Representation by power of attorney
When you are abroad, and cases in Belarus require your decisions, it is possible to issue a power of attorney to a lawyer or other representative who will represent your interests and free you from a number of problems. It is difficult to properly issue and certify a power of attorney without the services of an experienced lawyer. Our professionals are ready to study your case, prepare a power of attorney and represent your interests.
What Is Legal Representation by Power of Attorney in Belarus?
In Belarus, a power of attorney allows one person to act legally on behalf of another. This is especially helpful when the individual is abroad or unable to be physically present for important matters—such as managing property, handling court cases, or signing documents.
The process is governed by the Belarusian Civil Code and laws related to notarial services. According to Article 183 of the Civil Code, a power of attorney is a written document that authorizes a trusted person to represent you in dealings with third parties.
This document can also allow re-delegation of authority, known as sub-delegation. However, this is only possible if the original power of attorney includes specific permission to do so. Otherwise, sub-delegation is not valid under Belarusian law.
Attorney to Act
If you live abroad and can’t travel to Belarus in time, a power of attorney can help. It lets someone you trust handle legal matters on your behalf—without your personal presence.
This is common when managing inheritance, selling or buying property, signing contracts, or resolving issues in court. Whether you’re a Belarusian citizen or a foreign national, you can issue a power of attorney to authorize someone to act for you inside Belarus.
It’s a practical solution for handling civil transactions, pensions, benefits, and other important legal tasks remotely.
Who Can Represent You in Belarus by Power of Attorney?
If you’re living outside Belarus, you can issue a power of attorney to anyone you trust. The law doesn’t limit your choice—it could be a relative, friend, or any other person.
However, legal matters often require knowledge of local procedures and laws. That’s why many people choose to appoint a legal professional with education and experience to act on their behalf. This ensures that documents are prepared correctly, deadlines are met, and your rights are protected throughout the process.
When a power of attorney cannot be issued or there are restrictions
A power of attorney cannot be issued by incapacitated individuals. As a general rule, persons become legally capable from the age of 18. Between the ages of 14 and 18, persons may issue power of attorney without the consent of their legal representatives:
Attorney Authorization
- For transactions related to the disposal of their earnings, scholarships, other income, to receive these funds.
- For transactions related to their copyrights.
- For transactions on the disposal of money in banks.
- Persons between the ages of 14 and 18 may issue power of attorney for other transactions after receiving the written consent of their legal representatives. Legal representatives of minors are parents, adoptive parents or guardians.
How to get a power of attorney for use in Belarus
A number of powers of attorney issued by private individuals require notarization. When transactions that are made by a power of attorney require a notarized form, a notarized power of attorney is needed to complete them. In other cases, there is no prohibition on a notarized power of attorney.
A power of attorney to represent the interests of a private person in tax relations does not require notarization. But it can be certified by a notary or by the organization where the represented person works or studies.
A power of attorney to represent the interests of a private person in tax relations does not require notarization. But it can be certified by a notary or by the organization where the represented person works or studies.
attorney from a notary
The notary can draw up the text of the power of attorney. You can apply to any notary in Belarus to draw up and certify a power of attorney. A notary fee must be paid for the preparation and certification of a power of attorney. There are benefits for the disabled to pay it.
What documents should I take to the notary
You need to take a passport and documents to the notary that relate to rights, transactions that a representative will make by a power of attorney. For example, when a power of attorney is issued to a close relative, the notary will need a document that confirms the close relationship. When transferring a car by a power of attorney, you need its technical passport, etc.
Where, except for a notary office, you can certify a power of attorney
A private person can certify a power of attorney to perform actions that do not need to be notarized, not only by a notary. You can certify a power of attorney at your place of work, study, or at a housing organization at the place of residence of a person.
How to get a power of attorney when a private person is abroad
When Belarusian citizens are abroad, you can issue a power of attorney at the Belarusian consulate.
Foreign citizens who are in Belarus can issue a power of attorney from a Belarusian notary.
Features of the power of attorney
Foreign citizens can issue a power of attorney in their country, then legalize it, except for issuing a power of attorney in countries with which Belarus has international agreements. 124 countries mutually refused the requirement of consular legalization: the CIS states, the USA, the EU member states (not all), Saudi Arabia, Japan, etc.
A power of attorney issued by a foreign notary must be legalized or apostilled, unless otherwise provided by an international agreement. A power of attorney issued by a notary in the countries participating in the Hague Convention is certified by an apostille of a public authority in the State of issue of the power of attorney. The power of attorney issued by a foreign notary will need to be translated into Russian or Belarusian and notarized.
The validity period of the power of attorney
The validity period of the power of attorney is no more than three years. When the power of attorney does not have a validity period, it is valid for one year from the date of its issuance. The power of attorney must contain the date of its execution, otherwise the power of attorney is invalid.
What rights of the representative should be prescribed in the power of attorney
The power of attorney must specify all the actions that the representative can perform on behalf of the represented person.
Power of Attorney Abroad
A power of attorney issued by a Belarusian notary isn’t automatically valid overseas. To be recognized in another country, it must be legalized—confirming the notary’s signature and seal.
There are two main methods: apostille and consular legalization.
An apostille is used for countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention—currently over 115 states. It’s a special stamp placed on the document by the Belarusian Ministry of Justice.
For countries outside the Convention, consular legalization is required. This process involves the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, in some cases, additional steps in another country if no relevant consulate is present in Belarus.
The same rules apply in reverse: foreign-issued powers of attorney must be legalized or apostilled to be valid in Belarus.
