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Power of attorney for a Belgian notary

A power of attorney becomes useful when the Belgian notary can read clearly who grants power, to whom, for what and with which limits.

Understand the process
Last updated Editorial lead : Hiliyeh Bashir5 sources

What does the notary want to understand?

The notary wants to understand the principal, the attorney-in-fact, the scope and the limits of the power, with a clean documentary chain. The text alone is not enough if the surrounding proof floats.

Where does the file derail?

When the wrong version is translated, the signatures do not line up or the legal scope is not locked down before the notary reads it.

Documents to prepare

  • Useful version of the power of attorney with the decisive clauses or entries
  • Identities, signatures and capacities aligned with the file
  • Apostille or legalisation if the instrument must be authenticated
  • Sworn translation of the clauses and references the notary will use
  • Other succession or identity records if the power must be reread in context

Steps to follow

  1. Verify the correct version

    Use the power of attorney that actually produces the expected effect before the notary.

  2. Compare identities and powers

    Check signers, capacities, dates and references before translating.

  3. Authenticate and then translate

    Add any useful apostille or legalisation before translating the decisive clauses.

  4. Assemble the notarial chain

    Submit the record with the other documents that give the notary the full context.

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For your application

Succession and foreign records

Death abroad, powers of attorney, wills, undivided property and assets in several countries.

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Frequently asked questions

+Does the notary read the whole power of attorney?
The notary mainly reads the clauses and mentions that create a useful effect in the file.
+Is a simple translation enough?
Not if the file requires a sworn translation that can be used officially.
+Should legalisation come before the translation?
Yes if the instrument must be authenticated. Otherwise, you are still translating an unstable basis.
+Does this page replace the notary?
No. It helps prepare a readable record, not give legal clearance.

Official source

Official sources used

The references below are the public sources used to document this page. The competent authority always retains the final decision.

Official sourceFPS Justice - Établir un mandatOfficial sourcee-Justice portal - Inheritance in BelgiumOfficial sourceHCCH - Apostille ConventionOfficial sourceFPS Justice - National register of sworn translators and interpretersOfficial sourceFPS Justice - Legalisation of sworn translations

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