to obtain a recent certificate from the relevant authority.

3. Common Technical Reasons (and How to Avoid Them)

Rejections are often automatic due to simple details:

• Scan Quality: Uploaded documents must be very clear and in PDF format (avoid scanning documents at an angle with your phone).
• ID Validity: Ensure your Emirates ID card is valid for more than six months.
• Location: Some sensitive Notarization processes require you to be physically present in the UAE when completing them via the app.

Preventing Notarization Rejection for Expats and Locals

Avoiding rejection of your lease notarization (Ejari) in Dubai requires meticulous attention to detail, as the system is now fully digital and even slight discrepancies in data can lead to automatic rejection. Here are the most important practical tips to avoid Notarization rejected Dubai in 2026:

1. Match Data Exactly

• The most common reason for rejection is name discrepancies.
• Ensure that the tenant’s and landlord’s names in the unified lease agreement exactly match those on their Emirates ID or passport.
• Property details (unit number, building number) must match those registered on the title deed.

2. Address Previous Ejari Status

• A new lease cannot be notarized for the same property if the old lease is still active in the system.
• Cancellation: Ensure the previous tenant has cancelled their Ejari account.
• DEWA Settlement: The previous tenant’s final DEWA bill must be paid and the account closed.

3. Required Documents (Ensure Validity)

All uploaded documents must be clear (scanned) and not just blurry photographs:

• For the tenant: Emirates ID (both sides), passport copy, and valid residence visa (or residence application letter if pending).
• For the landlord: A copy of the title deed (recent) and a copy of their passport.
• Makani or DEWA number: Ensure you enter the correct Premises Number, which is located on the property gate plate.

4. Use the Correct Official Channels

Avoid dealing with unlicensed brokers. Reliable methods include:

• Dubai REST App: The fastest method (owner approval is also required via the app).
• Trustee Centers: If you prefer in-person submission to ensure an employee reviews your documents before uploading.

5. Important Technical Points

• Management Contracts: If the property is managed by a company, a valid Property Management Contract registered with the Dubai Land Department must be attached. 
• Legal Powers of Attorney (POA): If a person signs on behalf of the owner, the power of attorney must be certified by the Dubai courts (or foreign and certified by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and explicitly authorize the subletting.

The Online Procedure for Power of Attorney in Dubai allows individuals to notarize POA documents remotely through approved digital platforms. Applicants must submit required documents, complete identity verification, and attend a virtual notary session. Following the correct online steps helps prevent rejection and ensures smooth legal approval.

Understanding DIFC vs Onshore Notarization Rejections

Understanding the difference between notarization at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and notarization at a public notary (in-country/onshore) is crucial to avoid notarization being rejected or the proceedings being invalidated. Rejection often stems from the nature of the legal system each operates under. Here are the main reasons for Notarization rejected Dubai and the fundamental differences between them:

1. Reasons for Notarization Rejected at the DIFC

The DIFC operates under the English Common Law system, and therefore, applications are rejected in the following cases:

• Lack of Jurisdiction: The DIFC will not notarize documents that are not related to the Centre (such as a company not located within the DIFC, or a contract that does not stipulate the jurisdiction of the DIFC courts).
• Arabic Language: As the working language of the DIFC is English, documents written in Arabic may be rejected only if they are not accompanied by a certified legal translation.
• Religion (in the case of wills): The DIFC Wills Register is for non-Muslims only. If the person is Muslim, their will will not be registered at the DIFC and will be referred to a notary public at the Dubai Courts.
• Document Type: Some administrative documents related to local government departments (such as the Dubai Land Department or the Roads and Transport Authority) require onshore notarization, not the DIFC.

2. Reasons for Notarization Rejection in Dubai (Public Notary Public): 

The Public Notary Public in Dubai/UAE courts operates under Civil Law. Reasons for rejection include:

• Violation of Public Order and Sharia: Any contract or document containing clauses that violate public order or the provisions of Islamic Sharia (such as usury or prohibited trade) is rejected.
• English Language Without Translation: The Public Notary Public will not accept any document in English unless it has been translated into Arabic by a certified translator and stamped by the Ministry of Justice.
• Legal Jurisdiction: The Public Notary Public cannot notarize matters that fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the DIFC courts, such as certain commercial contracts that explicitly state they are subject to DIFC laws.

