Power of Attorney for Cyprus Property Transactions from the UK
Updated November 2026
UK-based buyers and sellers often ask whether they need to travel to Cyprus personally for every stage of a property transaction. In many cases, a suitably drafted power of attorney can allow a lawyer or other authorised representative to carry out specified acts on the client's behalf.
The document should be prepared for the actual transaction and should not be treated as a generic form.
What can a power of attorney be used for?
Depending on its wording and the transaction, a power of attorney may authorise a representative to carry out steps such as signing or submitting documents, dealing with the Department of Lands and Surveys, completing transfer formalities, making applications or taking other defined steps connected with the purchase or sale.
The scope should match what the client actually wants the representative to do.
Does the signature need to be certified?
Yes. The Department of Lands and Surveys states that where a transaction is submitted by a proxy under a general or special power of attorney, the principal's signature must be duly certified.
For people signing outside Cyprus, the correct certification route depends on the document and where it is signed. The DLS also advises that a power of attorney should normally be prepared by a lawyer.
General or special power of attorney?
A special power of attorney is usually limited to defined acts or a particular transaction.
A general power of attorney confers wider authority and should therefore be used with appropriate care.
For Land Registry purposes, the DLS currently distinguishes between a general power of attorney, for which a filing fee may apply, and a special power of attorney, for which no filing fee is charged in the relevant property-transfer context.
What changed in 2026?
Cyprus abolished stamp duty for documents signed on or after 1 January 2026.
The DLS now expressly states in its property-transfer guidance that stamp duty on a power of attorney is required only where it was signed by at least one principal before 1 January 2026.
That is one reason older online guidance on Cyprus powers of attorney can now be misleading.
Can a UK buyer complete remotely?
Often, yes, but the answer depends on the transaction.
A power of attorney can make remote coordination much easier, particularly where a buyer or seller cannot attend the Land Registry personally. It does not remove the need for due diligence, proper contract documentation or any purchaser permission that may apply.
What should the document contain?
The drafting depends on the transaction, but it should make clear:
who is granting the authority;
who is appointed;
the property or transaction concerned;
the acts the attorney may perform;
any financial or contractual limits;
whether the authority can be delegated;
how long it remains effective.
A broad precedent downloaded from the internet may confer powers that are unnecessary or omit powers needed for the actual transaction.
Speak to Pavlou & Pavlou
We advise UK-based buyers and sellers on powers of attorney and remote Cyprus property transactions.
Official sources
This guide provides general information only. A power of attorney should be drafted for the particular transaction and client.