UKRAINIAN POWER OF ATTORNEY ABROAD, INCLUDING IN ITALY: WHAT LEGAL OPTIONS EXIST?

If you are abroad and need to issue a power of attorney for actions in Ukraine, it is important to know that there are two legal options: through a consulate or a foreign notary. Which option to choose to ensure the document is valid in Ukraine — I explain below.

Ukrainians who live or temporarily stay outside Ukraine often face the need to issue a power of attorney to represent their interests back home.Such a document may be required for managing real estate or movable property, obtaining or accepting an inheritance, carrying out financial transactions, or representation in court.

A power of attorney issued at a Ukrainian consular office or embassy has full legal force in Ukraine and does not require additional legalization or translation — this is the most reliable method.

However, if visiting the consulate is impossible due to circumstances or urgency, the document can be issued by a foreign notary. In this case, the power of attorney must be apostilled and translated into Ukrainian by an official translator.

In Italy, the apostille for notarial documents (including powers of attorney signed before an Italian notary) is issued by the Prefectures — Prefettura – Ufficio Territoriale del Governo, responsible for the area where the notary operates.

The process is as follows: notary → Prefecture of the same province → apostille

The procedure may vary depending on the specific Prefecture. In most cases, documents can be submitted in three ways:

1.     Online appointment booking via the Prefecture’s website

2.     Sending documents via PEC (certified email)

3.     Submitting documents in person to the Legalizations / Apostille Office (Ufficio Legalizzazioni / Apostille)

Typically, the Prefecture requires:

• the original notarial deed,

• a copy of the applicant’s identity document (ID card or passport),

• a completed application form (available on-site or on the Prefecture’s website),

• a €16 revenue stamp (not required in 100% of cases, but generally requested).

  
  

The most important thing is to comply with all the requirements for the document’s form and legalization so that the power of attorney has legal force in Ukraine and can be used without additional procedures.

If you need assistance finding a suitable notary in Italy — contact us, and we will be happy to help.

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