Authorised Representative Letter Template for the United Arab Emirates

When conducting business in the United Arab Emirates, you may need to authorize another person or entity to act on your behalf for specific transactions or ongoing business activities. An Authorised Representative Letter provides the legal framework for this delegation of authority, ensuring compliance with UAE commercial law while protecting your interests.

When do you need this document?

You will require an Authorised Representative Letter when your company needs someone to handle government transactions with UAE authorities, such as visa applications, trade license renewals, or regulatory submissions. This document is essential if you're authorizing a representative to negotiate contracts with UAE businesses, manage banking relationships with local financial institutions, or handle customs and immigration matters. Companies operating across multiple emirates often use this letter to authorize local representatives in each jurisdiction. You'll also need this document when appointing agents to handle specific projects, tender submissions, or compliance matters with UAE regulatory bodies.

Key legal considerations

The scope of authority section requires careful drafting to clearly define what your representative can and cannot do on your behalf. You must specify whether the authority covers financial transactions, contract signing, or government dealings, as unlimited authority can expose you to significant liability. The document should include clear start and end dates for the authorization period, as indefinite authority creates ongoing risks. Consider including liability limitations and requiring your representative to provide regular updates on actions taken. If your representative will handle significant financial transactions, you may need to establish approval thresholds and reporting requirements. The letter should specify the territorial scope of authority, particularly important if your business operates across multiple UAE emirates.

Legal requirements in United Arab Emirates

Under UAE Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 (Civil Code), your Authorised Representative Letter must comply with specific agency relationship requirements. The document requires complete identification details for both parties, including passport numbers for individuals and trade license details for companies. UAE Federal Law No. 18 of 1993 (Commercial Transactions Law) mandates that commercial authorizations include specific business purposes and duration limits. Depending on the scope of authority, you may need notarization through the UAE Ministry of Justice or attestation by relevant government authorities. For company representatives, UAE Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 (Commercial Companies Law) requires board resolutions authorizing the delegation. Banking and financial authority delegations must comply with UAE Central Bank regulations. Some government transactions require Arabic translation and Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation for the authorization to be legally effective.