How to execute a Power of Attorney from abroad.

Why You May Need a POA

If you cannot personally travel to Kochi for the property registration at the sub-registrar office, you can appoint a trusted relative or the developer's legal desk to sign on your behalf via a Special Power of Attorney (SPA).

Special vs General POA

Use a Special POA — restricted to the specific property, specific act (signing sale deed), and time-bound. Avoid a General POA. It's a security risk and Indian sub-registrars often reject General POAs.

Step 1 — Draft

Get the POA drafted by an Indian advocate (Puravankara's legal desk can facilitate). It should clearly identify the property, the acts authorised, and the POA holder.

Step 2 — Execute Abroad

Sign the POA at the Indian Consulate / Embassy in your country of residence. Both signatory and POA holder (if present) provide identity proof. Alternatively, in Hague Apostille signatory countries, execute before a local notary and apostille it.

Step 3 — Send to India

Courier the original POA to India (allow 5-7 days). Digital scans work for review but the original is required at the sub-registrar.

Step 4 — Adjudicate & Stamp

Present the POA at the Kerala sub-registrar office within 3 months of receipt for adjudication and stamping. Stamp duty is ₹500-₹1,000 for a SPA.

Step 5 — Use for Registration

The POA holder can now sign the sale deed and complete registration on your behalf. You will need to endorse the sale deed later (or your POA holder handles it under the specific authority granted).