Guide

Power of attorney from Australia for property in India

How NRIs in Australia give power of attorney for property in India: signing route, stamping, registration, documents and cost.

Updated 30 October 2026

To give power of attorney (POA) from Australia for property in India: draft the POA in Indian format, sign it before a local notary and get it apostilled (or sign at the Indian mission), courier the original to India, pay stamp duty within three months of it arriving, and register it at the sub-registrar's office when it covers a property sale or purchase.

Which POA do you need?

A special power of attorney (SPA) covers one named task, such as selling one flat or registering one rent agreement. A general power of attorney (GPA) covers a wide range of acts.

For property, choose a special POA unless your representative genuinely needs broad authority. It protects you from acts you never intended.

Step by step from Australia

  1. Draft the POA in the Indian format, naming your representative and listing exactly what they can do, with property details such as survey or flat numbers.
  2. Sign the POA in front of an Australian notary public, then get an apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). You can also sign at the High Commission of India or a consulate.
  3. Courier the signed original to your representative in India and keep the tracking record.
  4. Pay stamp duty in the state where the property is, within three months of the POA arriving in India. Rates differ by state.
  5. Register the POA at the sub-registrar's office where the property is located, when it covers a sale, purchase or other registration. You do not need to be present.
  6. Your representative can now act for you, using the stamped and registered original.

Good to know for Australia

Australia and India are both members of the Hague Apostille Convention, so an apostilled POA is accepted in India.

Documents you usually need

  • The drafted POA, printed for signing
  • Your passport, and visa or OCI card
  • Two witnesses with photo ID
  • Your representative's photo ID and address proof
  • Passport-size photographs of you and your representative
  • Property documents, such as the sale deed or allotment letter

What it costs

Government charges are stamp duty and registration fees, which depend on the state and the type of POA. Notary, apostille or consular fees in Australia are separate.

SafeNRI drafts the POA, guides you through signing, and handles stamping and registration in India. See the price on our Power of attorney service page.

Common questions

Do I need to travel to India to give a POA? No. You sign in Australia, and your representative completes stamping and registration in India.

Is an apostilled POA accepted in India? Yes. India is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so an apostilled POA from Australia does not need embassy attestation as well.

Can my POA be cancelled later? Yes. You can revoke a POA by a written revocation, which should be registered and sent to your representative and anyone relying on the POA.

Who should I choose as my representative? Someone you trust fully, ideally a close family member living near the property. A special POA limited to one task reduces the risk.

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