Using a Foreign Power of Attorney in Belarus
If you plan to use a foreign-issued power of attorney in Belarus, it must be translated into Russian or Belarusian. This translation can be certified by a notary who understands the original language or by a translator whose signature is then notarized.
It’s often more practical to complete the translation and certification in Belarus to ensure it meets local legal standards. Proper translation helps avoid delays and ensures your document is accepted by courts, notaries, and government agencies.
Our Services
Common Legal Matters Handled by Power of Attorney in Belarus
Real Estate Sales
Authorize a representative to sell your apartment, house, or land in Belarus without your physical presence, ensuring the transaction is completed legally.
Bank Account Management
Grant permission to manage your bank accounts, including withdrawing funds, transferring money, or closing accounts on your behalf.
Gift Agreement Signing
Allow your representative to sign and complete a donation contract, such as gifting property or funds to another person.
Vehicle Use and Disposal
Appoint someone to own, drive, register, or sell your car or other vehicles while you’re away or unavailable.
Pension and Salary Collection
Issue a power of attorney for receiving your pension, wages, or state benefits through a trusted person when you can’t collect them yourself.
Court Representation
Empower a lawyer to represent you in court, or a close relative in civil cases, ensuring your rights are protected in legal proceedings.
When a Power of Attorney Is Needed
Real Estate Transactions
Authorize someone to sell, rent out, or manage property on your behalf while you’re away or abroad.
Bank Account Access
Let a trusted person handle banking tasks such as withdrawing money, making payments, or closing accounts for you.
Document and Benefit Collection
Allow a representative to collect official documents, pensions, salaries, or social benefits when you’re unable to do it yourself.
Business Registration and Deals
Empower someone to register a company or handle other legal transactions on your behalf in Belarus.
Main Types of Powers of Attorney
One-Time Power of Attorney
Used for a single specific task—like collecting documents from a university or submitting paperwork once.
Special Power of Attorney
Grants permission to perform similar actions repeatedly over a period, such as collecting monthly pension payments.
General Power of Attorney
Provides broad authority to manage your property, finances, and legal affairs with few limitations.
Representation in Civil Court: Key Areas and Rules
Property Disputes
Covers conflicts over sale, ownership, or use of personal or real property between private individuals.
Consumer Rights Claims
Involves legal action related to defective goods, poor services, or contract violations by sellers or service providers.
Intellectual Property Cases
Includes disputes over copyright, trademarks, or other IP rights protection between individuals or against organizations.
Other Civil Matters
Encompasses family disputes, debt recovery, breach of civil contracts, and more, handled through proper legal channels.
Who Can Represent You
Representation in court is allowed through a licensed attorney or any trusted individual with a notarized power of attorney.
Legal Basis
The Civil Procedure Code of Belarus outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the represented party and their legal proxy.
Representation in Family Disputes by Power of Attorney in Belarus
Why Us
Expert Legal Team
Our experienced legal professionals understand Belarusian law inside and out, ensuring your rights are fully protected in every transaction or dispute.
Comprehensive Consulting
We provide clear, step-by-step legal guidance tailored to your situation—from drafting powers of attorney to full legal representation in courts.
Competitive Pricing
We offer high-quality legal services at fair, transparent rates—no hidden fees, just honest pricing that reflects the value of our work.
Multilingual Services
Our team speaks multiple languages, allowing us to assist clients from different countries with accurate translations and cross-border legal coordination.
Communicating in Your Language
We explain legal concepts in simple, understandable terms and speak your language—literally and legally—so nothing gets lost in translation.
Resolving Complex Legal Disputes
We handle challenging cases, including property, family, and civil disputes, using strategic legal tools to protect your interests and reach favorable outcomes.
FAQ
Prices for close relatives are lower than for others. Drafting the document costs an additional money. Discounts apply for pensioners and WWII veterans.
It can be issued to anyone, not just relatives. For court cases, only close relatives, attorneys, or legal guardians can act as representatives.
Usually a notary. But in special cases, it can be certified by a hospital chief, employer, university, or correctional facility—depending on the situation.
Visit a local notary in your country of residence. The document must then be apostilled or legalized, and translated into Russian or Belarusian if needed.
You can choose any trusted person—friend, relative, or other. For legal matters, many prefer qualified lawyers with relevant experience to ensure proper handling.
Yes. Belarusian law gives heirs six months from the date of death to claim inheritance rights. But if an heir—like a grandchild living abroad—cannot travel to Belarus in time, they can resolve the issue by issuing a power of attorney.
For example, if a grandfather in Belarus leaves a house and garage to his grandson in Germany, the grandson may authorize a trusted person—relative, friend, or lawyer—to handle the inheritance process on his behalf.
The representative will then submit the necessary documents, apply to the notary, and complete all legal steps required to formalize the inheritance.
Some actions require personal presence. You can’t use a power of attorney to write or cancel a will, get married, sign a marriage contract, obtain a passport, or run a business entirely.
It must be in written form, but there’s no fixed template. For legal accuracy, you can have a notary draft.
Not all powers of attorney need a notary. In certain cases, they can be certified by hospital staff, employers, universities, housing offices, or banks, depending on the situation.
A representative can transfer their authority to someone else only if the original POA allows it or in urgent cases. This substitution must be notarized and cannot exceed the original POA’s term. The representative must inform the principal and provide details about the new person or be fully liable for their actions.
Contact us
-
LawyerLegal assistance is provided by advocate Anton Grinewich, Specialized Legal Bar No. 2 in Minsk.
-
E-mail
-
AddressOffice: 1 Krasnaya str., Minsk, Republic of Belarus Postal address: 1 Krasnaya str., Minsk, Republic of Belarus
-
Working hoursMonday-Friday 9:00-19:00
