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Comprehensive Guide to Legal and Notary Services in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Legal and notary services in Sharjah, UAE, are essential for various personal, business, and legal transactions. These services are regulated by the UAE government and are designed to ensure that legal documents are authenticated, certified, and compliant with local laws. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate these services effectively.

1. Types of Legal and Notary Services Offered in Sharjah

Legal and notary services in Sharjah cover a wide range of needs, including:

A. Notary Public Services

  • Attestation of Documents: Certification of contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.
  • Power of Attorney (POA): Drafting and notarizing POAs for personal or business use.
  • Affidavits and Declarations: Notarizing sworn statements or declarations.
  • Property Transactions: Certification of property sale or lease agreements.
  • Corporate Documents: Notarization of company formation documents, board resolutions, and shareholder agreements.
  • Marriage and Divorce Documents: Certification of marriage contracts or divorce decrees for legal use.
  • Will and Testament: Notarizing wills and inheritance-related documents.

B. Legal Services

  • Legal Consultation: Advice on UAE laws, including family law, labor law, and commercial law.
  • Contract Drafting and Review: Assistance with drafting and reviewing contracts to ensure compliance with UAE law.
  • Dispute Resolution: Mediation and arbitration services for resolving disputes.
  • Litigation Support: Representation in UAE courts for civil, criminal, or commercial cases.
  • Immigration and Visa Services: Legal assistance with residency, work permits, and visa-related issues.

C. Translation and Legalization

  • Legal Translation: Certified translation of documents into Arabic (mandatory for legal use in the UAE).
  • Document Legalization: Authentication of foreign documents for use in the UAE, including attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

2. Associated Costs

The costs for legal and notary services in Sharjah vary depending on the type of service and the complexity of the document or case. Below is a general breakdown:

A. Notary Public Fees

  • Power of Attorney: AED 100–500 (depending on the type and purpose of the POA).
  • Attestation of Contracts: AED 100–300 per document.
  • Affidavits and Declarations: AED 100–200 per document.
  • Corporate Documents: AED 500–1,000 (depending on the complexity and number of documents).

B. Legal Consultation Fees

  • Initial Consultation: AED 500–1,000 per hour (varies by law firm and lawyer expertise).
  • Case Handling: Fees depend on the nature of the case (e.g., family law, labor disputes, or commercial litigation) and are often quoted after an initial consultation.

C. Translation and Legalization

  • Legal Translation: AED 50–150 per page (depending on the document type and urgency).
  • Document Legalization: AED 150–200 per document (MOFA attestation fees).

3. Required Procedures

A. For Notary Services

  1. Prepare the Document: Draft the document in Arabic or have it translated into Arabic by a certified translator.
  2. Visit the Notary Public Office: Bring the document and required identification (see below).
  3. Verification: The notary will verify the document and your identity.
  4. Payment: Pay the applicable fees.
  5. Notarization: The document will be stamped and signed by the notary.

B. For Legal Services

  1. Consult a Lawyer: Schedule a consultation with a licensed lawyer in Sharjah.
  2. Provide Documentation: Share all relevant documents and details of your case.
  3. Legal Representation: If required, sign a legal services agreement for representation in court or other legal matters.

C. For Document Legalization

  1. Attestation by Home Country Authorities: Ensure the document is attested by the relevant authorities in your home country (e.g., Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
  2. UAE Embassy Attestation: Have the document attested by the UAE Embassy in your home country.
  3. MOFA Attestation: Submit the document to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs for final attestation.

4. Necessary Documentation

The following documents are typically required for legal and notary services in Sharjah:

  • Valid Emirates ID (for residents).
  • Passport (for non-residents).
  • Trade License (for corporate documents).
  • Original Document: The document to be notarized or legalized.
  • Arabic Translation: Certified translation of the document into Arabic (if applicable).
  • Supporting Documents: Any additional documents required for specific services (e.g., proof of ownership for property transactions).

5. Government Offices and Service Providers

A. Government Offices

  1. Sharjah Notary Public Offices

    • Located in Sharjah Courts Complex.
    • Services include notarization of contracts, POAs, and other legal documents.
    • Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

  2. Ministry of Justice (MOJ)

    • Oversees notary public services and legal professionals in the UAE.
    • Website: www.moj.gov.ae

  3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)

B. Private Service Providers

  1. Law Firms in Sharjah

    • Examples: Al Tamimi & Company, Hadef & Partners, and Horizons & Co.
    • Offer comprehensive legal services, including consultation, litigation, and contract drafting.

  2. Legal Translation Offices

    • Certified translation offices in Sharjah provide Arabic translations required for legal documents.

  3. Typing Centers

    • Many typing centers in Sharjah assist with document preparation and submission for notary and legal services.

C. Online Platforms

  1. UAE Ministry of Justice e-Services

    • Offers online appointment booking for notary services.
    • Website: www.moj.gov.ae

  2. MOFAIC Online Portal

    • Allows users to apply for document attestation services online.
    • Website: www.mofaic.gov.ae

  3. Sharjah Digital Services

    • Some notary services can be accessed through the Sharjah Government’s digital platform.
    • Website: www.sharjah.ae

6. Local Considerations and Cultural Practices

  • Language: Arabic is the official language for all legal and notary documents. Ensure all documents are translated into Arabic by a certified translator.
  • Dress Code: When visiting government offices or law firms, dress modestly and professionally to respect local customs.
  • Appointment Scheduling: It is advisable to book appointments in advance, especially for notary services, as walk-ins may experience long wait times.
  • Working Hours: Government offices typically operate Sunday to Thursday, 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Private law firms may have extended hours.
  • Public Holidays: Be aware of UAE public holidays, as government offices will be closed during these times.

7. Tips for a Smooth Experience

  • Double-check all documents for accuracy and completeness before visiting a notary or legal office.
  • Use certified legal translators to avoid delays in processing.
  • Keep multiple copies of all documents for your records.
  • If unsure about procedures, consult a legal professional or visit a typing center for assistance.

By following this guide, you can efficiently access legal and notary services in Sharjah while ensuring compliance with local laws and cultural norms.