Power of Attorney for International Use – Notarised by a UK Notary in London
By appointment. London and UK-wide by post.
Phone: 020 7019 9007
Email: notary@inotarypublic.co.uk
Address: iNotary Public, 1 Paris Garden, Southwark, London SE1 8ND
What is a Power of Attorney (POA)
A Power of Attorney is a deed by which a donor authorises an attorney to act on their behalf in business, legal, or personal matters. In England and Wales any adult with capacity can grant a POA. A Notary Public confirms identity, assesses mental capacity, and ensures the donor signs freely without duress.
Types of Power of Attorney in England and Wales
• General Power of Attorney: broad authority for a time-limited period.
• Limited or Special Power of Attorney: authority restricted to specified acts or a single transaction.
• Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA): for health/welfare or property/financial decisions; valid after registration with the Office of the Public Guardian.
Note: Overseas recipients may set different wording, witnessing, and notarisation requirements.
Most common countries we notarise, Notarise and Apostille or Notarise, Apostille and Consular attestation Power of Attorneys for are:
When a POA is required for use abroad
• Buying or selling property overseas
• Opening or managing bank accounts and investments
• Company formation, board resolutions, or commercial contracts
• Consular, immigration, and visa processes
• Litigation and representation before foreign authorities
Country-specific requirements to check
• Language and certified translation
• Exact signing format and number of witnesses
• Notarial certificate wording or notarised notarial act
• Copy identification to be attached (passport or national ID)
• Apostille (FCDO) and any consular legalisation
Our Notary Process in London
- Pre-check: send a draft POA and recipient instructions for review.
- ID and capacity: bring valid photo ID and proof of address; the notary confirms understanding and free will.
- Execution as a deed: you sign in the notary’s presence; witnesses provided where required.
- Notarial certificate: the notary seals the document or a notarised copy.
- Apostille: we submit to the FCDO for legalisation if the destination country requires it.
- Consular legalisation: arranged where the country is outside the Hague Convention.
Documents to bring
• Final POA draft and any recipient guidance
• Valid passport and proof of address
• Company signatory evidence if signing for a company (e.g., board minute, register, or attorney authority)
• Translation instructions if needed
Turnaround and delivery
• Same-day notarisation available subject to capacity.
• Apostille: typically about 48 hours once the document reaches our office; FCDO timelines can vary.
• Return by Royal Mail Special Delivery or courier.
Fees
Fixed, transparent pricing based on document complexity, number of signatories, translation, and legalisation steps. Quotes provided in advance.
Postal service (UK-wide)
• Email a scan for confirmation of wording and requirements.
• Post the originals to our Southwark office with contact details.
• We notarise, legalise if requested, and return by tracked delivery.
FAQs
Do overseas POAs always need an apostille?
Often yes. Countries that recognise the Hague Apostille will usually request it. Some destinations also require consular legalisation.
Can you supply witnesses?
Yes. The notary can act as a witness and arrange an additional witness if the destination requires two.
Can a company grant a POA?
Yes. Execution formalities differ for companies; we confirm the correct signatory method before the appointment.
Do I need a translation?
If the receiving authority is not English-speaking, they may require a bilingual POA or a certified translation. We arrange sworn or certified translations as required by the destination.
Can you draft the POA?
We can provide standard templates or work from wording provided by the receiving lawyer or authority to ensure acceptance abroad.
Contact
iNotary Public, 1 Paris Garden, Southwark, London SE1 8ND
Phone: 020 7019 9007
Email: notary@inotarypublic.co.uk