Notarial power of attorney in Israel
A notarial power of attorney authorises another person to act for you — to sell an apartment, operate an account, or represent you before an authority or a court. The notary verifies your identity and confirms that you understood the document and signed it freely, which is what makes the power of attorney acceptable to institutions in Israel and abroad.
When a notarial power of attorney is required
- Property transactions and registration at the Land Registry.
- Dealings with banks, insurers and pension funds.
- Representation abroad — consulates, courts, civil registries.
- Administering an estate.
- Court proceedings where you cannot attend in person.
Documents destined for use abroad almost always need a notarial translation and an apostille as well.
Irrevocable power of attorney
Where the other side has an interest of its own in the document — a buyer securing registration of an apartment, for instance — an irrevocable power of attorney is used: it does not lapse and cannot be withdrawn unilaterally. The consequences are heavy, so the wording is examined on its merits rather than taken from a template.
What the wording must contain
The identity of the grantor and the attorney, the scope of authority drawn exactly where it is needed — neither too wide nor too narrow — the period of validity, and whether authority may be delegated further. These are precisely the clauses the receiving institution checks, and precisely why documents come back for redrafting.
Language and identification
A notary certifies a signature only where the signatory understands the language of the document; otherwise a translation is required and the notary certifies its correctness. We draft and certify powers of attorney in Hebrew, English, Russian and Ukrainian. Attending in person for identification is mandatory — that is the part that cannot be done remotely.
Frequently asked questions
What does a notarial power of attorney cost?
Certification of the signature is charged under the official notary tariff — identical for every notary in Israel, updated on 1 January, with VAT added. Drafting the text itself is legal work outside the tariff and is quoted separately, before it begins.
Can I sign without coming to the office?
No. The notary must verify your identity in person. Where you are hospitalised or have limited mobility we come to you; out-of-office attendance carries an additional fee under the tariff.
Is an apostille needed?
If the power of attorney will be used outside Israel, almost always. The apostille on a notarial certification is issued by the Magistrate's Court, and we handle it together with the translation.
How is a power of attorney revoked?
An ordinary power of attorney is revoked by notice: the notary registers the revocation and issues a certified copy bearing that note. An irrevocable power of attorney cannot be withdrawn unilaterally — that is its purpose.
How does this differ from an enduring power of attorney?
They are different instruments. An enduring power of attorney takes effect when a person loses capacity, is prepared by a specially accredited lawyer and is deposited with the Administrator General. A notarial power of attorney operates here and now, for a defined act.
Does the attorney have to attend the signing?
No. Only the grantor signs. The attorney receives the original document and acts on it.
Contact us
Tel Aviv, 125 Menachem Begin Rd (Kiryat HaMemshala), floor E2; Ashdod, 6 HaGdud HaIvri St, Top Sea Mall, 20th floor, office 9. Sunday to Thursday, 09:00–18:00, by appointment. Phone 08-8648090, WhatsApp 058-764-8090, yoffe.law@gmail.com.
