Updated: September 09, 2025
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document allowing a person (the grantor) to appoint an individual (the agent) to manage their affairs and make decisions on their behalf. Under Cypriot law, this document must be a signed statement officially certified by a notary to be valid.
Cyprus law recognises two main types of power of attorney: general and special. The special power of attorney limits the agent's authority to specific tasks or a certain time frame, while the general power of attorney grants broad powers.
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A power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more individuals to make decisions on your behalf during your lifetime. It can begin with an appointment letter, although the power of attorney under Cyprus law is typically executed as a statement. This statement must be signed and duly notarised or certified.
The power of attorney is a legal way of giving someone the authority to manage your affairs and/or make decisions on your behalf. There are many types of power of attorney, though the two broad types of power of attorney in Cyprus are the general and the special.
The general power of attorney is vast and gives the person appointed (the “attorney” or “agent”) the broad authority to act on your behalf in a variety of fields, such as finances, setting up a company, signing contracts and so on. The special power of attorney is created for a specific action or a specified number of actions. These actions are described in the document.
On the other hand, a special power of attorney refers to a specified number of actions, or even a single action. It cannot be used for any purpose other than its intended use.
The grantor must sign a power of attorney, which must be verified and stamped by a notary public (certifying officer). The grantor and the attorney must be of full mental and legal capacity and at least 18 years of age. There are no professional requirements for someone to act as an attorney.
The text of the power of attorney must contain the following information:
A foreign citizen can grant a power of attorney in the same way as a Cyprus citizen. They will need a valid passport number to verify their identity and signature.
It is possible to create and sign a power of attorney from abroad. You will need to:
Alternatively, you may have the document certified by a notary and apostilled.
In Cyprus, a power of attorney costs between €100 and €200. The government fee to stamp a special POA is 2 euros; a stamp on a general POA costs 6 euros.
You can give a power of attorney to another person, such as your lawyer, to sign the relevant documents for registering a company in Cyprus on your behalf.
You can give a power of attorney to another person, such as your lawyer, to appear and vote for you at a company's annual, general, or other meeting. You must own shares in the company. Usually, you need a new power of attorney for each meeting.
You can create a power of attorney for property. Using the document, your appointed attorney will sign the relevant sales or rental contract and appear before the Department of Lands and Surveys for registration and/or transfer purposes. You are recommended to appoint your lawyer as your attorney for real estate transactions, as they know the procedures and how to safeguard your interests best.
A notarised consent form is required for a child travelling with one parent. In other words, no power of attorney exists for a child travelling with one parent. There is a consent form which one parent must sign and certify.
If the child travels with another relative or for a school or other trip without the parents or guardians, both parents or guardians must sign and certify the consent form.
There is no power of attorney after death in Cyprus. It is possible to appoint an executor in your will. This person will apply to the court for letters of probate, giving them the authority to act as executor.
The power of attorney must be certified before a certifying officer (also called a notary public).
Certifying officers are appointed by the Ministry of the Interior. Their authority is for a specified area, and they have the right to verify signatures and identities. Certifying officers have a seal approved by the Ministry of the Interior. They will verify the signature and identity of a person:
The certifying officer ensures that the document is properly signed and stamped. They will not verify the document's content.
The Ministry of the Interior keeps a list of the appointed certified officers, which you can access here: Certifying Officials - gov.cy
A power of attorney can be cancelled in the following ways:
How do I set up a power of attorney?
You will draft a document outlining the instructions for the attorney to follow. You will name the attorney in the document and give their ID card or passport number. Then, you will sign and stamp the power of attorney and take it before a certifying officer to verify your identity and signature. Then, the attorney will use this document to carry out your instructions and tasks. Please note that certain types of power of attorney, such as a health and care power of attorney, are not recognised in Cyprus.
What is the most recommended type of power of attorney?
The recommended type of power of attorney contains the names and identification details of the grantor and attorney, is signed by the grantor, and is verified by a certifying officer. If it is a special power of attorney, it should clearly state the particular tasks required. If it is a general power of attorney, it should clearly explain the general nature of the powers given. You are not recommended to use vague or unclear words or give a blank power of attorney.
How much does a power of attorney cost?
The power of attorney in Cyprus typically costs between 100 and 200 euros.
How much does it cost to set up a lasting power of attorney?
In Cyprus, there are only two types of power of attorney: special and general. The duration of the period depends on the circumstances and tasks and can be either long-term or short-term. A power of attorney costs between €100 and €200.
Who should I choose as my attorney?
You must select someone you trust and believe will act in your best interests. Choose a person you know well, who understands and is willing to take the responsibility of an agent. They must be assertive, good communicators, and able to work with professionals such as lawyers, accountants, and bankers.
An attorney is organised, has a clear mind and can make informed decisions. Think about how well they manage their own affairs and whether you trust them to follow your wishes. As far as the law goes, an attorney is someone 18 years or older with full mental and legal capacity. They do not have to be law professionals.
Can I use a digital version of my Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?
No, you cannot use a digital version of a power of attorney in Cyprus. You need a hard copy that is certified and stamped. If you are abroad, you will need a hard copy, your signature certified by a notary, and an apostille stamp, or certification from the Cyprus embassy (or consulate). Cyprus does not have LPAs; there are special and general powers of attorney.
How can my attorney be sure they're acting in my best interests?
As long as they act to the best of their abilities and in good faith, they should not worry. They must try and carry out your wishes in the best way possible under the law. They must keep records, account for any profits and maintain your money and property separate from their own.
George K. Konstantinou
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