A power of attorney no longer needs a visit to the notary in most cases: issuing an electronic power of attorney takes minutes on Najiz, and so does verifying a power of attorney before you deal with an agent. What matters is the wording: one unnecessary clause can give the agent authority you never intended. Here are the types, the steps and what to watch for.
Types of power of attorney
| Type | When to use it | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Specific power of attorney | For a defined act: a particular case, selling a specific property, dealing with an authority | Low; the authority is limited |
| General power of attorney | To manage wide affairs on your behalf | High; may include buying, selling and receiving money |
| Power of attorney for a lawyer | To plead and claim in one or more cases | Limited to the cases and powers stated |
| Power of attorney for a company | For the person representing the business before authorities | Depends on the powers and term |
Steps to issue an electronic power of attorney
- Log in to Najiz with your Nafath account and choose the power of attorney service.
- Choose the type: individual, business, or for a lawyer.
- Enter the agent's details (ID number, and licence number for a lawyer).
- Select the clauses and powers carefully, and add nothing you do not need.
- Set a term where possible, then confirm with verification.
- The power of attorney is issued with a number that can be verified online.
Najiz service names and paths may change; check Najiz for the current service.
Verifying a power of attorney
Before buying from an agent or handing them money or documents, verify the power of attorney by its number through the Najiz verification service: is it valid? Has it been revoked? Does it actually include the power needed (selling, receiving money, transfer)? Many property fraud cases start with a revoked power of attorney or a power that does not exist. Read fraud and scams.
Common mistakes
- Issuing a general power of attorney for a task a specific one would cover.
- Adding the power to "receive money" or "sell" without need.
- Leaving the power of attorney without a term and not revoking it after its purpose ends. Read revoking a power of attorney.
- Relying on a copy without verifying it is still valid.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee for an electronic power of attorney?
Many electronic power of attorney services on Najiz are free; check the platform when issuing.
Can I issue a power of attorney from outside the Kingdom?
You can through the e-services if your account is active, or through the Saudi embassy in your country.
What power of attorney does a lawyer need?
A power of attorney for a lawyer covering pleading, claiming and objecting in the specific case; the lawyer specifies the needed clauses.
Need a precisely worded power of attorney?
The Usus Law Firm team reviews powers of attorney and their scope within legal consultations, in Riyadh and Tabuk.
Legal review: the Usus Law Firm team
A select team of lawyers and legal advisers licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Justice, working from Riyadh and Tabuk, with experience before the general, commercial, labor, criminal, personal status and administrative courts. Every article is reviewed before publication and updated when laws or regulations change.
Last reviewed: 12 October 2026
This article is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official Arabic text of each law prevails.
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