Power of attorney abroad: a guide for French expatriates

Do you live abroad and need to appoint someone in France to carry out certain procedures on your behalf?
Whether it is the sale of a property , a notarial procedure or a proxy vote , it is possible to establish a power of attorney abroad .
However, in order for this power of attorney to be recognized in France, it often needs to be translated and legalized .
DocuTrad guides you through all the steps to establish a valid power of attorney, recognized and compliant with French administrative requirements.
What is a power of attorney abroad?
A power of attorney is a legal document by which one person ( the principal ) authorizes another person ( the agent ) to act on their behalf.
Abroad, this process allows, in particular, a French citizen residing outside of France to:

• to sign a real estate sales contract ,
  
• managing banking or administrative procedures,
  
• to vote in France during elections,
  
• to carry out notarial procedures .
  

This power of attorney can be established before a local notary , a French consular authority or, in some cases, by private agreement (document signed between individuals).
How to establish a power of attorney from abroad?
1. Write the document
The power of attorney must specify:

• the full identity of the principal and the agent,
  
• the nature and extent of the powers granted,
  
• the validity period of the mandate.
  

The text can be written in the local language, but will need to be translated into French to be recognized by the French authorities.
2. Signature before a competent authority
The document can be signed:

• before a local notary ,
  
• at the French consulate or embassy ,
  
• or before a public official authorized to certify signatures.
  

3. Legalization or apostille
If the power of attorney is signed abroad, it must be authenticated to be valid in France:

• Apostille (if the country is a signatory to the Hague Convention),
• or consular legalization in other cases.
  

4. Sworn translation
Finally, the document must be translated by a translator certified by a Court of Appeal .
This step is mandatory for any official use in France.
Why is certified translation mandatory?
A power of attorney drawn up abroad has no legal value in France without a certified translation.
A sworn translation guarantees that the foreign document is understood and accepted by French authorities such as a notary, a court or a bank.
Each DocuTrad translation includes:

• the statement “certified translation true to the original” ,
  
• the signature and stamp of the certified translator ,
  
• a numbering and a certification date .
  

These translations are recognized in France and abroad, within the framework of notarial or administrative procedures.
What documents are required to translate your power of attorney?
To obtain an official translation with DocuTrad, simply submit:

• the original signed document (full power of attorney),
  
• an identity document of the principal,
  
• the target language (French or other depending on the country).
  

Files can be sent as PDFs or clear images , directly to the platform.
DocuTrad deadlines and rates
DocuTrad offers official and certified translations , delivered within 24 to 48 hours maximum .

Indicative prices:

• Birth certificate : €26 / page
  
• Marriage certificate: €34 / page
  
• Death certificate: €30 / page
  
• Invoice or administrative document: €27 / page
  
• Apostille : €15 / document
  
• DHL shipping (sealed paper version): €15
  

All translations are carried out by translators accredited by the Courts of Appeal .
Order a certified translation of a power of attorney with DocuTrad
Why use DocuTrad?
DocuTrad is the French reference for the official translation of documents for administrative, legal or notarial use.
Our guarantees:

• Certified translators recognized by the Courts of Appeal.
  
• Fast delivery within 24 to 48 hours (signed and sealed PDF).
  
• DHL paper option available for originals.
  
• Secure payment via Shopify or PayPal.
  
• Legal compliance and confidentiality guaranteed.
  

Each translation benefits from quality control and secure archiving, in compliance with the GDPR.

FAQ

1. Where can I get my power of attorney legalized abroad?
At the French embassy, ​​consulate, or with a local notary.
2. Does my power of attorney need to be apostilled?
Yes, if it was signed in a country that is a signatory to the Hague Convention.
3. Can I send my power of attorney by email for translation?
Yes, DocuTrad accepts scans and legible photos for fast processing.
4. Is DocuTrad's certified translation valid in France?
Yes, it is recognized by French notaries, banks and courts.
5. Can I obtain a paper version with the original stamp?
Yes, via the DHL shipping option at €15, delivered in a secure envelope.