Table of Contents
Editorial note: This guide reflects the power-of-attorney procedures available through Saudi government platforms as of 2026-07-14. Fees, required documents, and platform features can change, so confirm the latest process through Najiz or Absher before acting.
A power of attorney is one of the most useful legal tools in Saudi Arabia. It lets you authorize someone you trust to handle tasks when you cannot be present, from selling a car to signing a property contract. The process is now largely digital, which makes it faster and easier to manage.
What Is Wakala?
Wakala is the Arabic term for agency or power of attorney. In a wakala arrangement, the principal (the person giving authority) appoints an agent (the person receiving authority) to perform specific legal acts on the principal’s behalf.
The relationship is based on trust. The agent must act within the scope of the authority given and in the principal’s interest. Anything done outside that scope may not be legally binding.
Common Types of Power of Attorney
Powers of attorney in Saudi Arabia are usually classified as general or specific:
- General power of attorney: gives the agent broad authority to handle a wide range of legal, financial, or administrative matters. It is useful when someone needs comprehensive representation.
- Specific power of attorney: limits the agent to a single task or a narrow set of tasks, such as selling a vehicle, collecting a document, signing a lease, or managing a court case.
Specific powers of attorney are generally safer because they reduce the risk of misuse. Many government agencies and banks also prefer or require specific authorizations.
Notarization Through Najiz or Absher
Saudi Arabia has moved most power-of-attorney services online. The two main platforms are:
- Najiz: the Ministry of Justice platform for creating, notarizing, and revoking powers of attorney. It supports both general and specific authorizations and is widely accepted by courts and government agencies.
- Absher: the Ministry of Interior platform. Some personal and government-service authorizations can be managed through Absher, especially when they relate to identity, residency, or dependent services.
For matters that cannot be completed online, or for complex corporate authorizations, you can still visit a notary office in person.
Common Uses
Residents and citizens use powers of attorney for many purposes, including:
- buying or selling real estate or vehicles;
- opening or operating a bank account;
- representing someone in a court case;
- collecting documents, certificates, or passports;
- managing a business or signing commercial contracts;
- handling inheritance or estate matters;
- renewing residency or vehicle registrations.
Step-by-Step Process
- Choose the type: decide whether you need a general or specific power of attorney.
- Draft the text: clearly describe what the agent is allowed to do. Vague language can cause rejection.
- Log into Najiz or Absher: use your verified account and navigate to the power-of-attorney service.
- Enter the agent’s details: include the agent’s national ID or iqama number and contact information.
- Pay the fee: fees vary depending on the type and number of agents.
- Authenticate: the principal confirms identity, usually through Absher or a one-time password.
- Download the document: once issued, save the electronic power of attorney and send a copy to the agent.
Revoking a Power of Attorney
The principal can revoke a power of attorney at any time. The revocation should be done through the same platform used to create it, or at a notary office. After revocation:
- inform the agent in writing;
- notify any banks, government agencies, or third parties who relied on the original document;
- keep a copy of the revocation certificate.
A revoked power of attorney is no longer valid, but third parties who acted in good faith before receiving notice may still have protections.
Fees and Validity
Fees depend on the platform, the type of authorization, and whether additional copies or agents are included. Electronic powers of attorney through Najiz are generally affordable and faster than paper notarization.
Validity periods vary. Some powers of attorney are issued for a specific transaction and expire once it is completed. Others have a fixed term, such as one year. Check the expiry date and renew before it lapses if the agent still needs authority.
Safety Tips
- Use specific rather than general powers of attorney whenever possible.
- Choose an agent you trust completely and who understands the task.
- Keep a copy of the signed or electronic document.
- Revoke the authority as soon as the task is complete.
- Do not share your Najiz or Absher login credentials with the agent.
- Verify that banks and government agencies accept the specific type of power of attorney before relying on it.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is wakala in Saudi Arabia?
Wakala is the Arabic term for a power of attorney or agency. It allows one person (the principal) to authorize another person (the agent) to act on their behalf for specified matters.
How do I notarize a power of attorney in Saudi Arabia?
Powers of attorney can usually be created and notarized electronically through the Najiz platform or, for some government services, through Absher. Paper notarization is also available at notary offices.
What is the difference between general and specific power of attorney?
A general power of attorney grants broad authority across many matters. A specific power of attorney limits the agent to one task or a narrow set of tasks, such as selling a car or signing a lease.
Can I revoke a power of attorney?
Yes. The principal can revoke a power of attorney at any time, usually by submitting a revocation request through the same platform or at a notary office, and informing the agent and any third parties.
Can expats grant a power of attorney in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, expats with valid residency can grant powers of attorney, subject to the same platform requirements and identity verification as Saudi citizens.