Introduction
A Notary Public in Sharjah plays a vital role in the legal and commercial life of the emirate. As an officially authorized legal officer—whether appointed by government courts or operating through licensed private firms—the notary ensures authenticity, legal validity, and enforceability of important documents. Their services are fundamental to business, real estate, family affairs, and international dealings. This article explores the nature and responsibilities of notarial services in Sharjah, the legal framework regulating them, types of notary services, digital transformation, and the indispensable nature of notaries within the UAE’s legal system.
Legal Framework Governing Notaries in Sharjah
A major legal development in the UAE was the issuance of Federal Decree-by-Law No. 20 of 2022, which regulates the notary profession across the country, including Sharjah. This legislation defines the roles, responsibilities, and eligibility of private notaries, and outlines disciplinary procedures for professional conduct.
This law sets forth requirements for becoming a licensed notary, including that the individual must be a UAE national, possess a relevant legal degree, have at least three years of legal experience, maintain a good professional reputation, and hold valid professional liability insurance. Private notaries must operate through licensed law offices or notary bureaus and are required to take a legal oath before commencing duties.
In Sharjah, both public and private notaries operate under this legal framework. Public notaries are typically government-appointed and work within judicial institutions or service centers. Private notaries are legally qualified individuals operating through licensed private firms.
Core Responsibilities and Duties
Notaries in Sharjah perform a wide range of official legal functions. Their main role is to validate and certify documents so that they become legally binding and enforceable.
One of their primary responsibilities is the drafting and authentication of legal instruments. These include powers of attorney (both general and special), sales and lease contracts, declarations, commercial agreements, and other binding legal documents. The notary ensures that all documentation complies with the legal standards of format, content, and clarity.
Notaries also verify the identity of signatories and witness signatures to ensure that all parties willingly and knowingly enter into the agreements. This process helps prevent forgery, identity fraud, and undue influence.
They also officially establish the date of the document and may attach an executive formula that makes the notarized document immediately enforceable in a court of law without needing further legal proceedings. This function is particularly critical in debt acknowledgment, real estate contracts, and powers of attorney.
Notaries are also responsible for administering oaths and affirmations, particularly for affidavits and statutory declarations. They record these actions in an official notarial register, which is maintained as a permanent and traceable legal record.
It is important to note that notaries are neutral parties. They do not provide legal advice in most cases and must avoid any conflicts of interest. They cannot notarize documents in which they have a personal stake or where one or more parties are absent or unverified.
Notary Services in Sharjah
In Sharjah, notarial services are available through both public-sector channels and private licensed providers.
One of the most recognized public platforms is the Sharjah Investors Services Center, also known as Saeed. This center provides swift and efficient notarization services for documents such as powers of attorney, contracts, declarations, and translations. The process is often completed within a few minutes, ensuring high-speed delivery of legally certified documents.
On the other hand, private notary offices offer a broader and more customized range of services. These offices are staffed by licensed legal professionals and offer additional benefits, such as legal consultation, bilingual document drafting, mobile notary services, and extended service hours. Private notaries often cater to both corporate and individual clients, handling documents related to business setup, employment contracts, real estate transactions, family matters, and immigration.
Some private notaries also provide mobile services, visiting clients at home, office, or hospitals—offering added convenience for busy professionals or those with limited mobility.
E-Notary and Digital Services
The UAE has been at the forefront of digital transformation in legal services. Through the Ministry of Justice’s electronic notary system, residents of Sharjah can now access e-notarization services.
These services include digital identity verification using Emirates ID, online document submission, and electronic signatures. Once approved, a digitally notarized document is sent to the client through secure government channels. These documents are legally equivalent to physical notarized copies and are accepted by government departments, courts, and private institutions.
This shift toward e-notarization enhances accessibility, reduces paperwork, and speeds up the legal process. It also supports the UAE’s vision of a smart and digitally empowered society.
Benefits of Using a Notary Public in Sharjah
Notarized documents hold substantial legal value. Once a document is certified by a notary public, it becomes admissible as evidence in court and, in some cases, can be enforced without requiring additional legal action. This is especially true for documents carrying an executive formula.
The notary public’s validation also protects against disputes. By confirming the identity of all parties, ensuring proper documentation, and recording every notarization, the notary adds a layer of legal certainty and risk protection.
Notarial services are widely recognized across various UAE government bodies, including ministries, courts, and embassies. For foreign residents or international businesses operating in Sharjah, notarization helps bridge legal systems by creating documentation that is accepted both locally and internationally when properly attested.
Furthermore, with mobile and digital notarization services now available, access to these services is more convenient than ever. This is especially useful for individuals handling urgent legal matters, those with physical disabilities, or people with inflexible schedules.
Eligibility and Regulation of Notaries
To serve as a notary public in Sharjah, the applicant must meet strict eligibility criteria under federal law. The applicant must be a UAE national, legally competent, with a clean criminal record, and possess a qualifying degree in law or Sharia. A minimum of three years’ professional legal experience is required, along with successful completion of training and assessment by the Admission Committee.
Once approved, the notary must take an oath of office and register with the Ministry of Justice. They are subject to ongoing regulatory oversight and are expected to perform their duties with honesty, accuracy, and professionalism.
A Disciplinary Board is in place to handle cases of misconduct. This board can issue warnings, fines, suspensions, or even revoke a notary’s license in the event of serious violations.
Popular Use Cases in Sharjah
The demand for notary services in Sharjah spans both personal and commercial needs. Commonly notarized documents include:
- General and special powers of attorney
- Real estate sales and lease agreements
- Commercial contracts and corporate resolutions
- Shareholder agreements and MOUs
- Affidavits, declarations, and statutory statements
- Wills, inheritance documents, and family POAs
- Educational affidavits and medical authorizations
- Translation certifications and document verifications
These documents often require notarization before submission to government authorities, financial institutions, or for use in international jurisdictions.
Conclusion OF Notary Public in Sharjah
The role of the notary public in Sharjah is foundational to legal order and transactional security. As a neutral third party tasked with validating, certifying, and recording legally significant documents, the notary serves as a critical link between individuals, businesses, and government institutions.
Sharjah’s residents and businesses benefit from a dual system of public and private notaries, offering a mix of official oversight and personalized service. With federal laws providing strong regulation and technological advancements pushing the industry forward, notary services in Sharjah are now more accessible, efficient, and essential than ever.
Whether you are setting up a business, finalizing a real estate deal, or executing a power of attorney, working with a notary public ensures that your documents are legally secure, professionally handled, and fully recognized by law.
