From Belgium, your Indian power of attorney is drafted in English, signed before a Belgian notary who certifies your signature, and apostilled by the Legalisation service of FPS Foreign Affairs in Brussels. The Indian embassy does not need to attest it. Once the original is in India it must be stamped under the state stamp law within three months, and for property work the sub-registrar may require further verification before your attorney holder can use it.
- Document route
- Notary, then apostille from FPS Foreign Affairs
- Time difference
- India is 3h30 (summer) to 4h30 (winter) ahead
- Recognition
- Section 33, Registration Act 1908
- Authentication
- Indian mission, or notary plus apostille
Power of Attorney from Belgium: how it works
We draft a specific power of attorney for the task: a property sale in Surat, managing a flat in Mumbai, a bank matter or a court case. Belgian notaries usually certify signatures on documents in foreign languages, but some prefer the text to include a short French or Dutch certification page, which is fine as long as the main document is in English. Bring your passport and Belgian residence card. After certification, the document goes to FPS Foreign Affairs for the apostille, which can now often be obtained electronically.
In India, we arrange stamping and, where the state requires it, adjudication or authentication before the sub-registrar. Property powers of attorney given to a non-relative usually attract higher stamp duty than those given to a parent, sibling or child. Your attorney holder should keep copies and use the document only for the purposes listed. If circumstances change, revoke the power in writing through the same notary and apostille route and notify the holder and relevant offices.
What clients in Belgium should know
- Belgian notaries cannot advise on Indian law, so the content and powers must be checked by an Indian lawyer before signing.
- A Belgian procuration drafted under Belgian law is generally unsuitable for Indian registrars, who expect Indian formats.
- If you hold Belgian nationality and an OCI card, describe yourself accordingly in the document to avoid registry objections.
Step by step from Belgium
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Belgium, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Belgium
Notary, then apostille from FPS Foreign Affairs
Work in India
Our team files, appears and follows up in India, and shares scans of everything filed.
Result and handover
Certified copies and originals are couriered to you in Belgium where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Belgium. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on Power of Attorney, or see all services for clients in Belgium and the Inheritance & Documents practice area.
Questions from clients in Belgium
Can I use an e-apostille from Belgium in India?
Indian authorities generally require the original paper document with apostille. Ask us before relying solely on an electronic apostille.
Is a power of attorney signed at the Indian embassy in Brussels also valid?
Yes, an attestation by the Indian embassy is acceptable, but the apostille route is often simpler where both countries apply the convention.
How long is the power of attorney valid?
Until revoked, the stated end date, or the death of the principal, whichever comes first.