Forging signature in UAE is a serious offense that carries criminal and civil consequences.
Whether it appears on a legal contract, a business cheque, or a digital document, a forged signature can lead to heavy fines, imprisonment, or lawsuits.
This article outlines the UAE’s laws on signature forgery as of 2025 and explains how our law firm can support individuals and companies affected by or accused of this crime.
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Forging Signature in UAE Laws
Forging a signature in the UAE is treated as a criminal act that undermines trust in legal and commercial relationships.
The law addresses both physical and digital forms of forgery and enforces strict penalties to deter fraudulent behavior.
Signature forgery is taken seriously in personal matters, such as falsifying consent in family or inheritance documents, and in business, such as tampering with contracts or payment instruments.
This section covers what constitutes signature forgery, how UAE laws define and punish it, and the broader legal consequences that follow.
Definition and Legal Framework
In the UAE, forging a signature means altering or creating a false signature to pass it off as genuine. It includes three main scenarios:
Imitating another person’s signature – for example, signing a rental agreement using someone else’s name without permission.
Altering a real signature – such as modifying a signed contract after the other party has already signed it.
Deceiving someone into signing unknowingly – like tricking an elderly person into signing over property rights under false pretenses.
The main laws that govern signature forgery include:
- Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (UAE Penal Code): This law outlines the general rules for forgery, including how signatures on documents can be manipulated and punished.
- Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 (Cybercrimes Law): Targets electronic forgery, such as digitally altered PDF contracts or forged e-signatures on official online portals.
- Federal Decree-Law No. 50 of 2022 (Commercial Transactions Law): Focuses on financial document fraud, particularly the forgery of cheques.
Forgery is not limited to paper. Signing someone’s name on a scanned contract or editing a digital invoice can also qualify as forgery under UAE law.
Criminal Penalties
The UAE penal system imposes varying levels of punishment for forgery, depending on the type of document, the method used, and whether the forged document was used.
Official Documents
Forgery of official documents—those issued by government authorities—is considered a felony. This includes documents like Emirates ID applications, court orders, or government employment letters. For example, submitting a fake job offer letter with a forged signature to obtain a visa is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Private Documents
Private documents include personal agreements, handwritten letters, or private contracts between individuals or businesses. Signing a power of attorney using someone else’s name is a common example. This offense typically results in incarceration, often ranging from months to several years, depending on the severity of the case.
Electronic Documents
Forgery in digital formats is increasingly common and equally punishable.
Like editing a PDF contract by changing the name and attaching a copied digital signature to mislead a business partner.
The Cybercrimes Law prescribes:
- Government electronic documents: Up to imprisonment and fines of AED 150,000–750,000.
- Private electronic documents: Penalties include detention and fines of AED 100,000–300,000.
- Using a forged digital document knowingly: Treated the same as creating one. For instance, submitting a forged trade license electronically can bring criminal charges.
Cheque Forgery
A widespread and serious offense in the UAE involves cheques is signing a cheque using a business partner’s name without their approval.
This is punishable under the Commercial Transactions Law by at least 1 year in prison and Fines between AED 20,000 and 100,000.
Even if the cheque wasn’t used, the act of forging the signature itself is enough to trigger prosecution. Receiving or using a forged cheque is also a criminal offense.
Additional Consequences
In addition to jail time and fines, individuals convicted of forging signature in UAE may face several other serious consequences that impact their financial status and public record.
- Restitution orders: Courts may order offenders to repay the monetary value gained through forgery, a minimum of AED 50,000. For example, if a forged contract resulted in a property sale, the profit must be returned.
- Public servants face harsher penalties: If a government employee commits forgery in the line of duty, sentences start from 5 years in prison.
- Forging copies is also punishable: Even making a false copy of an official document (e.g., a fake passport scan with a signed endorsement) can lead to up to 5 years in jail.
Civil and Commercial Implications
Criminal punishment is only part of the picture. Forging signature in UAE often triggers lawsuits, financial losses, and failed business transactions.
Invalid Contracts
A contract signed with a forged signature is legally invalid.
For example, if someone signs a property transfer agreement using your name, you cannot be held accountable for that sale.
Legal Claims and Compensation
Victims of signature forgery can:
- File lawsuits to void contracts.
- Reclaim misappropriated funds or property.
- Demand damages for financial or reputational harm.
An example would be a forged signature on a loan agreement.
The real person named in the contract can sue to have the agreement canceled and receive compensation for damages or stress caused.
Business and Banking Issues
Banks and businesses are especially cautious. A forged signature on a cheque or business contract may lead to:
- Frozen accounts.
- Rejected transactions.
- Loss of access to business credit lines.
Repeat offenses or confirmed forgery can even result in blacklisting by banks or authorities, damaging long-term financial credibility.
Legal Services Related to Signature Forging in UAE
Our law firm in UAE offers dedicated legal support for individuals and businesses facing forgery-related issues.
Whether you’re accused or a victim, we help you navigate the UAE legal system with precision and discretion.
Criminal Defense
Our Criminal Lawyers for Forgery Cases defend individuals accused of forging or using forged signatures.
We examine evidence, challenge weak accusations, and aim to reduce penalties or secure acquittals.
Example: A client accused of signing a company contract on behalf of a former employer without authority was cleared of charges through our defense strategy, proving a lack of intent.
Civil Litigation
We represent victims of forgery in civil lawsuits. If your signature was forged, we can help invalidate agreements and recover damages.
Example: A client’s property was transferred without consent using a forged signature. Our legal team successfully voided the transaction and restored ownership.
Legal Consultation
We provide preventive and strategic advice on:
- Responding to forgery allegations.
- Collecting evidence to prove forgery.
- Protecting rights during investigations or court proceedings.
Document Verification
Our team can review contracts, cheques, and authorizations to detect forged signatures before a transaction is completed, protecting you from potential legal issues.
Compliance Support
For businesses, we offer guidance on:
- Setting up signature protocols.
- Verifying authorized signatories.
- Complying with UAE laws to prevent liability.
FAQs about Forging Signatures in the UAE
Forging signature in UAE is a serious matter with strict legal consequences.
The law covers physical and digital documents, private and official matters, and penalizes both creators and users of forgeries.
Whether you’re a business owner, individual, or government worker, understanding your legal risks and rights is critical.
If you’ve been accused of forgery—or believe someone has forged your signature—our law firm is ready to help.
We provide strategic legal services to protect your interests and ensure justice is served.
Contact our law firm in UAE for expert help. Click the Whatsapp icon below.
A law graduate and legal writer focusing on UAE law, he became known for his ability to clarify complex legal concepts through his writings. His work simplifies the intricacies of the legal landscape in the Emirates, helping both locals and expatriates navigate their legal concerns.
