Guidelines from the Qatari Ministry of Commerce and Industry Regarding Power of Attorneys

The Qatari Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued a set of guidelines to ensure the validity and accreditation of power of attorney documents. These guidelines, effective as of June 25, 2024, are crucial for legal compliance and effective representation.

Requirements for a Valid Power of Attorney:

1.     The principal must possess the authority to act on their own behalf.
2.     The actions authorized by the power of attorney must be explicitly stated.
3.    The power of attorney must be the original document, or a certified true copy issued by the original entity or kept by an official entity such as a Notary.

Essential Inclusions in a Power of Attorney:

1. The seal and authentication of the issuing Notary.
2. Identification information such as number and authentication date, with the notarized document being recent and not exceeding three years.
3. The document must be written in clear, understandable Arabic or translated by an accredited authority within the country.
4. It should be clear of any alterations, and in case of any amendments, the notary is required to verify the changes.

International Recognition of Power of Attorneys

Power of attorneys granted by notaries or consuls in non-Qatari jurisdictions should adhere to the aforementioned criteria and undergo legalization by the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, power of attorneys from foreign notaries must undergo legalization by either the embassy of the issuing nation or the Qatari embassy in that nation, alongside the requisite legalization by the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ensuring that your power of attorney meets all these requirements is essential for its validity and effectiveness. These guidelines safeguard the legal integrity of actions performed under a power of attorney and ensure that the principal’s interests are properly represented.

For more information or assistance with power of attorney documentation, please feel free to contact us at: [email protected]