Power of Attorney
Power of Attorney
A document by which you authorize another person to act on your behalf: to sign papers, handle a transaction, represent you before authorities. In immigration it saves visits and time.
- What it is
- A document by which you authorise another person to act on your behalf
- What it allows
- Signing papers, conducting a transaction, representing you before authorities
- Where it applies
- Citizenship and residence applications, property transactions
- Form
- Usually notarised, often with an apostille
- Can you prepare
- Yes: arrange it in advance for the powers required
In plain words
A power of attorney is a document by which you authorise another person to act on your behalf within set powers: to sign a contract, complete a transaction, file documents, or represent you before authorities or a bank. The attorney acts as if you were doing it yourself.
In immigration, a power of attorney saves time and visits. Many steps — completing a property transaction, filing documents, representing your interests — can be carried out by a lawyer under a power of attorney, without flying to the country for each stage. The powers are limited to what is expressly stated in the document.
The form matters: most often a power of attorney must be notarised, and for use abroad it also needs an apostille or consular legalisation and a translation. The powers are set out precisely: too broad a power of attorney is a risk; too narrow, and it will have to be redone.
Where a power of attorney is needed
What matters in a power of attorney
- Set out precisely
- No broader than necessary
- Validity
- The principal (you)
- The attorney
- Usually a lawyer
- Notarised
- Apostille/legalisation
- Translation
- Saves visits
- Speeds up the process
- Acting on your behalf
How to arrange a power of attorney
- 01Define the powers
- 02Draft it and have it notarised
- 03Apostille or legalisation, translation
- 04Hand it to the attorney
- 05Acting on your behalf
What you need to know
- A power of attorney allows another person to act on your behalf
- In immigration it saves visits and time
- The powers are limited to what is expressly stated
- A notarised form is usually required
- For use abroad — an apostille/legalisation and a translation
Common mistakes
- Making the power of attorney too broad (a risk)
- Or too narrow — it will have to be redone
- Forgetting the apostille or legalisation for use abroad
- Not stating the period of validity
- Not accounting for the form requirements in the country of use
What this means for a BRIDGES client
We prepare a power of attorney for the specific tasks: we set out exactly the powers needed, have it certified and legalised for use abroad. That way a lawyer handles your affairs on your behalf, and you save visits and time.
Frequently asked questions
01 /What can be done under a power of attorney?
Exactly what is set out in it: signing a contract, completing a transaction, filing documents, representing you before authorities or a bank. The powers are limited by the text of the document.
02 /Is a notarised form required?
Most often, yes, and for use abroad an apostille or consular legalisation with a translation as well. The requirements depend on the country of use.
03 /Can a power of attorney be revoked?
As a rule, yes, the principal can revoke it. The procedure for revocation and notice depends on the jurisdiction and the form of the document.
04 /To whom is a power of attorney granted?
To the attorney — usually a lawyer or representative who will handle your affairs. It is important to trust this person and to limit the powers precisely.
05 /How broad should the power of attorney be?
Exactly as the task requires: too broad is an unnecessary risk; too narrow, and it will have to be redone. The powers are set out precisely.
06 /Is it valid abroad?
Yes, if it is in the proper form, legalised (apostille or consular legalisation) and translated. Without this it may not be accepted abroad.
See also
Read next
This material has undergone editorial review by BRIDGES.
Handle your affairs without in-person visits?
We will prepare a power of attorney for your tasks and have it certified and legalised — so that a lawyer can complete every step on your behalf.