Legal document translation
Power of attorney translation
A power of attorney is a document other people and institutions rely on to know exactly who can act on your behalf — so accuracy and proper certification matter more than usual. We translate general, special, and business powers of attorney, certify them with our bureau seal, and tell you directly if your specific case needs a notary or a sworn translator instead.
Types of power of attorney we translate
General power of attorney: broad authority to act across most matters — often used when someone abroad needs a trusted person to manage affairs at home, or vice versa. Special (specific-purpose) power of attorney: limited to one task, such as selling a specific property, registering or selling a vehicle, or collecting a document on someone's behalf.
Business and commercial power of attorney: authorising a representative to sign contracts, manage a bank account, or act for a company in a specific jurisdiction. In every case, we translate the document precisely as drafted — we don't add, remove, or interpret clauses.
What our bureau seal certification covers
A bureau-sealed translation from PRAVIS confirms that the translation is a complete and accurate rendering of the original text, certified by our seal, a signed statement, and a unique reference number for verification. It documents professional accountability for the translation itself.
It does not certify that the underlying power of attorney is valid, properly executed, or notarised — that depends on how the original document was drawn up and signed, which is a legal matter outside translation. If you're unsure whether your POA is valid for its intended use, that's a question for a notary or lawyer before translation, not after.
Send your power of attorney for review
Tell us where and how it will be used — we'll confirm the right certification level and a fixed quote, usually within 5–7 minutes.
Send files nowWhen a notary or sworn translator is actually needed
Many everyday uses of a translated power of attorney — presenting it to a bank, an estate agent, or an administrative office — accept a bureau-sealed certified translation. Some situations don't: powers of attorney used in Polish court proceedings, submitted to a Polish notary as part of a notarial deed, or required by certain foreign registries specifically ask for a sworn translation by a tłumacz przysięgły, sometimes alongside notarisation or an apostille.
We check the intended use during review and tell you plainly if your case falls into this category — we'd rather flag it upfront than have your document rejected later.
How the process works
Upload a clear scan of the power of attorney, and tell us where it will be used and for what purpose — this helps us confirm the right certification level from the start. We quote page count, complexity, and turnaround, typically within 5–7 minutes.
Once approved, we translate the full text, preserving structure, clauses, and formatting, and certify it with our bureau seal, signed statement, and reference number. Delivery is a digital PDF by default; a courier-delivered printed copy is available when a physical, wet-stamped document is required.
Situations we see most often
Selling or managing property abroad while the owner is elsewhere. Authorising a family member or representative to handle banking matters — opening, closing, or managing an account — in another country. Vehicle-related authorisations: selling, registering, or handling paperwork for a car on someone else's behalf, including cases connected to renting or transferring a vehicle abroad. Business representation: authorising someone to sign specific contracts or represent a company in a defined matter.
Each of these can require different certification depending on the receiving institution, which is why we always ask about intended use before quoting.
Confidentiality and handling of sensitive documents
Powers of attorney often contain financial details, identification numbers, and information about property or assets. We treat every document as confidential: it's seen only by the translator and reviewer assigned to your order, and we don't retain files longer than necessary for the project and any legally required record-keeping.
If you need originals returned, destroyed, or handled in a specific way, tell us when you submit your documents and we'll confirm what's possible.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a bureau seal and a sworn translation for a power of attorney?
A bureau seal certifies that PRAVIS stands behind the accuracy of the translation as a company. A sworn translation is produced personally by a tłumacz przysięgły registered with the Polish Ministry of Justice and carries a specific legal status required for Polish courts, notarial procedures, and some registries. Many everyday uses only need a bureau seal; we'll tell you if yours needs more.
Do you draft or check the legal validity of the power of attorney?
No — we translate the text exactly as provided. We don't provide legal advice on drafting, validity, or whether your POA meets the requirements of its intended use; that's a question for a notary or lawyer.
Can you translate a power of attorney for selling property or a vehicle abroad?
Yes, this is one of our most common requests. Tell us where and how it will be used, and we'll confirm whether a bureau seal is sufficient or whether the receiving institution is likely to require a sworn translation.
Is my document kept confidential?
Yes. Powers of attorney often contain sensitive financial and personal information, and we limit access to the translator and reviewer assigned to your order.
How fast can you translate a power of attorney?
We typically confirm a quote within 5–7 minutes of reviewing your document. Straightforward, single-purpose powers of attorney are often among our fastest jobs.
Will my translated power of attorney definitely be accepted abroad?
We can't guarantee that — acceptance is decided by the receiving bank, registry, notary, or institution, and requirements vary by country and change over time. We follow standard certification practice and flag known cases where a sworn translation or notarisation is required, but final acceptance is always the recipient's call.
