Registration via Power of Attorney: Nuances for Foreigners

Why proper registration matters after buying by power of attorney 🏡

Buying through a power of attorney is common when a buyer cannot be present. However, registration of ownership is a distinct legal step. Missing documents, incorrect powers, or translation issues can delay registration and complicate taxes, utilities, and future sale.

Types of powers of attorney and what to check

• General (broad) power: covers many actions and is often used for real estate deals.
• Special power: limited to specific tasks, such as signing a sales contract or registering title.
• Foreign-issued power: usually requires apostille or legalization and certified translation.

Before proceeding, always check that the power explicitly authorizes registration of ownership and obtaining official documents.

Typical step-by-step registration flow 🔎

1. Verify the power of attorney: scope, signatures, validity period and revocation terms.
2. Ensure the sales contract is correctly signed by the attorney on behalf of the buyer.
3. Prepare notarized documents, translations and apostille if the power was issued abroad.
4. Collect property documents (technical passports, seller's title, cadastral info) and proof of payment.
5. Submit the registration package to the public registry and request the new owner entry.
6. Obtain and keep the official registry extract as proof of ownership.

Documents you will likely need

• The original notarized power of attorney with clear registration rights.
• The signed sales contract and related deeds.
• ID or passport copies for the buyer and representative.
• Seller’s title documents and technical/property data.
• Payment receipts or bank statements showing the transaction.
• Apostille/legalization and certified translation for foreign documents.

Common problems and how to avoid them ⚠️

• Insufficient authority in the power: explicitly include the right to register and receive documents.
• Expired or revoked power: confirm dates and that the grantor hasn’t withdrawn it.
• Missing apostille or poor translation: check requirements with the registry in advance.
• Mismatched data across documents: verify names, dates and addresses carefully.

Practical checklist before submission

• [ ] Notarized power with registration authority.
• [ ] Original and copies of the sales contract.
• [ ] Technical and cadastral documentation.
• [ ] Payment confirmations.
• [ ] Apostille and certified translation (if needed).
• [ ] Contact details for the attorney and seller.

Examples and realistic advice

• If the attorney acts from abroad, secure apostille and certified translation early. Registrars sometimes return incomplete foreign documents.
• If the attorney is unsure about registration powers, get a broader power signed beforehand (including the right to apply for registration and receive state documents).
• Registering ownership may be necessary to open utilities, obtain residency-related documents, or start rental operations.

Practical safeguards

Treat powers of attorney with care: use notarized forms, store copies, and document communications. Ask a legal professional or agency to review the power before finalizing the deal.

How BuyHome can assist you 😊

• We review powers of attorney and advise on necessary wording.
• We prepare and check registration packages, translations and apostilles.
• We accompany the registration process and secure the official extract.

If you bought by power of attorney or plan to do so, contact BuyHome for help completing registration safely and efficiently. You can also search available properties on our site: https://buyhome.ge/en/search