Power of Attorney for Court and Government Representation in Uzbekistan: What Foreign Investors Need to Know
A litigation power of attorney lets you authorise a representative to attend court hearings, file documents, and interact with government agencies on your behalf. This guide covers the notarisation process, required documents, and key practical considerations for foreign investors operating in Uzbekistan.
What Is a Litigation Power of Attorney and Why Do You Need One?
A power of attorney (POA) for court and government representation is a notarised legal instrument by which you — the principal — grant another person (your representative or attorney-in-fact) the authority to act on your behalf: to appear at hearings, file applications, receive documents, and perform other legally significant actions. Without this instrument, no lawyer, family member, or business associate can fully protect your interests before Uzbek courts or state bodies.
In my practice I regularly see clients lose valuable time because they arrive at court with a POA drafted in simple written form. Uzbek courts and most government agencies accept only notarised powers of attorney — this is a statutory requirement under the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Key takeaways:
- A POA for court representation must be notarised; a simple written document is not sufficient.
- The instrument must expressly list every authority being delegated (right to sign procedural documents, right to withdraw a claim, right to enter into a settlement agreement, etc.).
- The validity period must be stated in the text; where no period is specified, the general statutory rules apply.
- The POA may be revoked at any time by notifying the representative and the body before which it was presented.
---
What Authorities Can Be Delegated?
A litigation POA may be either general or special (limited). For representation in a specific case, a special POA is usually sufficient — it identifies the court, the case number (if already assigned), and the specific actions the representative is authorised to take.
Typical authorities included in such a document:
- Participation at all stages of court proceedings (first instance, appeal, cassation);
- Filing claims, applications, complaints, and procedural motions;
- Receiving court decisions and enforcement orders;
- Representing the principal before the prosecutor's office, tax authorities, registration bodies, and other government agencies;
- Signing procedural documents on behalf of the principal.
I always recommend discussing with your representative — whether a licensed advocate or another authorised person — exactly which actions they intend to take. This allows me, as the notary, to draft the authority clauses precisely and avoids the frustrating situation where a court rejects a document because a required power is missing.
---
Step-by-Step Notarisation Process
| Stage | What Happens | Points to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Document preparation | The principal and representative gather identity documents | All passports or ID documents must be valid |
| Visit to the notary | The notary verifies identity and explains the content | The principal must be present in person; the representative's attendance is not required |
| Drafting the instrument | The notary (or assistant) prepares the text listing all authorities | Review every authority clause carefully before signing |
| Notarisation | The principal signs; the notary affixes the notarial certificate and makes a registry entry | Retain the original; keep a certified copy for your records |
| Payment of fees | The notarial tariff and technical service fee are paid | Confirm the exact fees with the notary on the day of your visit, as tariffs are revised periodically |
---
Documents to Bring
- Original passport or identity document of the principal.
- Passport details of the representative (a copy of their passport, or the passport itself).
- If the POA is issued on behalf of a legal entity — constitutional documents (charter/articles), the order or resolution appointing the authorised signatory, and the company seal.
- Details of the case or government body (name of the court, case number, name of the agency) — where already known.
---
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the representative arrange the POA themselves?
No. The POA is signed exclusively by the principal in person before the notary. The representative plays no role in the notarisation itself.
Must a specific court be named in the document?
It is advisable, though not always mandatory. If proceedings have already been initiated, include the court's name and the case number. A POA drafted 'for all courts' is permissible but requires a more comprehensive list of delegated actions.
Can representation be entrusted to someone who is not a licensed advocate?
Yes. Uzbek law permits any legally competent adult to act as a representative under a duly notarised POA. Exceptions may apply to certain categories of cases — clarify this in advance with your legal counsel.
How do I revoke a power of attorney?
The principal applies to any notary (not necessarily the one who notarised the original) with a written revocation request. The notary records the revocation in the registry. You should also give written notice of the revocation to the representative and to any body before which the POA was presented.
Is an Uzbek notarised POA valid abroad?
For use before foreign government authorities, the document may need to be apostilled or consularly legalised. Check the requirements of the destination country before coming to the notary's office.
---
Conclusion
A carefully drafted litigation power of attorney is the foundation that allows your representative to protect your interests efficiently — without unnecessary delays or procedural rejections. Imprecise wording or a missing authority clause can add weeks to your case.
> Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute individual legal or notarial advice. Every situation has its own specific features that must be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please verify current fees, tariffs, and procedural requirements directly with your notary at the time of your appointment.
If you need to arrange a power of attorney for court or government representation in Uzbekistan, I invite you to visit my notarial office in the Yunusabad district of Tashkent. We will help you define the authority clauses precisely, explain every aspect of the process, and notarise the document in full compliance with current legislation.
Practising private notary of the Yunusabad district of Tashkent. Certifies transactions, powers of attorney, inheritance and family documents under the law of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Read also
1 minWaiver of Pre-emptive Purchase Rights: How to Certify It with a Notary in Uzbekistan
When selling a share in co-owned property in Uzbekistan, your fellow co-owners hold a pre-emptive right to buy that share first. For the transaction to proceed lawfully, their waiver must be notarially certified. Here I walk through the process, required documents, and the questions I hear most often.
1 minGifting Money for a Property Purchase: Why Notarisation Matters
Parents giving their child money to buy an apartment may wonder why a notary is needed at all. In practice, a notarially certified deed of monetary gift protects both parties and resolves many questions that arise in the subsequent property transaction. In this article I explain why notarisation is worth it — and what you need to prepare.
1 minSelling a Property with a Minor Owner in Uzbekistan: What You Need to Know
When a child holds ownership — or a share of ownership — in a property, the sale requires a specific legal procedure: guardianship authority approval and mandatory notarial certification of the transaction. Here is how to navigate the process correctly, what documents to prepare, and what to watch out for.