A power of attorney — in Hebrew, ייפוי כוח, “yipui koach” — is a legal instrument that allows one person to act on behalf of another. According to the Israeli Notaries Law, a number of critically important powers cannot be transferred by an ordinary unsigned document. In such cases, a mandatory notarial power of attorney is required.
A notarial power of attorney in Israel is necessary when the transfer of authority requires legal precision, official certification, and reliable protection of the principal’s interests.
Attorney and notary Elena Gomelski helps individuals and businesses properly prepare powers of attorney at her office in central Tel Aviv (Jaffa), thereby eliminating legal risks and bureaucratic delays.
In what cases does the law require a notary?
An ordinary written power of attorney is suitable for simple tasks, such as collecting a parcel from the post office. However, the law strictly requires the involvement of a notary if you are transferring powers in the following areas:
- Real estate transactions. Purchase, sale, mortgage registration (mashkanta), or registration of rights in the Land Registry (Tabu).
- A wide range of powers. Preparation of a general power of attorney at a notary (General Power of Attorney at a Notary: Rights, Obligations and Terms), which grants the right to manage all your property and finances.
- Use abroad. Any powers of attorney sent to other countries, such as for selling an apartment in the CIS or conducting court proceedings abroad, must undergo notarial certification of the signature and legalization with an Apostille.
Types of powers of attorney we prepare
Choosing the right type of document protects you from fraud and abuse of authority by the representative.
- Special, one-time power of attorney. Issued for performing one specific action or a series of related actions. For example: representation at the Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim), receiving pension payments, or selling a specific car. Once the action is completed, the power of attorney loses its practical purpose.
- General power of attorney. Grants the representative almost unlimited rights to manage your assets, accounts, and real estate. It requires maximum caution.
- Irrevocable power of attorney (ייפוי כוח בלתי חוזר). A specific document most often used in real estate transactions to protect the rights of the buyer or the bank. Unlike other types, you cannot cancel it unilaterally simply at your own request.
Checklist: what is required for preparation in our office?
The preparation procedure at our office in Tel Aviv takes minimal time. The principal, meaning the person transferring the powers, must be personally present and provide the following information:
- Identity document: only the original Teudat Zehut or a valid foreign passport (Darkon).
- Details of the authorized person: a copy of their passport or Teudat Zehut, or exact details: full name, identity document number, and residential address. The personal presence of the authorized person is not required.
- Description of powers: a clear understanding of exactly what actions you are authorizing. If the power of attorney is needed for use abroad, we recommend requesting a draft document in advance from foreign lawyers or real estate agents.
Important: a notary does not simply place a seal. The law requires attorney-notary Elena Gomelski to personally make sure that you are of sound mind, acting without coercion, and fully understand the consequences of transferring authority.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a notarial power of attorney valid in Israel?
By default, general and special powers of attorney are valid for 10 years, unless a shorter period is specified in the text itself. The exception is irrevocable powers of attorney — they are indefinite.
How can an issued power of attorney be cancelled?
The principal has the right to cancel a special or general power of attorney at any time. To do so, you need to visit a notary, prepare an official notice of cancellation, and send it to the authorized person by registered mail.
How much does it cost to prepare a power of attorney?
Prices for notarial certification of powers of attorney are strictly fixed and updated annually in the Ministry of Justice price list (Misrad HaMishpatim). Payment is charged for the first and subsequent signatures on the document.
Do not risk your property by signing questionable papers. Prepare a notarial power of attorney in Israel legally, correctly, and safely. Contact the office of attorney and notary Elena Gomelski in Tel Aviv: call 03-375-1178 or leave an online request on this page. We will select the exact document format for your specific task.
