Foreign Powers of Attorney

If you live in the UK but own property or have personal or business interests abroad, you may need to sign a foreign Power of Attorney. This is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust, often a lawyer, agent or family member, to act on your behalf in another country. Foreign Powers of Attorney are frequently required for buying or selling property overseas, managing bank accounts, signing contracts or dealing with local authorities.

Because the rules vary from country to country, a Power of Attorney for use abroad is normally drafted by a lawyer in that jurisdiction. However, it must be signed correctly in the UK and witnessed by a notary public before it will be accepted overseas. This is where our notarial services can help.

Our role as your UK notary

At CWJ, our Notary team regularly assists clients with Powers of Attorney for use in Europe, India, South Africa and many other jurisdictions. We will:

• Confirm your identity and ensure you understand the nature of document you are signing
• Witness your signature and apply our notarial seal
• Certify copies of your passport and any other required documents
• Arrange for the document to be legalised with an apostille from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), confirming the authenticity of the notary’s signature and seal
• If required, arrange for the completed document to be couriered directly to the relevant country

Country-specific requirements

Each country has its own formalities when it comes to Powers of Attorney. For example, in Spain the document is always bilingual and drafted very widely; in India, a Power of Attorney will usually require two witnesses as well as the notary and a photo of the person giving the Power of Attorney is usually required.

How we can help

We can assist with Powers of Attorney for most countries and will, if needed, liaise directly with your overseas lawyer to ensure the document is prepared and executed correctly. Our team will make sure the signing and legalisation process in the UK meets all the necessary requirements so that your Power of Attorney is accepted abroad without difficulty.

If you need assistance with a foreign Power of Attorney in the UK, please contact Megan Robinson: megan.robinson@cwj.co.uk or 01689 887844 or mr@cwj.co.uk