Notarial power of attorney
Under section 20 of the Notaries Law, 5736-1976, a general power of attorney, and a power of attorney for real estate transactions that require registration, are not valid unless drawn up by a notary or unless the signatures on them have been authenticated by a notary. This provision does not derogate from section 91 of the Israel Bar Association Law, which deals with a power of attorney given to an advocate on which the client's signature was certified by that same advocate.
The office drafts the power of attorney and authenticates the signature on it, or authenticates a text you have prepared.
When is a notarial power of attorney required?
- When someone else is to sign on your behalf for the sale, purchase or registration of a property.
- When you live abroad or are staying there for a long period, and need someone to manage your affairs in Israel.
- A general power of attorney for managing day-to-day affairs.
- A power of attorney intended for use abroad, which requires notarial authentication and sometimes an apostille as well.
The process
Initial enquiry
We establish what act the power of attorney is needed for, who the attorney is to be, and whether it will be used in Israel or abroad.
Drafting or reviewing the text
The advocate drafts the power of attorney, or reviews a text you have received from a bank, an advocate or another body.
Signing before the notary
The person giving the power of attorney attends in person, is identified and signs before the notary.
Translation and apostille, if required
A power of attorney to be used abroad can be accompanied by a certified translation and an apostille.
What to bring
- Valid identification: an Israeli ID card or a passport.
- The name and ID number of the attorney.
- For a real estate transaction: the property details, such as block, parcel and sub-parcel.
- The text of the power of attorney, if you already have one.
- A person in hospital or confined to bed: a medical certificate in the form set out in the First Schedule to the Notaries Regulations, 5737-1977, issued on the day of signing. In the certificate, the doctor confirms that the person is fully conscious, of sound mind and competent to perform an act before a notary (regulation 4(e) of the Regulations).
Timing and cost
Timing: An appointment can usually be arranged for the same day or the next day. Where the text is ready, signing and authentication take place at a single meeting, and the authenticated power of attorney is handed to you as soon as it ends. Drafting, where required, is usually done before the meeting. If an apostille is required, it is usually added within one further business day.
Cost: Authentication of the signature is subject to the notary fee fixed by regulation: NIS 197 for the first signatory and NIS 77 for each additional signatory. The amounts follow the 2026 tariff under the Notaries (Service Fees) Regulations, plus VAT. For an exact calculation for your service, see the notary fee calculator.
Drafting the power of attorney is separate legal work and is priced separately.
Notarial power of attorney vs continuing power of attorney
| Notarial power of attorney | Continuing Power of Attorney | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | A specific act, or the management of your affairs now, while you are able to act for yourself. | Appointing in advance the person who will manage your affairs if and when you are no longer able to do so yourself. |
| Who draws it up | A notary draws it up or authenticates the signature on it (section 20 of the Notaries Law). | An advocate who has completed dedicated training, and the document is deposited with the Administrator General. |
For details on the continuing power of attorney, see the dedicated page.
Frequently asked questions
Does every power of attorney need a notary?
No. The requirement in section 20 of the Notaries Law applies to a general power of attorney and to a power of attorney for real estate transactions that require registration. For a document to be used abroad, the signature is authenticated by a notary under section 8 of the Notaries Law.
Does a power of attorney given to a bank for a mortgage need a notary?
Until February 2026, a notarial power of attorney was required for this purpose. The Notaries Law (Amendment No. 12), 5786-2026, added section 20(a1) to the Law, under which a power of attorney given to a bank to carry out a mortgage transaction, including its cancellation or a change in its terms, is valid even if it was not drawn up by a notary and the signatures on it were not authenticated by one.
Is a power of attorney signed abroad valid in Israel?
Section 20 of the Notaries Law does not apply to a power of attorney given abroad in accordance with the law of the place where it was given. It is advisable to check in advance what the body in Israel that will receive it requires.
Does the attorney need to attend the meeting?
No. The person giving the power of attorney signs before the notary. The attorney does not have to be present.
Can a notary authenticate a power of attorney for one of his own relatives?
No. Under section 10 of the Notaries Law, a notary shall not exercise his powers in a matter concerning a relative of his.
Contact us
The office is at 17 Tzahal Street, Ness Ziona, in an area with easy access and parking on site. Most notarial services are also available online, without coming to the office.
- Phone and WhatsApp052-5927592
- Email[email protected]
- Address17 Tzahal Street, Ness Ziona, parking nearby
- Opening hoursSun-Thu 09:00-19:00, Fri 09:00-12:30
Getting here
17 Tzahal Street, Ness Ziona. Parking near the office, with service on the ground floor. The office is a short drive from Rehovot, Rishon LeZion and Yavne.
Get directions in Google MapsNot sure which certificate you need? Let's start with a conversation
Tell us which authority the document is intended for and for what purpose, and we will tell you exactly which notarial certificate you need, whether an apostille is required and in what order, and how much it will cost under the regulations.