Does power of attorney work in India?

Asked by: Lindsay King  |  Last update: November 22, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (29 votes)

US citizens can legally grant Power of Attorney (POA) in India to handle property, financial, or legal matters. Ensuring adherence to legal protocols is crucial for recognition and validity.

Is power of attorney valid across India?

All that is required is that you have the POA notarised by a Notary Public and then Apostilled pursuant to the Hague Convention at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. This Convention applies to whole of India and not just a particular State.

Can I give power of attorney to someone in India?

For a PoA to be valid, it must be executed before a public notary. Some states in India require you to register the PoA, depending on its nature or purpose. The laws of the relevant country for execution would apply.

Can NRI sell property in India through POA?

Can an NRI use Power of Attorney to sell property in India? Answer: Yes, an NRI can use Power of Attorney to sell property in India. The POA should clearly outline the authority granted to the appointed representative for property transactions.

How long is a power of attorney valid in India?

A POA is valid only during the lifetime of the principal. However, the principal can revoke/cancel it anytime, if required. Also, the POA stands null and void if the principal is declared insolvent or lunatic. The process of cancelling the POA is exactly similar to the execution.

Power of Attorney || SPA and GPA|| The law || Important provisions || MJ Sir

17 related questions found

Is power of attorney made in USA valid in India?

Yes, US citizens can grant Power of Attorney for use in India. However, the document must be notarized in the US, attested by the Indian consulate, and comply with Indian laws to be legally valid.

What are the rules for power of attorney in India?

—3[A married woman of full age shall, by virtue of this Act, have power, as if she were unmarried,] by a non-testamentary instrument, to appoint an attorney on her behalf, for the purpose of executing any non-testamentary instrument or doing any other act which she might herself execute or do; and the provisions of ...

Can I buy property with Power of Attorney in India?

The Power of Attorney can be executed in India or overseas where the NRI/OCI customer is residing. NRIs can use a specific Power of Attorney to authorise an individual to purchase a property in India, on their behalf. However, one needs to ensure that the POA is registered in India, after the stamp duty is paid.

Can NRI transfer property to parents in India?

An NRI just like any other Indian resident or citizen can transfer any type of immovable property in India, whether the property is residential or commercial. An NRI can transfer any property to their family as well as relatives.

What is the cost of Power of Attorney in India?

General Power of Attorney (GPA):

If the GPA is granted to a close relative (parent, sibling, spouse, child, grandchild, etc.) without any consideration: Stamp duty: ₹500. Registration fee: ₹100.

Can OCI give Power of Attorney in India?

Visit the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate in India. Submit the original PoA, a photocopy, and your OCI card photocopy. Pay any applicable fees. The Embassy/Consulate will verify the document and signatures before attesting it.

Can I open a bank account with a Power of Attorney?

When opening the account, the bank usually requires a legal power of attorney document and a photo ID. You may also need to fill out the bank's power of attorney form. Also, the account will usually be in the other party's name, but you will have authority over the account.

What are the limitations of Power of Attorney in India?

The POA cannot act outside of the Principal's best interest. The POA cannot make decisions before the document comes into effect -- conditions will be outlined with approval of the Agent and Principal. The POA cannot be officially nominated unless the Principal is of sound body and mind.

How to give Power of Attorney to someone in India from abroad?

Mentioned below is the simple step-by-step process for drafting a Power of Attorney for an NRI:
  1. Step 1: Determining the Scope of Authority. ...
  2. Step 2: Consulting Legal Experts. ...
  3. Step 3: Drafting the POA Document. ...
  4. Step 4: Implementing the POA. ...
  5. Step 5: Registering the POA (Optional) ...
  6. Step 6: Transmitting the POA to India.

Is Power of Attorney valid internationally?

One of the first questions many people have is whether they can or should appoint an attorney-in-fact who resides in a different jurisdiction. The answer is generally: yes, you can appoint someone who lives abroad! However, there are both advantages and disadvantages to this approach.

Who can override a Power of Attorney in India?

The person who assigns power of attorney is known as the principal, and the person to whom the principal gives POA is the agent. The principal — that is, the person who assigned POA to someone (an agent) on their behalf — can revoke it.

Can you inherit property in India if you are a US citizen?

Yes, foreign citizens can inherit property in india. Though they have no right to acquire land meant for farming purposes directly; such people are allowed to do so through inheritance procedures. But then there might be limitations imposed on selling this type of property.

How much money can NRI gift to parents in India?

In India, gifts received from a relative are generally exempt from income tax. However, if the recipient is not a relative (as defined under the Income Tax Act), the gifted amount is taxable if it exceeds ₹50,000. This rule helps avoid misuse of tax exemptions by defining “relative” relationships.

Can NRI buy property in India without POA?

Can NRI buy property in India without POA? An NRI can buy property in India without POA, but having one can simplify transactions when the NRI is abroad.

Can I sell a house if I have Power of Attorney?

For situations where selling real estate is necessary, a Durable Power of Attorney is typically required, as it remains in effect even if the principal becomes incapacitated. Even with a durable POA, your authority to sell property rests on it being expressly stated within the document's language.

Is Power of Attorney valid throughout India?

According to Indian law, a valid power of attorney is a legal instrument that has to be correctly drafted, utilizing the appropriate legal vocabulary and outlining the goals and duties that you desire to designate the appointee to carry out on your behalf. Stamp duty must be paid for verification.

How can I sell my property with Power of Attorney in India?

Firstly, an attorney from India must draft the POA, and the NRI and two witnesses should sign this agreement. The notarization of the document should be done in the presence of a Notary Public. Further, it must be sent to the Indian Consulate for his/her signature.

How much does a power of attorney cost in India?

Power of Attorney /Special Power of Attorney : Rs. 1000/- per instrument plus Rs. 100/- for pasting fee.

Is power of attorney valid without notary India?

—The Court shall presume that every document purporting to be a power-of-attorney, and to have been executed before, and authenticated by, a Notary Public, or any Court, Judge, Magistrate, Indian Consul or Vice-Consul, or representative of the Central Government, was so executed and authenticated.”

Who issues power of attorney in India?

Power of attorney (POA) is an important legal document that allows a person to appoint another person or organization to manage his/her property, medical affairs, and finances on his behalf in his absence.