Affidavits and Sworn Declarations in the UAE

You need an affidavit or sworn declaration in the UAE when a court, notary, government body, bank, property authority, immigration authority or business counterparty asks you to confirm facts in writing under oath. You make it by writing the facts clearly, preparing Arabic text or a certified Arabic translation, signing it before a UAE notary public under oath, then filing or submitting it to the authority that asked for it.

What an affidavit means in the UAE

An affidavit is a written statement of facts that a person confirms as true under oath. The person making it is often called the affiant or declarant. In UAE practice, people may also use the terms “sworn declaration”, “notarised declaration”, “undertaking” or “statement under oath”. The exact title matters less than the content and the purpose. The key point is that the person is formally confirming facts, not just writing an ordinary letter.

In civil and commercial matters, affidavits are usually used when written evidence is needed instead of, or before, oral evidence. UAE civil procedure is governed mainly by Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022 Promulgating the Civil Procedure Law. Evidence in civil and commercial disputes is governed mainly by Federal Decree-Law No. 35 of 2022 on Evidence in Civil and Commercial Transactions. These laws sit behind the way UAE courts deal with written proof, documents, witness evidence and oaths.

An affidavit is not the same as a contract. It does not create a deal by itself, unless it also contains binding promises and the law treats them as enforceable. It is also not the same as a power of attorney. A power of attorney gives someone authority to act for you. An affidavit confirms facts.

Common examples include a statement that you own a property, that a document was lost, that a family relationship exists, that a company fact is correct, or that events happened in a certain way. The affidavit should only include facts the person knows or can honestly verify.

When you may need one

You may need an affidavit when a UAE authority wants reliable written confirmation of facts. This often happens in disputes, property matters, family matters, immigration files and business transactions. A sworn declaration can save time where oral evidence is not practical, but it does not guarantee that the court or authority will accept every statement as proven. The authority can still ask for original documents, supporting records or witness attendance.

In court cases, an affidavit may be used to support an application, explain a factual background or verify documents. In property matters, it may be used to confirm ownership details, marital status, loss of an original document or authority to sign. In immigration and personal status matters, it may be used to confirm personal circumstances or relationships. In business matters, it may support company records, shareholding details, board decisions or facts needed by banks and counterparties.

The table below shows common uses and what the authority is usually trying to verify.

The exact requirement depends on the receiving body. A court may have one format. A land department, free zone, bank or embassy may ask for another.

How to draft the affidavit

Start with the purpose. The affidavit should say who you are, what facts you are confirming and why the declaration is being made. Use simple numbered paragraphs. Each paragraph should deal with one fact. Avoid long explanations, legal arguments and emotional language. A strong affidavit is clear, factual and easy to check.

At the top, include your full name, nationality, passport number or Emirates ID number, address and contact details. If you are signing for a company, state your position and the source of your authority, such as a trade licence, board resolution or power of attorney. If the affidavit is for a specific case, transaction or authority file, include the case number, property number, licence number or application reference if you have it.

The body should separate facts you personally know from facts based on documents. For example, say “I purchased the property under sale agreement dated...” rather than “I am clearly the rightful owner” if the document is the proof. If you rely on attachments, list them as exhibits or annexures. Mark them clearly, such as “Annexure 1, copy passport” or “Annexure 2, tenancy contract”.

The affidavit should include:

• The declarant’s full identity details.
• A clear statement that the facts are true.
• Numbered factual paragraphs.
• Dates, names, places and document details where relevant.
• A list of attachments, if any.
• The date of signing.
• The declarant’s signature.
• Notary wording or space for notarisation.

Do not guess. If you are unsure, say so or leave it out. False information in a sworn declaration can create legal risk under UAE law, including under Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 Promulgating the Crimes and Penalties Law.

Language, translation and notarisation

For use before UAE onshore courts and most UAE authorities, the affidavit should be in Arabic or have a certified Arabic translation. If the original is in English or another language, the receiving authority may require a legal translation by a translator accepted in the UAE. Do not assume that a bilingual version prepared by a friend, office assistant or ordinary translator will be accepted.

The affidavit must normally be signed before a UAE notary public if it is meant to be a sworn or notarised declaration. The notary’s role is not to prove that every fact is true. The notary confirms formal matters, such as identity, signature, date and that the person is appearing to sign the document. The notary may also check whether the person understands the document and is signing voluntarily.

Notarial practice is regulated at federal level and also affected by local notary systems in each emirate. Availability, appointment methods and electronic services may differ between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the other emirates. Some notary services may be available through online or remote channels, but this depends on the emirate, the document type and the identity checks required.

Bring the right documents. In most cases, expect to provide:

• Emirates ID, if you have one.
• Passport.
• Residence visa details, if relevant.
• The final affidavit text.
• Certified Arabic translation, if needed.
• Supporting documents mentioned in the affidavit.
• Company authority documents, if signing for a company.

