Best Affidavits & Statutory Declarations Lawyers in United Arab Emirates

1. About Affidavits & Statutory Declarations Law in United Arab Emirates

Affidavits and statutory declarations in the United Arab Emirates are typically prepared and sworn before a Notary Public or an authorized official. The UAE uses these sworn statements to confirm facts for civil, commercial, family, and administrative matters, including court filings and cross-border transactions. If documents are used overseas, translations into Arabic or legalized attestations may be required by the receiving authority. For residents, notarization through the Ministry of Justice or local emirate courts is the standard path to lawful authenticity. Ministry of Justice and the UAE government portal provide guidance on notarization and document attestation.

Notarial acts in the UAE are designed to verify the authenticity of signatures, statements and the content of declarations for use in courts or abroad.

Ministry of Justice

For individuals seeking legal clarity, a lawyer or legal counselor can help determine whether an affidavit is the appropriate instrument for a given matter, draft the language precisely, and guide you through the jurisdictional requirements of the emirate where the document will be used. This guide focuses on how affidavits and statutory declarations operate within UAE law and what residents should expect when engaging with a legal professional.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Affidavits and statutory declarations are often pivotal in dispute resolution, property, and cross-border matters. A lawyer can help tailor the sworn statement to its purpose and ensure it complies with UAE standards. Below are real-world scenarios where legal assistance is commonly necessary in the UAE.

• Family matters requiring a sworn statement for custody or relocation orders. A lawyer helps draft language that reflects accurate facts and avoids ambiguities that could affect outcomes in UAE courts.
• Property transactions where a seller or buyer needs a sworn declaration about ownership, debt status, or the absence of liens. An attorney ensures the affidavit aligns with title checks and the Dubai or Abu Dhabi registrar requirements.
• Bank or financial disputes involving declarations of assets or income for loan applications or enforcement actions. A legal advisor can draft the affidavit to withstand scrutiny by lenders and authorities.
• Cross-border or expatriate matters, such as inheritance or power of attorney, where a UAE sworn statement must be recognized by foreign authorities. A lawyer can coordinate translation, legalization, and cross-border acceptance.
• Administrative filings or court submissions that require certified statements about circumstances like residency, employment, or marital status. An attorney helps ensure the declaration is admissible and properly sworn.
• Probate and estate matters where a declaration of assets, debts, or familial relationships is necessary for settlement. An attorney ensures compliance with UAE probate procedures and local regulations.

3. Local Laws Overview

Affidavits and statutory declarations in the UAE are governed by a combination of federal procedures and emirate level regulations. The Notary Public function is centralized under the UAE Ministry of Justice, with additional regulatory guidance issued by local judicial departments in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other emirates. The following are key frameworks commonly referenced in practice.

Federal Civil Procedure Framework - The Civil Procedure regime, primarily through the Federal Law on Civil Procedures, governs how sworn statements are used in court filings and the manner of taking oaths. This framework sets the basic expectations for authenticity, witness verification, and submission timelines of affidavits in civil disputes. Ministry of Justice explains the role of notaries and sworn documents within this system.

Notary Public Regulations under the Ministry of Justice - Notaries Public certify and witness affidavits, statutory declarations, and related documents. These regulations cover formality, language requirements (including Arabic translations where needed), and the process for attestation and legalization for use in courts or abroad. Local emirate offices implement these standards in coordination with the MOJ. Ministry of Justice provides official guidance on notarial services.

Emirate-Specific Notary and Attestation Practices - Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) and Dubai Department of Justice operate notary services within their jurisdictions. They issue procedures for affidavits used in local courts, attestations for real property, and declarations for international use. Residents should consult the relevant emirate notary office for any jurisdictional nuances or translations required by local practice. ADJD Notary Services and the UAE government portal offer jurisdiction-specific information.

Recent trends - The UAE has moved toward digitizing certain notarial processes and expanding electronic document handling in line with the government’s broader modernization agenda. This includes streamlined intake and improved accessibility for expatriates and businesses. For the latest information, consult official MOJ notices and emirate level portals.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is an affidavit used for in UAE courts and authorities?

In the UAE, an affidavit validates facts for court filings, administrative submissions, or cross-border matters. It must be sworn before a competent notary or official and may require Arabic translation for local proceedings.

What is an affidavit in the UAE?

It is a written statement sworn under oath, used to prove a fact in disputes or administrative processes. It must be properly witnessed and can be submitted to courts or government agencies in the UAE.

How do I get an affidavit notarized in the UAE?

Visit a registered Notary Public or an emirate court notary office with your identification and the factual statements. The notary will witness the oath, verify content, and attach relevant seals and translations if required.

Do I need a lawyer to prepare an affidavit in the UAE?

No legal requirement mandates a lawyer, but a lawyer improves accuracy, ensures compliance with civil procedure rules, and helps avoid content that could render the affidavit inadmissible.

What documents are typically required for an affidavit?

Usually a valid passport or Emirates ID, proof of address, and the factual documents supporting the declaration. The notary may request translation, power of attorney, and documentary evidence as needed.

How long does it take to obtain an affidavit in the UAE?

Simple affidavits can be completed in 1-2 business days after appointment, while complex statements requiring translations or cross-border attestation may take 3-7 days.

Can I use an Arabic translation for my affidavit?

Yes, but it must be accurate and certified. Notaries often require certified translations and may need the original document or an English version for comparison.

Where can I file an affidavit in the UAE?

Affidavits are typically filed with a UAE notary or directly with the appropriate court or government agency, depending on the matter and jurisdiction.

Is an affidavit admissible as evidence in UAE courts?

Affidavits are admissible if properly sworn, authenticated, and translated in accordance with civil procedure rules. The court may require corroborating evidence.

Do I need to translate an affidavit into Arabic?

Translation into Arabic is often required for use in UAE courts and administrative bodies. The translation should be performed by a certified translator.

What is the difference between an affidavit and a statutory declaration in the UAE?

Both are sworn statements, but the terminology may vary by jurisdiction and notary practice. In the UAE, both are typically witnessed by a notary and may require Arabic translation for local use.

Are there penalties for false statements in an affidavit?

Providing false information under oath can expose a person to civil penalties or criminal consequences under UAE law. The notary is responsible for ensuring oath validity, and authorities may investigate discrepancies.

5. Additional Resources

• Ministry of Justice (MOJ) UAE - Official source for notarial services, affidavits, and related procedures. https://www.moj.gov.ae
• UAE Government Portal - General guidance on legal affairs, attestations, and document legalization. https://u.ae
• Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) - Local notary and affidavit procedures in Abu Dhabi. https://www.adjd.gov.ae

6. Next Steps

1. Clarify your objective and determine if a sworn affidavit or statutory declaration is the correct instrument for your matter.
2. Gather all supporting documents, including identification, residency proofs, and relevant records, and translate non Arabic materials if needed.
3. Choose the appropriate jurisdiction (emirate) and locate a registered Notary Public or court notary with experience in your matter.
4. Consult a lawyer or legal counselor to draft the declaration language, review for accuracy, and anticipate potential objections.
5. Schedule and attend the notary appointment, ensuring you understand the oath, contents, and translation requirements before sworn signings.
6. Obtain certified copies, translations, and annotated copies as required for submission to courts or authorities.
7. Submit the finalized affidavit or declaration to the relevant body, and track any confirmations or further documentation requested.