Power of Attorney from Abroad: How to Appoint a Lawyer in Egypt While Living Abroad

One of the questions we get most from Egyptians and Arabs living abroad: "I want to authorize someone in Egypt to sell an apartment for me / follow up a case for me / divide an inheritance for me — how do I make the power of attorney while I am not there?" A power of attorney from abroad is a simple procedure if done right, and delayed for months if done wrong.

First: There Is No "General Power of Attorney" That Covers Everything

Each purpose needs its own wording: a power of attorney for selling real estate differs from a litigation power of attorney, and from one for liquidating an estate and inheritance. A power of attorney drafted in a general or wrong way gets rejected by the Real Estate Registry or the court, which costs months of delay.

Second: Notarization Procedures from Abroad

The power of attorney is drawn up and certified by the Egyptian consulate or embassy in your country of residence, then certified by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs inside Egypt (or according to the applicable legalization agreements with your country), before it becomes valid for use before Egyptian authorities.

Conclusion

A power of attorney from abroad is a routine procedure, but precise wording is what makes the difference between a power of attorney that is executed immediately and one that is rejected and sends you back to square one. Contact us before you draw up the power of attorney, not after.

This article is general information for legal awareness purposes and does not replace legal advice for your specific case.