What to Check in a Bilingual Power of Attorney: Personal Details, Powers, Property and Certification

Checking a bilingual power of attorney involves more than reading the translation. You need to compare the personal details, property, powers, restrictions, amounts, dates and certification details line by line. If the versions differ, the document should not be signed until both parts have been corrected. The legal review is performed by a lawyer, while the translator is responsible for accurately conveying the agreed text.

• What to prepare for the review
• How to compare the two versions
• How to check personal details
• How to check the property
• How to check powers and restrictions
• How to check dates and amounts
• How to check the relationship between the language versions
• How to check the translation and certification
• Final checklist
• Glossary
• Frequently asked questions
• If you need legal assistance with checking a power of attorney

What to prepare for the review

The power of attorney should be checked against the original documents, not only against the version in the other language. Prepare:

• the principal’s valid passport;
• the representative’s passport or identity card;
• the title deed, Search, cadastral plan and draft agreement if the power of attorney concerns real estate;
• the agreed list of powers and prohibitions;
• the requirements of the notary, consulate or certifying person;
• the requirements of each organization where the document will be used;
• the previous version if the text has already been changed.

The reviewer should see both versions in full, including attachments, the certification statement and the pages bearing signatures. A separate translation sheet without a connection to the original may make it impossible to determine which document it relates to.

How to compare the two versions

The comparison is carried out point by point. A general match in meaning is not enough if one version permits an additional action or removes a restriction.

How to check personal details

Names should be copied from one valid document. If different alphabets are used, agree the transliteration with the lawyer, notary or consulate. Do not create a new spelling independently.

• All parts of the name are present in both versions.
• The passport number does not contain letters replaced with digits.
• The date of birth is recorded identically.
• The issuing authority and date relate to the same passport.
• Citizenship and address have not been confused with the representative’s details.
• The passport’s validity period is sufficient for the selected procedure.

If the name has already been recorded in a particular way in the agreement, title deed or application, the power of attorney must make it possible to link the documents to one person. Any discrepancy should preferably be eliminated before certification.

How to check the property

The property description should be taken from the Land Registry documents and the agreement. The project’s advertising name or a colloquial address does not replace the registration details.

If the property has not yet been identified, the document may give the representative excessively broad discretion. The lawyer should explain why such a power is needed and how to limit it by district, property type, price or seller.

How to check powers and restrictions

Each verb in the first version should be compared with the verb in the second. Pay particular attention to words that authorize the representative to:

• sign the agreement and additional agreements;
• change the property, price, currency and deadlines;
• submit and withdraw applications;
• receive money, refunds and documents;
• pay taxes and fees;
• register the agreement and participate in the transfer of title;
• accept the property and sign the handover certificate without remarks;
• delegate the powers to another person;
• create a mortgage or other encumbrance;
• terminate the agreement or waive claims.

The negation must appear in both versions. An omitted word such as “not” or an incorrectly translated condition can completely change the scope of the powers.

Check the names of organizations. An official announcement by one of the TRNC authorities shows that the receiving organization may require its full name to be stated directly in the power of attorney, together with a detailed list of actions. This requirement cannot automatically be extended to all procedures, but it confirms the need to check each recipient separately.

How to check dates and amounts

Figures are best compared separately from the text. Make a short list of all numbers and go through both versions:

• the dates of execution and expiry of the power of attorney;
• passport and identity document numbers;
• cadastral numbers and shares;
• the property price and currency;
• the limit for an individual payment;
• the number of copies or attachments;
• the representative’s reporting deadlines.

Use an unambiguous date format with the month written out, or a format agreed with the certifying person. A date written only in figures may be read differently in different countries.

If an amount is stated in both figures and words, check both versions in each language. Do not allow a situation where the figures match but the amount or currency written in words is different.

How to check the relationship between the language versions

Find the clause on priority, equivalence or the status of the translation. It must sound the same in both parts. If the English version is designated as prevailing only in the Russian text, the rule itself becomes contradictory.

Check:

• whether the specific languages are named correctly;
• whether it is stated what happens in the event of a discrepancy;
• whether this clause conflicts with the requirements of the receiving authority;
• whether the principal understands the prevailing version;
• whether the lawyer has confirmed that the wording is acceptable for the specific procedure.

A priority clause does not allow an inaccurate translation to be signed. Both versions must convey the same powers.

How to check the translation and certification

Clarify who performed the translation and how its status is indicated in the document. The requirements may include the translator’s signature, notarization of that signature, a separate certification statement, binding or attachment of the translation to the original.

If the document is certified by a local official in Northern Cyprus, check the details required by Law 54/2024: the certifying person’s name, signature, seal, certification number and date. The document must be legible, and the signature must be placed in the presence of that person. For a power of attorney executed abroad, the procedure is determined by the rules of the country of issue and the requirements of the recipient in Northern Cyprus.

Check separately:

• whether the certification covers both language versions and all pages;
• whether the translator’s details are stated;
• whether there are any blank fields after signing;
• whether the number of attachments matches;
• whether an apostille or consular certification is required;
• whether the original, a copy or an electronic document is accepted.

Final checklist

1. Check the principal and representative against their documents.
2. Compare the property with the title deed, Search and agreement.
3. Read every power and restriction in both versions.
4. Check all figures, dates, amounts and currencies.
5. Make sure sub-delegation is permitted or prohibited in the same way.
6. Compare the clause on the priority or equivalence of the texts.
7. Check the translator’s signature and certification details if required.
8. Obtain confirmation of the format from the receiving organization.
9. Save the final scan and the record of the original’s transfer.

Related materials: when a bilingual power of attorney is needed, representative control and powers for a remote transaction.

Glossary

• Power of Attorney: a document defining the actions of the representative.
• Original text: the agreed language version from which the translation is made.
• Prevailing version: the text applied in the event of discrepancies between language versions, if such a rule is permissible.
• Certification statement: the details by which the certifying person confirms that the action has been performed.
• Apostille: confirmation of the origin of an official document for use abroad in applicable cases.

Frequently asked questions

Who should check the legal meaning?

A licensed lawyer who knows the purpose of the power of attorney and the requirements of the receiving organization. The translator checks the accuracy of conveying the agreed text.

Is it enough to compare the figures?

No. You need to compare the actions, prohibitions, conditions, names of authorities, sub-delegation and the procedure for handling money.

Can one version be corrected by hand?

It should not be. After a change, both versions must be agreed, translated and executed again in the manner accepted by the certifying person.

What should be done if the name has different transliterations?

Compare the spelling with the passport and transaction documents, then agree on a single version with the lawyer and certifying person before signing.

Is it necessary to specify the prevailing language?

Such a clause may be useful, but its necessity and wording should be checked for the specific procedure. It does not replace an accurate translation.

Does the translator’s signature need to be certified?

This is determined by the receiving organization and the rules of the country where the document is executed. The requirement should be obtained before preparing the final copy.

Can a scan be used instead of the original?

Only if the specific organization accepts an electronic or copy form. Many legally significant actions may require a paper original.

If you need legal assistance with checking a power of attorney

You can contact our legal partner, DeJure, for a consultation with a lawyer licensed in Northern Cyprus.

Phone: +90 539 119 05 55

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