Power of Attorney for Court and Government Representation in Uzbekistan: What You Need to Know

A power of attorney for representation in courts and government authorities is a notarially certified document by which one person (the principal) authorises another (the representative or attorney-in-fact) to perform legally significant actions on their behalf — attending court hearings, filing applications, collecting documents, signing procedural papers, and much more.

In my practice, I regularly encounter situations where a person cannot appear in person before a court or government body — due to illness, professional commitments, residence in another city, or being based abroad. In such cases, a properly drafted power of attorney becomes an indispensable tool for protecting one's legal interests.

Key points:

• For participation in court proceedings, a representative is generally required to hold a notarially certified power of attorney.
• The scope of authority must be defined precisely: a court or government body may refuse to recognise any action not explicitly stated in the document.
• A power of attorney may be granted by an individual or on behalf of a legal entity (by its authorised director or officer).
• The validity period is set at the principal's discretion; where no period is specified, the general provisions of applicable Uzbek law apply.

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Which Powers to Include

The specific powers required depend on the tasks your representative will carry out. I recommend thinking through in advance exactly which institutions will be involved and what actions will need to be taken.

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Documents to Bring

Before visiting the notary, please prepare the following:

• For the principal: a valid passport or other identity document; for legal entities — also the constitutional documents and evidence of the signatory's authority.
• Details of the representative: full legal name, date of birth, and passport details (series, number, issuing authority, date of issue, and registered address). The representative's personal attendance at the notary is generally not required.
• Description of powers: if you already know which court or authority your representative will be dealing with, let the notary know — this helps draft the wording as precisely and effectively as possible.

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Validity Period and Revocation

The power of attorney remains valid for the period specified in the document. Where no period is stated, the relevant provisions of current Uzbek legislation apply — I recommend confirming the applicable rules with the notary at the time of your visit.

The principal may revoke (cancel) the power of attorney at any time by applying to a notary. Once revoked, the representative and, where necessary, the relevant authorities must be notified without delay — otherwise, actions taken by the representative prior to receiving notice of revocation may remain legally binding.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is notarial certification mandatory?

For representation before courts of general jurisdiction and most government authorities in Uzbekistan — yes, notarial certification is required. Statutory exceptions exist for certain categories of proceedings; please verify with the specific court or authority.

Can multiple representatives be named?

Yes. A single power of attorney may authorise several individuals, specifying whether they act jointly or each independently.

Does the representative need to be present when the document is executed?

No. Only the principal's attendance is required; the notary simply needs the representative's passport details.

What are the applicable fees and notarial tariffs?

Please confirm the current fees with the notary at the time of your visit, as tariffs are subject to periodic revision.

Is an Uzbek power of attorney valid abroad?

For use in a foreign country, the document will generally require an apostille or consular legalisation. The precise requirements depend on the destination country — please seek advice in advance.

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> Please note: this article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute a substitute for individual notarial advice. Every situation has its own particularities, which should be discussed with a notary in person.

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If you need to execute a power of attorney for representation in court or before government authorities in Uzbekistan, I invite you to contact my notarial office in the Yunusabad district of Tashkent. We will help you define the scope of authority precisely, avoid common drafting errors, and prepare a document that will be accepted by any institution.