Make or check a power / For use overseas
Powers of attorney for use overseas
A power of attorney for use overseas, to sell a flat in Poland, deal with an inheritance in Greece or run a bank account in India, is not a Victorian enduring power of attorney. It follows the rules of the country where it will be used, and it usually has to be signed before a notary public. Our principal is a notary public.
Power of attorney for use overseas: in short
- The wording normally comes from the lawyer or notary in the other country. Ask them first what they need.
- You sign it before a notary public in Australia, who certifies your identity and signature.
- Most countries then need an apostille or legalisation from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade before they will accept it. [CHECK: wording against the firm’s notary reference.]
- Notary appointments are at our Frankston office only.
A Victorian power used overseas
A Victorian enduring or general power can sometimes be used abroad, but a foreign bank or registry is not bound to accept it. A general non-enduring power in the form in the Schedule to the Act authorises the attorney to do anything you can lawfully do by an attorney, which is why it is often the starting point for a short overseas task.
Poland
We prepare Polish powers of attorney (pełnomocnictwo) in Polish. See our Polish Lawyer website.
Booking a notary appointment
Notary appointments are booked through our Frankston Notary website. [CHECK: fee wording]
Next step
Send us the wording you have been given and tell us which country it is for. Send instructions or call 1800 776 529.
Power of attorney for use overseas: the law
- Powers of Attorney Act 2014 (Vic) s 7, sch.
Last reviewed: November 2026. This page is general information about Victorian law as at November 2026. It is not legal advice about your circumstances.
Send us an enquiry
We reply within one business day.
To send documents, use the Send instructions form. If something is about to happen in the next few days, such as a sale or a hearing, please also call us.
Phone: 1800 776 529
Email: info@enduringpowerofattorney.com.au
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5:30 pm
Office: 435 Nepean Highway, Frankston VIC 3199 (by appointment)
We act for attorneys and for families, but never for both sides of the same dispute. Before we start, we check that we have not acted for anyone else involved. [CHECK: confirm this line]