Power of Attorney for Use Overseas

If you live in Australia but need someone to act for you overseas, such as selling property, dealing with a bank, handling an inheritance or running a company, the foreign authority will usually require a Power of Attorney signed in front of a notary public. Our Melbourne CBD notary office prepares, witnesses and certifies Powers of Attorney for use in almost every country.

How a Power of Attorney for Overseas Use Works

• Check the wording. Many countries supply their own form, or require specific powers to be listed. We review the document before you sign so it is accepted first time.
• Sign before the notary. You attend in person with original photo ID. The notary confirms your identity and that you understand the document, then witnesses your signature.
• Notarial certificate. The notary attaches a signed and sealed notarial certificate to the Power of Attorney.
• Apostille or authentication. For countries that are party to the Hague Apostille Convention, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) adds an Apostille. For other countries, DFAT authenticates the document and it is then legalised by that country’s embassy or consulate. We can arrange this step for you.
• Translation. Where the receiving country requires it, we can arrange NAATI-accredited translation.

Common Uses

• Buying, selling or managing property overseas
• Bank accounts and pensions
• Inheritance and deceased estates
• Company registrations and share transfers
• Court proceedings and litigation
• Family and guardianship matters

Countries We Regularly Assist With

China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Italy, Greece, Spain, Germany, Brazil, Colombia, the UAE and many more. Requirements differ between countries, so please tell us where the document will be used when you book. See also our guides to a Power of Attorney for China and Indian Powers of Attorney.

Power of Attorney for Use in Victoria

If you need a Power of Attorney for use within Victoria rather than overseas, see our Enduring Power of Attorney service.

What to Bring

• The unsigned Power of Attorney (or details so we can prepare one)
• Your current passport or other government photo ID
• Details of the person you are appointing (name, ID number, address) if the form requires them

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a Victorian enduring power of attorney overseas?

Usually not. Most countries require their own form of power of attorney, so ask the overseas lawyer, bank or authority for their wording before your appointment.

Do I need to attend in person?

Yes. You must sign in front of the notary and bring your current passport or other government photo ID.

Does my attorney need to be present?

No. Only the person granting the power of attorney needs to attend, although you will need your attorney’s full name and identification details if the form requires them.

Do I also need an apostille?

For Hague Convention countries, including China since November 2023, yes. Other countries require DFAT authentication and embassy legalisation. We can arrange either.