Legalising a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for Use Abroad
A Lasting Power of Attorney is one of the most important legal documents a person can hold. If you need to use one outside the UK - whether for managing property, accessing finances, or making healthcare decisions on someone's behalf - it will need to be legalised (also known as apostilled) before foreign authorities will accept it.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know.
When would you need a legalised LPA?
Most people only realise they need this when they're already in the middle of a stressful situation. Common reasons include:
- Selling or managing property abroad on behalf of a family member
- Accessing a foreign bank account or pension fund
- Arranging medical care or treatment in another country
- Handling inheritance or estate matters with overseas lawyers
- Supporting a relative through immigration or residency processes
- Managing financial affairs following an unexpected illness
What formats are accepted?
A Lasting Power of Attorney can be legalised in one of two ways:
Original registered LPA - This is the document formally registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), identifiable by the OPG stamp on each page.
Certified copy - A photocopy or printout of the LPA, certified by a UK solicitor or Notary Public. Many people prefer this option so the original document can be kept safe.
How to prepare your LPA for legalisation
1. Confirm your LPA is registered Check that the OPG registration stamp appears on every page. Unregistered documents cannot be legalised.
2. Choose whether to use the original or a certified copy Both are accepted, but a certified copy is often the safer and more practical choice.
3. Get the copy certified (if applicable) A UK solicitor or Notary Public must certify the copy before it can be submitted.
4. Submit for apostille The FCDO will authenticate either the OPG's registration marks on an original, or the solicitor/Notary's signature on a certified copy.
5. Check if embassy attestation is also required If the destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, an additional step - embassy attestation - may be needed on top of the apostille.
Once legalised, your LPA can be used abroad for financial, property, medical, and personal matters - giving you the authority to act for the person you're supporting, wherever they need help.
Need assistance? Get in touch with our team on +44 (0) 204 646 9300