How POA&More Can Help Prevent and Resolve Notarization Rejections?

POA&More is a leading power of attorney service provider in Dubai, specializing in bridging the gap between legal documents and the stringent requirements of Dubai Courts and Notaries Public. Here’s how they can help you avoid Notarization rejected Dubai and resolve existing issues:

1. How does POA&More help you avoid notarization rejections?

The company employs a proactive strategy to ensure your transaction is accepted the first time through:

• Specialized legal drafting: Instead of using generic templates that are often rejected for being overly general, licensed lawyers draft specific clauses tailored to the type of transaction (real estate, commercial, or personal).
• Certified legal translation: One of the most common reasons for rejection is inaccurate translation. The company provides Arabic/English translations that meet the standards required by Notaries Public in Dubai.
• Pre-review of documents: The team reviews Emirates IDs, passports, and trade licenses before submission to ensure their validity and accuracy.
• Precisely defining powers: They help you draft specific clauses (such as specifying the land plot number or bank account number) because Dubai notaries often reject overly broad powers like “manage all my affairs.”

2. How do they help you resolve the “Notarization rejected Dubai” issue?

If you have previously submitted a notarization and it was rejected, the company intervenes as follows:

• Analyzing the reason for rejection: Reviewing the notary’s comments (such as missing supporting documents, ambiguity in the text, or lack of jurisdiction).
• Immediate restructuring: Amending the power of attorney to include mandatory legal clauses that were missing the first time.
• Fast e-notarization: The company offers remote notarization (e-notarization) via video calls, which speeds up the resubmission process and allows for same-day or even hourly approval.
• Support for complex cases: Such as powers of attorney issued from outside the country, where the company handles the attestation procedures with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and embassies to ensure local acceptance.

A Notary Public Dubai plays a key role in verifying identities, reviewing documents, and ensuring legal compliance before notarization approval. Many rejections occur due to missing documents, incorrect wording, or signature issues. Consulting an experienced notary in Dubai helps reduce errors and ensures your documents meet official requirements.

Frequently asked questions

 

Why was my notarization rejected in Dubai?

Refusal to notarize contracts in Dubai (whether they are “Ejari” leases or sales contracts) is often due to simple procedural or technical reasons related to data accuracy. Dubai relies on highly accurate digital systems that allow no margin for error.

Can I resubmit rejected notarized documents?

Yes, you can definitely resubmit rejected documents in Dubai. Rejection is often due to procedural or technical errors, not a permanent ban. The key is to “correct the problem” before the second attempt to avoid losing fees again.

How can I avoid notarization rejection in Dubai?

Avoiding Notarization Rejection Dubai requires meticulous attention to detail in the “chain of attestations.” The UAE government does not recognize any document issued from abroad unless it has undergone specific stages, starting in the country of origin and ending in Dubai. Here’s a practical guide to avoiding Notarization Rejection Dubai in 2026:

• In the country of origin: Attest the document with your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and then with the UAE embassy or consulate there.
• Inside the UAE: Attest the document with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFA).
• For legal documents: Attestation from the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) may be required if the document will be used in court.
• Name Matching: Ensure that your name on the certificate or contract exactly matches your name on your passport (even if the difference is only one letter).
• Document Integrity: Any document with tears, watermarks, informal handwriting, or faded seals will be rejected.
• Validity: Some documents (such as criminal record certificates or powers of attorney) have a specific expiration date (often 3-6 months); ensure they are valid at the time of submission.
• It must be legally translated by an office accredited by the UAE Ministry of Justice. Tip: Only have your document translated in your home country if you will also have the translation certified by the embassy. It’s generally best to have the translation done in Dubai to ensure proper certification.
• By 2026, most Notarization services will be fully digital.
• Make sure your UAE Pass account is active and up-to-date.
• When uploading documents electronically, use a high-quality scanner; photos taken with a phone camera may be rejected if they are blurry or contain shadows.