At First Law Solicitors, we prepare and certify Powers of Attorney for clients who need to authorise someone to act for them abroad. Our service covers the drafting, witnessing and legalisation of Powers of Attorney for use in countries that do not require a notary public. We ensure that your document meets both UK legal standards and the acceptance requirements of the overseas authority or institution where it will be used.
A Power of Attorney (POA) allows you to appoint another person or organisation to act on your behalf in legal, financial or administrative matters. When a POA is to be used outside the United Kingdom, it often needs to be certified or legalised so that foreign authorities can recognise it as genuine.
Not all countries require a notary public. In many cases, a UK solicitor’s certification, followed by Apostille legalisation through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is sufficient. Our solicitors identify which level of certification is needed and prepare your Power of Attorney accordingly.
We take time to understand your objectives and ensure that your Power of Attorney is drafted in clear and appropriate terms. We can either prepare the document from the beginning or check one that you have already received from abroad to confirm that it meets UK signing and witnessing requirements.
Once the wording is finalised, we verify your identity and confirm that you are signing the document voluntarily. We then witness your signature and apply a solicitor’s certification confirming due execution. Where required, we also prepare the document for Apostille legalisation.
If your Power of Attorney is being used in a country that also requires embassy or consular legalisation, we can coordinate that process for you. We assist with a wide range of overseas Powers of Attorney, including those relating to property transactions, inheritance matters, company management, or representation in foreign courts and administrative offices.
Since 2025, Powers of Attorney can be certified and verified digitally under the Digital Verification Services (DVS) framework. Our solicitors use secure digital systems and Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) to witness and certify documents for overseas use where accepted.
We also offer remote witnessing appointments by secure video conference for clients who are living or working abroad. This ensures that your Power of Attorney is signed, certified and verified to the same evidentiary standard as an in-person appointment in the United Kingdom. All digital records are securely stored and fully traceable, ensuring that your document remains valid and verifiable throughout the legalisation process.
For many overseas jurisdictions, a solicitor-certified Power of Attorney must be legalised with an Apostille certificate issued by the FCDO. The Apostille confirms that the solicitor’s signature and status have been officially recognised by the UK government.
Our solicitors prepare your Power of Attorney for Apostille submission, ensuring that the certification wording, layout and execution meet FCDO requirements. Where requested, we can manage the entire submission and return process on your behalf.
We treat all documents and personal information with strict confidentiality. All data and certification records are managed in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, under the oversight of the Information Commission (formerly the ICO). Original documents are checked carefully and returned promptly after certification. Digital and physical copies are stored securely in compliance with professional and data protection standards.
At First Law Solicitors, we combine legal accuracy with practical efficiency. Our team prepares and certifies overseas Powers of Attorney with care, ensuring they meet both UK legal requirements and those of the destination country.
We provide clear guidance, reliable certification, and assistance with Apostille or consular legalisation, offering a complete service that helps you avoid costly errors or rejections. Whether you are managing property abroad, appointing a family member to act for you, or handling company affairs in another jurisdiction, we ensure your Power of Attorney is properly prepared and recognised.
If you need a Power of Attorney for use overseas, contact First Law Solicitors today. We provide professional preparation, signing and certification services, along with full Apostille and legalisation support.
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