Power of Attorney in Ukraine in 2026: How to Properly Execute, Types, and Required Documents

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a written document by which one person (the principal) grants another person (the representative) the right to act on their behalf before third parties.

This document is widely used by individuals, entrepreneurs, and legal entities alike. It allows the transfer of specified powers to another person without requiring the principal's physical presence.

In Ukraine, the procedure for executing powers of attorney is governed by the Civil Code of Ukraine, the Law of Ukraine "On Notariat", and the Procedure for Performing Notarial Acts by Notaries of Ukraine.

When is a power of attorney needed?

A notarized power of attorney may be needed in many life situations.

The most common cases:

• sale of an apartment;

• purchase of real estate;

• handling inheritance matters;

• obtaining documents;

• representation before government authorities;

• registration of a land plot;

• registration of property rights;

• management and sale of a vehicle;

• opening or closing bank accounts;

• representation in court;

• representing the interests of a legal entity;

• processing documents abroad.

This is why a power of attorney is one of the most common notarial documents in Ukraine.

What types of powers of attorney exist?

Depending on the scope of authority, powers of attorney are divided into several main types.

General power of attorney

Grants the representative broad authority to manage property or represent the principal's interests.

Typically used for:

• managing real estate;

• running a business;

• representation in various institutions;

• performing a range of legal actions.

Special power of attorney

Granted for performing a specific set of actions.

For example:

• handling inheritance;

• real estate registration;

• selling a vehicle;

• representation at a bank.

One-time power of attorney

Issued for performing a single specific action.

For example:

• collect a document;

• pick up a diploma;

• receive a pension;

• sign a contract.

After the specified action is completed, such a power of attorney effectively loses its practical significance.

What documents are needed to execute a power of attorney?

To notarize a power of attorney, the notary typically requires:

• passport of a citizen of Ukraine or an ID card;

• tax identification number (RNOKPP);

• details of the representative;

• documents related to the property (if required for the specific power of attorney).

If the power of attorney concerns real estate or a vehicle, the notary may ask for documents that allow the object to be correctly described in the text of the document.

Is notarization of a power of attorney mandatory?

Not always.

For certain legal actions, the law expressly requires notarial certification.

This applies in particular to:

• disposition of real estate;

• handling inheritance cases;

• delegation (substitution);

• other cases defined by law.

The law also provides for specific cases where powers of attorney are treated as equivalent to notarized ones, for example for military personnel, hospital patients, or persons in penitentiary institutions.

What is the validity period of a power of attorney?

The term is determined by the principal themselves.

Ukrainian law does not set a maximum validity period for a power of attorney.

If no term is specified in the document, the power of attorney remains valid until terminated in accordance with the law.

Can a power of attorney be revoked?

Yes.

The principal has the right at any time to:

• revoke the power of attorney;

• issue a new one;

• change the scope of authority.

Upon termination of the original power of attorney, any power of attorney issued by way of delegation is also automatically terminated.

Power of attorney for Ukrainians abroad

Ukrainians located outside Ukraine may execute a power of attorney in two ways:

• at a consular office of Ukraine;

• with a local notary in the country of residence.

In the latter case, the document must comply with the requirements of international law (apostille or consular legalization, depending on the country) and, if necessary, be translated into Ukrainian.

Can a power of attorney be issued for handling inheritance?

Yes.

The representative may perform most actions related to inheritance proceedings if this is expressly provided for in the power of attorney.

At the same time, the law establishes certain actions that must be performed personally by the heir (for example, in cases defined by law, filing an application for acceptance of inheritance). Therefore, the scope of authority must be determined individually when preparing the document.

Why should a power of attorney be executed with a notary?

A notary:

• verifies the identity of the principal;

• confirms their civil legal capacity;

• checks the legality of the document's content;

• helps properly formulate the scope of authority;

• certifies the document in accordance with the requirements of current legislation.

A properly drafted power of attorney minimizes the risk of disputes, refusals by government authorities, or the inability to perform necessary legal actions.

Conclusion

A power of attorney is an essential legal document that allows you to lawfully transfer to another person the right to represent your interests. A properly executed notarized power of attorney ensures legal certainty, saves time, and helps safely resolve property, family, inheritance, and other legal matters.

If you need to execute a power of attorney in Kyiv, obtain a consultation on its content, or certify a document in accordance with the requirements of Ukrainian law, please contact our notary office. We will help prepare the document tailored to your specific situation. Also check out these sections: general power of attorney for a car, power of attorney for inheritance and revocation of power of attorney.