Notarising a Power of Attorney in Singapore for Overseas Use

If you need to grant someone the authority to act on your behalf overseas, for example to manage property, complete a transaction, or handle an application while you remain in Singapore, you may need to have a Power of Attorney notarised before it will be accepted abroad. This guide explains what to expect.

What Is a Power of Attorney and Why Notarise It?

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document in which one person (the donor) authorises another person (the attorney) to act on their behalf. A POA can be general, covering a broad range of matters, or specific, limited to a particular transaction such as selling a property or operating a bank account.

When a POA is intended for use overseas, the receiving country or institution may require it to be notarised. Notarisation provides evidence that the document was properly executed and, where the Notary Public is witnessing the signature, that the person who signed the document was identified by the Notary Public and signed it in their presence. 

Preparing to Sign

Before your appointment, it helps to have:

• A clear understanding of exactly what powers you are granting, and to whom
• The correct legal name and identification details of both donor and attorney
• Any specific document format or wording required by the receiving country or institution
• Valid original identification documents (such as your passport or NRIC)

If the POA has been drafted by lawyers in the receiving country, bring the exact document they have prepared. If it needs to be drafted locally, this should be arranged well ahead of your appointment.

Signing in the Notary Public’s Presence

Where witnessing is required, the donor must generally sign the Power of Attorney in the physical presence of the Notary Public. This is a key part of the notarisation process: the Notary Public verifies the signer’s identity and witnesses the execution of the document, confirming that the person named in the document is the one who signed it, and did so voluntarily.

This means the appointment cannot usually be completed remotely, and the signer should not sign the document in advance of the appointment.

The Notarial Certificate

Once the Notary Public has witnessed the signing and verified identity, they will attach a Notarial Certificate to the document. This certificate records what the Notary Public did, confirms the identity checks performed, and is typically signed, sealed, and dated.

The Notarial Certificate provides evidence of the notarial act when the notarised Power of Attorney is presented overseas. Where required, the notarised document may then need further authentication or legalisation before it is accepted by the receiving authority. 

Apostille or Embassy Legalisation

Notarisation alone is often not the final step. Depending on where the Power of Attorney will be used:

• If the destination country recognises apostilles under the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille may be required after notarisation. See our Apostille Singapore guide for more detail.
• If the destination country does not recognise apostilles, embassy or consular legalisation may be required instead, depending on the requirements of the destination country and receiving authority. 

Because these steps come after notarisation and can add processing time, it is worth planning for them from the outset rather than discovering the requirement afterwards.

Follow the Recipient’s Instructions Closely

Different countries, banks, and government departments have their own specific requirements for how a Power of Attorney should be worded, witnessed, and authenticated. Before your appointment, it is worth confirming directly with the receiving party (whether that is a bank, land registry, or counterpart lawyer overseas):

• The exact format and content required
• Whether apostille or legalisation is needed, and by when
• Any translation requirements if the document will be used in a non-English-speaking jurisdiction

Getting this confirmed early avoids the need for a repeat appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else sign the Power of Attorney on my behalf? No. The donor must generally sign in person, in the presence of the Notary Public, where witnessing is required.

Do I need an apostille for every notarised Power of Attorney used overseas? Not always. It depends on whether the destination country recognises apostilles and is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. If it is not, embassy or consular legalisation may be needed instead.

How long does the notarisation process take? The notarisation appointment itself is usually straightforward, but obtaining an apostille or embassy legalisation afterwards can add processing time, so it is best to plan ahead.

What should I bring to my appointment? Bring the drafted Power of Attorney document, valid original identification, and any specific instructions provided by the receiving country or institution.

Ask About Notarising Your Power of Attorney

Our team can help confirm the right notarisation and authentication steps for your Power of Attorney before you book an appointment.

WhatsApp/Phone: 9692 2522
Email: enquiry@tanleeandchoo.com.sg
Hours: Mon – Fri, 9:30am – 5:00pm
Address: 1 Park Road #04-04, People’s Park Complex, Singapore 059108