🇦🇪 What the New Dubai PoA Bank Account Rules Mean for Foreign Sellers

Dubai’s red-hot property market is once again tightening its legal framework to maintain transparency and trust — this time targeting foreign property sellers through new regulations affecting Dubai PoA  Bank Account rules.

These updated laws impact how overseas owners can receive funds and manage property transactions from abroad — and the changes are not optional.

💥 Biggest change? Sellers must now have a UAE bank account in their own name, and PoA holders are no longer allowed to receive funds from property sales on the owner's behalf.

📌 What Are the New Rules?

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) rolled out changes in May 2025 that every foreign seller must follow:

🔐 1. Payment Must Be Made to the Owner Directly

No more cheques to PoA holders. Proceeds from the sale must be deposited or transferred directly into a UAE bank account under the property owner's name.

📝 2. Dubai PoA Cannot Accept Sale Proceeds

PoA holders can still sign documents, attend appointments, and manage the transaction logistics, but they cannot receive payment for the sale — even if the PoA is notarized and stamped.

🌍 Why Did Dubai Change the Rules?

Dubai’s global reputation as a safe and transparent property market is built on constant regulation upgrades. With over 36,000 new residential units delivered in 2022 alone and foreign investors pouring in, the authorities took action to:

✅ Block money laundering & fraud

✅ Prevent misuse of PoAs for fund diversion

✅ Comply with international FATF (Financial Action Task Force) standards

✅ Simplify audit trails & ownership verification

💡 Related Blog: Dubai Real Estate Boom to Continue – 36,000+ Units Delivered

✈️ How the Dubai PoA Rules Affect Foreign Sellers: What You MUST Know

If you're living outside the UAE and planning to sell your property in Dubai, here’s how these rules affect you:

💳 1. You Must Open a UAE Bank Account

This is non-negotiable. Without a bank account in your name, the Dubai Trustee Office will not release the sale proceeds.Many UAE banks offer non-resident accounts. Common documents required include:

• Passport copy

• Emirates ID (if available)

• Proof of address (utility bill)

• Tax residency certificate

Expect a processing time of 10–20 working days, depending on the bank.

🤝 2. PoA Is Still Useful – But Limited

A properly notarized PoA can still handle:

✔️ Signing the Sales and Purchase Agreement (Form F)

✔️ Attending the NOC appointment

✔️ Submitting transfer documents at the Trustee Office

❌ But they can’t receive your cheque or bank transfer.

💰 3. Buyer’s Cheque Will Be in Your Name ONLY

On transfer day, the Manager’s Cheque (the official payment) will be issued to the property owner's full name, exactly as it appears on the title deed.

📝 What You Should Do Immediately

Here’s your action plan to stay compliant:

✅ Step 1: Match Your Name

Ensure the name on your passport matches your title deed exactly — even minor differences (like missing middle names) can cause delays.

✅ Step 2: Open a UAE Bank Account

Popular banks that offer non-resident accounts include:🏦 Emirates NBD🏦 Mashreq Bank (Neo)🏦 First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)

💡 TIP: Use a digital-only bank like Liv. or Neo for faster onboarding.

✅ Step 3: Issue a PoA (if needed)

• Use Dubai Courts to issue and notarize your Power of Attorney.

• You can complete this process online via video call if you’re abroad.

  
  

💡 Related Blog: How to Buy Property in Dubai with Cryptocurrency – Step-by-Step

🧠 Real-World Example

Case: Michael from GermanyMichael owns an apartment in Dubai Marina. He planned to sell while living in Berlin using a PoA issued to his cousin. But after May 2025, the new rules came in. Here's what he did:

1. Applied for a Mashreq Neo account as a non-resident

2. Sent the updated bank account to his broker

3. Had the buyer issue the Manager’s Cheque in his name

4. Used Aramex to courier the cheque to Germany

5. Cleared funds via international transfer after endorsement

   
   

✅ Result: Clean, compliant, hassle-free sale — with funds received in just 3 days.

❌ What NOT to Do

🚫 Don’t rely on your PoA to receive paymentsEven if your old PoA includes a "receive funds" clause, it's no longer accepted. Trustee Offices will reject it.

🚫 Don’t delay account setupIf your account isn’t ready by transfer day, the deal might fall apart — buyers won’t wait.

🚫 Don’t send payment instructions to third-party companies or relativesDubai’s banking system now flags these as compliance violations.

🔮 What Does This Mean for the Future?

These regulations are a step forward, showing that Dubai is serious about transparency. They're also laying the groundwork for future-ready payment methods like digital wallets and cryptocurrency settlements.

💡 Related Blog: UAE Likely to Be a Global Cryptocurrency Hub

In fact, many developers in Dubai now accept Bitcoin, USDT, and Ethereum for off-plan property deals. Don’t be surprised if digital asset wallets become a requirement in the future.

🧾 Legal Addendum: What the New Law Says

As per the Dubai Land Department directive (No. 432/2025):

“All proceeds from property transactions must be remitted directly to the title deed holder’s personal or joint UAE bank account. No third-party collection is allowed, even under notarized Power of Attorney.”

⚖️ This regulation is enforced at all Trustee Offices, including Al Barsha, Al Twar, and Al Yalayis.

🗂️ Summary Checklist for Foreign Sellers in 2025

✅ Title deed name matches your passport

✅ UAE bank account opened in your name

✅ Valid Dubai Court-issued PoA (if needed)

✅ SPA clause specifies payment goes to you only

✅ Bank ready to clear or transfer funds

By following this, you can avoid legal delays, rejected cheques, and complications at the Trustee Office.

✨ Final Thoughts

Dubai remains one of the easiest and most rewarding cities to invest in — but as with any booming market, regulations evolve.

These new rules are designed to protect sellers, not burden them. The process is still very smooth, especially with a reliable broker and legal partner on your side.

🤝 Need Help Navigating the New Rules?

Let our expert property consultants help you sell your property 100% compliant with Dubai’s new PoA and banking regulations.

📞 Contact Us for Enquiry

📍 Website: www.theproperty.ae

📧 Email: hello@theproperty.ae

📱 WhatsApp/Call: +971 55 398 0482

Whether you're in London, Mumbai, Toronto, or Riyadh — we can help you open your account, update your documents, and close your sale smoothly. 💼🌍