Buying, step by step
Signing a French purchase without travelling.
Many of my buyers abroad come once, to see the property. For the rest, a power of attorney does the travelling for them.
Contents
A power of attorney (procuration) allows someone to sign in your name, usually a member of the notaire's staff. French law applies to a French property, so the document must meet French requirements even if you sign it abroad.
The form of the document
- It is written in French, or accompanied by an official translation.
- If you sign it abroad, your signature must be authenticated in a way recognised in France: an apostille if your country is a party to the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961, otherwise legalisation by the French consulate (Le Mag Juridique).
- The notaire tells you whether a notarised (authentic) power is needed. It is usually the case when a mortgage secures your loan.
Signing remotely by video
Since a decree of 20 November 2020, a French notaire can receive a notarised power of attorney at a distance, by videoconference, without you travelling (Le Mag Juridique). Ask the notaire handling your purchase whether it can be organised in your case.
Plan the delays
An apostille, a consular appointment or a translation takes time: from a few days to several weeks depending on the country. As soon as the compromis is signed, ask the notaire for the draft power of attorney, so that it is ready well before the final deed.
And the compromis?
The compromis can often be signed electronically, without a power of attorney. The power is mostly needed for the final deed, and sometimes for the loan.
How I help
I coordinate with the notaire so that you know exactly which document to sign, where and when, and I visit the property for you before the deed, to check that it is in the agreed condition. I work in English and French every day. I also speak Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi fluently, Persian (Farsi) very well, and good Greek and Arabic.
Frequently asked questions
Who signs for me with a power of attorney?
Usually a member of the notaire's staff, or a person you trust and name in the document.
Must the power of attorney be in French?
Yes, or accompanied by an official translation.
What is an apostille?
A certificate issued in your country that authenticates your signature for use in France, between countries party to the Hague Convention of 1961. Elsewhere, the French consulate legalises the document.
Can I sign the power of attorney by video?
A French notaire can receive a notarised power of attorney by videoconference since 2020. Ask the notaire whether it is possible in your case.