Fees and timing vary by emirate, notary channel and document type. A simple notarisation may be completed quickly if the text, ID documents and translations are ready. Delays usually happen because the wording is unclear, the Arabic translation is missing, the wrong person attends, or the signatory cannot prove authority to sign.

Filing and using the affidavit

After notarisation, the affidavit must be given to the body that requested it. If it is for a UAE court case, it should be filed through the correct court process. UAE courts use formal filing systems and deadlines. If a judge, case management office or procedural order sets a deadline, notarising the affidavit is not enough. It must also be filed on time and in the correct format.

For civil disputes, check whether the case is in the federal courts or a local court system such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Also check whether it is in an onshore UAE court or in a financial free zone court, such as the DIFC Courts in Dubai or ADGM Courts in Abu Dhabi. Those courts may have different language and evidence rules. An affidavit prepared for an onshore Arabic-language court may not be in the best form for a DIFC or ADGM matter, and the opposite is also true.

If the affidavit is for a government department, bank, developer, free zone or immigration file, ask that body for its preferred wording before signing. Some authorities have fixed templates. Others only require certain key statements. If you sign the wrong wording, you may need to prepare and notarise a new version.

If a UAE affidavit will be used outside the UAE, extra steps may be needed. The foreign authority may ask for legalisation, attestation or a particular notary format. If a foreign affidavit will be used in the UAE, the UAE authority may ask for embassy or consular attestation, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation and certified Arabic translation. Requirements depend on the country, the document and the receiving authority.

Keep the original safely. Many authorities want the original notarised document or a certified copy. Scanned copies are useful, but they may not be enough.

Common mistakes and edge cases

The most common mistake is treating an affidavit like a casual letter. A sworn declaration should be accurate, complete and limited to facts. Do not include insults, speculation or legal conclusions. For example, “the other party is dishonest” is usually not helpful. It is better to state the facts: “The invoice was due on 1 March 2026. Payment was not received by 15 April 2026.”

Another mistake is signing before the wording is final. Once notarised, changes may not be accepted unless the document is reissued or amended properly. Review names, passport numbers, property numbers, dates and company licence details before the appointment. A small error can cause rejection by a court, bank or authority.

Company affidavits need special care. The person signing must have authority. A general manager may not automatically be accepted for every declaration. The notary or receiving body may ask for a trade licence, memorandum of association, board resolution or power of attorney. If the company is in a free zone, the required proof may come from the free zone registry.

Language can also create problems. If you do not understand Arabic, ask for a version you can understand before signing. Do not sign a sworn Arabic document unless you know what it says. If the affidavit is bilingual, make sure both language versions match.

There are also sensitive situations. A minor cannot usually make a sworn declaration in the same way as an adult. A person outside the UAE may need to sign before a foreign notary and then complete attestation steps. A person who is ill, unable to attend or acting through a representative may need a different document, such as a power of attorney or medical evidence. If the facts are disputed and important to a court case, the court may still require further evidence or witness questioning.

What to do next

First, identify who is asking for the affidavit and why. A court affidavit, property declaration, immigration declaration and business declaration may look similar, but the wording and attachments can be different. Ask the receiving authority whether it has a template, required wording or filing deadline.

Second, collect the proof before drafting. Gather IDs, passports, contracts, title deeds, licences, certificates, emails, receipts and any previous correspondence. The affidavit should match the documents. If the documents say one thing and the affidavit says another, expect questions or rejection.

Third, draft the statement in short numbered paragraphs. Stick to facts. Include names, dates, places and document references. If you are relying on attachments, label them clearly. If you are signing for a company, attach proof of authority.

Fourth, arrange Arabic language requirements. If the affidavit is not already in Arabic, use a certified legal translator where required. Review the translation carefully, especially names, dates, amounts and document numbers.

Fifth, book the correct notary service in the emirate where you will sign, or use the approved electronic notary channel if available for your document. Bring your ID, the final text, translation and supporting documents. Do not sign the affidavit before the notary if the notary requires signature in their presence.

Sixth, submit it correctly. For a court case, file it through the court system within the deadline. For a government body, bank, developer or free zone, follow that body’s submission method. Keep the original, copies, payment receipts and submission confirmation.

If the affidavit affects a court case, property rights, immigration status, inheritance, family rights or a major business transaction, get legal advice before signing. The risk is not only rejection. A false or careless sworn statement can harm your case and may create legal consequences.

This article is general information about UAE law, not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different. For advice on your own case, speak to a licensed UAE lawyer.

Related reading

• How to Make a Valid Power of Attorney in the UAE
• How to Recover Unpaid Commercial Debt in the UAE
• How to Attest UAE Documents for Use Abroad

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