The ADGM notary is the Notary Public service of the Abu Dhabi Global Market Courts, used mainly by ADGM companies and the people who deal with them, and largely run online. Documents are generally expected in Arabic and English, with the Arabic certified by an MOJ-licensed legal translator. Wordcraft prepares that bilingual file and helps with the booking, while the ADGM Courts' notary performs the notarization.
Resolutions, Share Transfers and Other ADGM Notary Work
- Board and shareholder resolutions for ADGM entities, for example appointing directors or authorizing signatories (see board resolution notarization)
- Share transfer papers, including transfer instruments and related consents
- Powers of attorney for company signatories and for individuals
- Specimen signatures and signature attestation for banks and counterparties
- Declarations and affidavits requested by regulators, banks or foreign authorities
- Non-Muslim wills through the ADGM Courts' wills service (see our wills and agreements page)
The ADGM Courts publish their own list of services and eligibility conditions, and we read them against your document before anyone signs.
The Bilingual Document and MOJ-Licensed Translator Requirement
ADGM operates in English under a common-law framework, yet a notarized ADGM document often ends up onshore, at banks, ministries and courts that work in Arabic. That is why the ADGM notary generally asks for both languages, with the Arabic certified by a legal translator licensed by the Ministry of Justice. Our MOJ-certified legal translators lay the two texts out side by side so the notary can compare them line by line. See legal translation in Abu Dhabi.
- Both versions must say exactly the same thing; a mismatch is a reason to decline.
- Personal names follow the passport, and company names follow the ADGM register.
- Defined terms, share numbers and dates match across both texts.
- The translation carries the certified translator's stamp and details.
Online Submission, Video Session, Electronic Delivery
Most ADGM notarizations happen online. The request and files go in through the ADGM Courts' electronic system, the signatory meets the notary by video (or in person where the notary requires it), and the notarized document comes back electronically. Directors and shareholders who travel or live abroad can take part, as long as each has a valid ID and a device with a camera. We assemble the files, check that nothing is missing and brief each signatory beforehand.
What the ADGM Notary Will Not Notarize
The ADGM Courts notary works within firm limits. A document is generally refused when its content is unlawful or unclear, when the signatory's identity or authority cannot be verified, when it lacks the required bilingual form, or when the matter belongs to another authority, onshore property registration being one example. The Courts also publish a list of documents they will not notarize, and we check yours against it before you apply. When ADGM is the wrong route, we arrange a notary public in Abu Dhabi or another competent notary.
What to Gather for an ADGM Company Signing
- The document for notarization, or a short brief so we can write it
- A passport for every signatory, plus the Emirates ID of those resident in the UAE
- For companies: commercial license or certificate of incorporation, articles of association, register of directors and the resolution authorizing the signatory
- For share transfers: the transfer instrument and details of the shares and parties
- Foreign corporate documents, already legalized in their home country, for translation
Working With Our Abu Dhabi Office
Our Abu Dhabi team in Al Ghaith Tower, Hamdan Street, handles most ADGM files. Within 10–30 minutes of receiving your document you get a written quote that also says whether ADGM is the right notary for it. We then send the bilingual version for your approval, help you submit through the ADGM Courts' system and prepare every signatory for the session. If the notarized document is heading abroad, we carry it on through the attestation route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the ADGM notary accept English-only documents?
Generally not. The notary expects Arabic and English side by side, with the Arabic certified by an MOJ-licensed legal translator, and we prepare that for you.
Who can use the ADGM notary?
Mostly ADGM-registered entities and the people dealing with them. Whether your document qualifies is set by the ADGM Courts' rules, and we confirm it in your quote.
Can I sign remotely?
In many cases, yes. ADGM supports video sessions and electronic delivery, subject to what the notary requires for your document.
Can the ADGM Courts register a non-Muslim will?
The ADGM Courts run a wills service for non-Muslims. We help prepare and translate the supporting papers; registration itself is done by the ADGM Courts.
Is Wordcraft an ADGM notary?
No. We prepare, translate and coordinate, and the ADGM Courts' notary notarizes.
Last updated: September 2026
