How to make a power of attorney while abroad in 2025?

Ukrainians who are currently living abroad can issue a power of attorney for their loved ones to allow them to manage their property in Ukraine. Learn more about how to draw up a document and what you need to do

Legal counselling on migration issues

GET

Ukrainians living abroad may need to take legal action in Ukraine. To avoid returning to their homeland, citizens can issue a power of attorney to close relatives, allowing them, for example, to dispose of property on behalf of the owner. But is it possible to issue a power of attorney while abroad? We explain this in our article.

It should be noted that a power of attorney is a written document issued by one person to another for representation before third parties. A power of attorney to perform a legal act may be granted by the person being represented (the principal) directly to a third party.

This document allows the authorised person to act on behalf of the principal: represent interests, conclude agreements, sign contracts, statements, etc.

If a person abroad wants to draw up a notarised power of attorney for use in Ukraine, they can do so in several ways:

▪️ certify the power of attorney at the consulate;

▪️ certify the power of attorney at a notary in the country of residence.

💡Do you need to legalize your documents?

Contact Visit Ukraine lawyers and don't worry about the timing and correctness of your documents legalization. Our specialists will take care of all the stages, and you will receive a ready-made official document.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Getting a power of attorney at the consulate

The main advantage of getting a power of attorney through the consulate is that such a document does not require additional legalisation or translation. From the moment it is signed, the power of attorney is immediately recognised as valid in Ukraine and can be used without delay.

All powers of attorney (as well as their duplicates) related to the disposal of property, including vehicles, as well as powers of attorney issued by advance power of attorney, their cancellation or termination are subject to mandatory registration in the Unified Register of Powers of Attorney. Registration is carried out directly by the consul, who has access to this register through the information system of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine or through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It is important to note that the consul is not authorised to certify powers of attorney for transactions that, according to the law, can only be concluded in person by the principal.

Certification of a power of attorney by a notary

Ukrainians living abroad can also get a power of attorney from a local notary by contacting the nearest notary office.

In this case, the procedure for drawing up and certifying the power of attorney is governed by the legislation of the country of residence. Most often, the power of attorney is drawn up in the language of that country. In order for the document to be legally valid in Ukraine, it may need to be legalised or apostilled, as well as translated into Ukrainian.

An apostille is an official stamp that serves as confirmation of the origin of the document from the specified source. It certifies the authenticity of the signature and seal of a foreign official. This stamp ensures the legal use of documents issued in Ukraine outside its borders and vice versa. The apostille procedure is usually carried out by the Ministry of Justice, but it is recommended to check the details in specific locations.

To order an apostille on the documents of the Ministry of Justice through Visit Ukraine specialists, click the “order” button.

Another option is to draft the power of attorney in a foreign language, have it certified by a local notary and translate the signed document in Ukraine.

Reminder! With the launch of the e-Consul system, Ukrainians abroad can submit applications and documents online, and a visit to the diplomatic mission is only required to receive the finished documents. Find out how e-Consul works, what opportunities it offers and how it can be useful for Ukrainians abroad.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.