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16 April 2026 · 5 min read

Power of Attorney in Singapore: how it works and what it costs

A Power of Attorney lets someone act on your behalf for legal, financial, or property matters. Here is a practical guide to getting one done in Singapore.

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorises another person to act on your behalf. In Singapore, POAs are commonly used for property transactions, banking matters, business operations, and legal proceedings when the principal (the person granting authority) cannot be physically present.

Types of Power of Attorney

  • General Power of Attorney: gives broad authority to act on your behalf across a range of matters. Often used when you are overseas for an extended period.
  • Specific Power of Attorney: limited to a particular transaction, such as signing a property sale or opening a bank account.
  • Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA): a separate instrument under the Mental Capacity Act that takes effect if you lose mental capacity. This is registered with the Office of the Public Guardian, not through a notary.
If your POA will be used overseas, it must be notarised by a Notary Public and authenticated by SAL. A Commissioner for Oaths is not sufficient for international use.

The process

  • Have the POA drafted. Many law firms offer this as a standard service. If you already have a draft, bring it.
  • Sign the POA in the presence of a Notary Public, who witnesses your signature.
  • The notary attaches a Notarial Certificate.
  • SAL authenticates the certificate (mandatory for overseas use).
  • If required by the destination country, the document may also need embassy or consulate legalisation.

Costs

  • Witnessing execution: $40 (first signatory per document).
  • Notarial Certificate: $75 per document.
  • SAL authentication: $87.20 per certificate.
  • Drafting fee: varies by firm, not a statutory fee. Simple POAs may start from $150 to $300.
  • Embassy legalisation: varies by country.

For a single POA signed by one person for overseas use, the statutory notarisation cost is $202.20. Drafting and any embassy steps are on top of that.

Common questions

  • Can I revoke a POA? Yes, at any time, as long as you have mental capacity. The revocation should be in writing and the person you appointed should be notified.
  • Does a POA expire? A General POA can be set with an expiry date or can last indefinitely until revoked. Specific POAs usually end when the transaction is completed.
  • Can I do this remotely? The principal must sign in person before the notary. Video witnessing may be possible in limited circumstances but is not standard practice.

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