Guide
Difference Between Notary and Lawyer in the UAE
You have a document to sign, or a problem to solve, and you are not sure whether to see a notary or a lawyer. The difference between notary and lawyer is simple. A notary confirms who you are and that you signed. A lawyer tells you what to sign, what it means for you and how to act if there is a dispute.
In short
The two roles overlap, which is why people mix them up. A private notary in Dubai is a lawyer licensed by Dubai Courts to carry out notarial acts. But that is an extra licence. Most lawyers do not hold it.
Difference Between Notary and Lawyer: What Each One Does
A notary deals with the act of signing. A lawyer deals with your rights and your case. The difference between notary and lawyer shows best side by side. Lawyer and notary roles meet only when a lawyer also holds a notary licence.
| Notary | Lawyer | |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Confirms identity and signatures, and gives a document official form | Advises, drafts, negotiates and represents you |
| Speaks for you in court | No | Yes, if a licensed advocate |
| Checks that the deal is good for you | No | Yes |
| Typical tasks | Power of attorney, signature authentication, affidavit | Contracts, claims, defence, family and company matters |
A notary will not tell you whether a contract is fair. A lawyer will not make a document official just by reading it. Each one does a different part of the job.
Are All Lawyers Notaries?
No. Many people ask “are lawyers notaries” or “are all lawyers notaries”, and the answer is the same: a lawyer is not a notary unless licensed as one.
Notarial acts in the UAE are regulated by Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2022 on the regulation of the notary profession. In Dubai, notaries public are regulated by Dubai Law No. 4 of 2013. Dubai has a Government notary public at Dubai Courts, and licensed private notaries on a roll kept by Dubai Courts.
Can a Lawyer Be a Notary?
Yes, but only after being licensed for it. A lawyer who holds a private notary licence can carry out notarial acts. A lawyer without that licence cannot notarise your document, even if they drafted it.
The title matters too. Under Article 6(1) of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2022, only licensed lawyers may use the title “lawyer”. You can check a Dubai lawyer in the Dubai Legal Affairs Department directory. For Abu Dhabi, use the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department lawyer search.
Our own role is clear. We are a licensed advocate practice, not a notary service. We advise you, prepare the document and act in your matter. If the document must be notarised, we tell you so and explain the step.
Talk to us
Call or WhatsApp +971 50 747 9570, or email help@lawyerindubai.ae.
When You Need a Lawyer and When a Notary Is Enough
Think about what you are trying to achieve.
- You only need a signature confirmed. The text is final and you understand it. A notary is enough.
- You are unsure what a document says or what it commits you to. See a lawyer first.
- There is a dispute, a claim or a court case. You need a lawyer. A notary cannot appear for you.
- You are drafting a contract, a will or a company document. A lawyer should draft it. It may then go to a notary.
- A foreign document is coming to the UAE. The UAE is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. It is attested in the issuing country, then by MOFAIC in the UAE. That is a document step, not legal advice.
For a labour complaint, go to MOHRE first. For a Dubai rental dispute, the Rental Dispute Centre is the place to start. You may not need a lawyer at that stage.
Notary Lawyer Near Me: How to Choose
People search for a notary lawyer near me or an advocate for notary near me. Ask these questions before you go.
Do you need advice, or only a signature confirmed?
If you need a notary, is the person on the Dubai Courts roll of private notaries, or will you use the Government notary?
If you need a lawyer, is the advocate licensed? Check the directory above.
Who will handle your matter from start to finish?
Our guide on how to choose a lawyer in Dubai goes through the licence check. The guide on advocate, lawyer or legal consultant explains who may plead in court.
What to Have Ready
Bring what you have, even if it is incomplete.
- Your Emirates ID or passport
- The document you need to sign, or a draft of it
- Any contract, notice or letter you received
- Any message or email that shows what was agreed
- Translations, if the paper is not in Arabic or English
Court proceedings in the UAE are in Arabic. If your papers are in another language, we explain what is filed for you and arrange the legal translation.
How the Cost Is Made Up
A notary and a lawyer charge for different things. The notary fee is a government schedule. For example, Cabinet Resolution No. 19 of 2024 sets federal notary fees, including AED 100 per party to notarise a power of attorney. A private notary on the federal schedule may add up to 30%, so that same power of attorney is AED 130 per party.
A lawyer’s fee is for the work: advice, drafting, filing and appearing. Our fee is quoted in writing before any work starts. Court and government fees, translation and expert fees are separate. See legal fees and consultation for how we explain it.
Frequently asked questions
Can a lawyer be a notary?
Yes, if the lawyer holds a private notary licence from Dubai Courts. Without that licence, a lawyer cannot carry out notarial acts. Many lawyers prepare the document and then send you to a notary.
Is a lawyer a notary public?
Not automatically. A lawyer is a notary public only when licensed to act as one. In Dubai, the Government notary public sits at Dubai Courts, and private notaries are lawyers licensed by Dubai Courts.
Is a notary a lawyer?
A Dubai private notary is a lawyer with a notary licence. The Government notary is a public office at Dubai Courts. Either way, a notary confirms signatures and does not act for you in a dispute.
Can a lawyer notarize a document?
Only a lawyer who is also a licensed private notary can. Otherwise the document goes to a notary, and the lawyer advises you before and after. If you are unsure, ask us first.
Who should I see first, a notary or a lawyer?
See a lawyer first if you do not fully understand the document, or if money, property, family or a dispute is involved. See a notary first only when the text is final and you just need it made official.
Talk to Us
Call or WhatsApp +971 50 747 9570, or email help@lawyerindubai.ae. Tell us what has happened and what you have in writing: the first ten minutes are free, and we will tell you whether you need a lawyer and what the next step is.
Lawyers in Dubai, Empire Height Towers, Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE. You can also use our contact page.