What is a Power of Attorney (PoA) and when is it needed?

A Power of Attorney (PoA) is a legal document by which you authorize another person to act on your behalf.  

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In property transactions, a PoA can allow your lawyer, NT Realty, or another trusted representative to:

• Sign the sale or purchase contract
• Attend the notary and translator
• Submit and collect documents from the Tax Administration and Cadastre
• Manage post-completion steps (e.g. utilities, key handover)  

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You typically need a PoA if you cannot be in Montenegro for signing, or if you want someone on the ground to coordinate the process.  

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If the PoA is issued abroad, it usually must be notarised and then apostilled or legalised, before being translated by a sworn court translator in Montenegro.  

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Important limitation regarding banking: A property-purchase Power of Attorney is generally NOT accepted by Montenegrin banks for banking matters. Banks have their own separate PoA forms and systems. While a specially-worded PoA that explicitly includes bank account administration authority may sometimes be accepted, this varies by bank and must be drafted very carefully. If you need your representative to handle banking matters (opening accounts, transfers, signing documents), this should be arranged separately from the property purchase PoA and discussed with your specific bank in advance. Most banks prefer clients to appear in person for initial account opening and certain transactions.