Power of Attorney in Poland
When applying for a Polish Seaman’s Passport, Ukrainian sailors may find themselves wondering how to best and most affordably arrange a power of attorney in Poland. A power of attorney will allow intermediaries or friends in Poland to collect the completed seaman’s passport on behalf of the owner and send it by post, saving both time and money by avoiding a repeat visit to the maritime authorities.
In Poland, there are several types of powers of attorney regulated by the Civil Code (Kodeks Cywilny), each serving different purposes:
Types of Powers of Attorney in Poland:
- General Power of Attorney (pełnomocnictwo ogólne):
- This type is used for routine management tasks, such as handling property or day-to-day matters. It must be in writing to be valid. The cost is approximately 30 PLN.
- Type-Specific Power of Attorney (pełnomocnictwo rodzajowe):
- This is for specific categories of actions, such as signing contracts or managing assets. The form must comply with the requirements of the transaction being conducted.
- Special Power of Attorney (pełnomocnictwo szczególne):
- Used for specific legal actions, such as selling property. This type requires notarization. The cost of notarizing this document typically ranges from 300 to 400 PLN (about 70-95 USD).
- Notarial Power of Attorney:
- This is an official form of power of attorney required for significant legal transactions, like buying or selling property. The cost depends on the complexity of the document and the notary’s work, but it generally ranges from 300 to 400 PLN (70-95 USD). This document is accepted by all institutions without exceptions.
Power of Attorney in Poland – Signature Authentication
Signature Authentication is a service provided by notaries in Poland where the notary confirms the authenticity of your signature on a document, but does not certify the document’s content. This process is used in situations where you need to confirm that the signature on a document is yours but don’t require a full notarial act.
Key Features of Signature Authentication in Poland:
- Simplicity and Affordability: This is less formal and cheaper than a full notarial power of attorney. In this case, you write the document (such as the power of attorney) and the notary authenticates your signature. This is not considered a full power of attorney in a legal sense but is often used for less formal matters.
- Cost: The service is significantly cheaper than a notarial act. The cost for signature authentication typically runs about 30 PLN (around 7 USD), whereas a full notarial act can cost 300-400 PLN.
- When It’s Used: This option is often used for less significant transactions or errands, such as authorizing someone to collect documents or handle everyday issues. However, some institutions may not accept this if a full notarial power of attorney is required.
- Legal Force: The document with a notarized signature only verifies that the signature is yours, but does not guarantee the document’s correctness or compliance with legal requirements. The notary does not check the content of the document, only that it was signed by you.
Process for Signature Authentication in Poland:
- You prepare the document yourself.
- Submit it to a notary for signature authentication.
- The notary verifies your identity (through a passport or another identification document) and confirms that the signature on the document is yours.
This process is quick and simple, but for more complex legal matters, such as real estate transactions or transferring rights, a full notarial power of attorney will be required.
Conclusion
Signature authentication is a budget-friendly and fast way to confirm your signature on a document but may not be sufficient for complex legal actions. It’s important to assess the requirements of each situation to determine whether a simple signature authentication or a full notarial power of attorney is needed.
If you’re in Poland, you can also open a bank account in Poland.