Notarial power of attorney

If you cannot be in Poland for the signing because you live abroad, work or are ill, you can appoint an attorney. To sell or buy real estate, the power of attorney must be a notarial deed.

When it must be notarial

A power of attorney must take the same form as the act it covers. Since the sale of an apartment is signed at a notary, a power of attorney for that sale must also be a notarial deed. For many other matters, such as offices or banks, a document with a notarially certified signature is enough.

Power of attorney signed abroad

You can sign a power of attorney before a notary in another country. It will usually need an apostille or legalisation and a sworn translation into Polish. Before you go to a foreign notary, please send us the draft. We will check it and suggest wording that meets Polish requirements, so that the deed in Katowice is not delayed.

Notarial deeds in Poland are always drawn up in Polish. We are happy to talk to you in English, but if you do not speak Polish well enough to follow the deed, a sworn translator has to be present when it is signed. Let us know in advance and we will help arrange one.

Revocation and costs

A power of attorney can be revoked at any time unless the principal has waived that right for a valid reason. As a rule it also expires on the death of the principal or the attorney. A notarial power of attorney for one act costs PLN 30 net, for more acts PLN 100 net (see Notary fees).

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to attend in person?

For a notarial deed, yes, unless you send an attorney. A power of attorney to sell or buy real estate must be a notarial deed. It can be made at our office or at any other notary in Poland.

Will a power of attorney signed abroad be valid in Poland?

Usually yes, but it normally needs an apostille or legalisation and a sworn translation into Polish. Send us the draft before signing and we will check it.

How do I revoke a power of attorney?

Inform the attorney in writing, so that you can prove they received it, and ask for the copy of the power of attorney to be returned. It is also worth notifying the people or institutions the attorney was dealing with.