Power of Attorney for Egypt

Using a U.S. Power of Attorney in Egypt

Egyptians abroad and foreign companies doing business in Egypt rely on powers of attorney (in Arabic, tawkeel) to have a relative, partner or lawyer act for them: selling or buying property, managing a car or a bank account, setting up a company, or representing them in court. A power of attorney signed in the United States can be used for all of these, but only after it completes Egypt’s full legalization chain, because Egypt does not accept apostilles.

The legalization chain

The signer appears in person before a U.S. notary. Egypt is strict that the notary’s seal and signature appear on the same page as the signer’s signature, not only on a separate certificate. The Secretary of State of the notary’s state then issues an authentication certificate (not an apostille). The U.S. Department of State authenticates the state seal, and finally the Embassy of Egypt in Washington, or the Egyptian consulate covering the state where the document was notarized, legalizes it. In Egypt, the document is usually also authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ legalization office before it is presented to a notary, court or government office.

What Egyptian offices expect

Property: the real estate registry and notarization offices (Shahr Aqari) generally require a specific power naming the property and the acts authorized, such as selling, buying, signing the contract and receiving the price. Courts: lawyers act under a power for litigation, which should name the type of cases or the specific case. Companies: founders and shareholders abroad often appoint a representative to complete formation and filings with the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) and the commercial registry. Banks and vehicles: these usually need a power that names the bank, account or vehicle.

Language and drafting

Egyptian offices work in Arabic. A power signed in English is translated in Egypt by a certified translator, but a bilingual Arabic/English power, signed in that form before the notary, avoids most translation problems. Use names exactly as on the Egyptian national ID or passport, include the national ID number of Egyptian parties, and list the powers precisely, because offices will refuse acts that are not clearly stated.

Egyptian citizens: the consular option

Egyptian nationals in the U.S. can also sign a power of attorney at an Egyptian consulate, which prepares it in its own format. Some families prefer this for property matters. A U.S.-notarized, fully legalized power is the alternative for those who cannot easily reach a consulate. Ask the Egyptian lawyer or office who will use the power which form they prefer.