In 30 seconds
A power of attorney (procura) lets a trusted person sign for you in Italy. For real estate the document must have the right form. US consulates in Italy notarize only for use in the United States, so a power of attorney for Italy is usually signed before an Italian notary, or before a notary in the US with an apostille and a sworn translation. Keep the powers narrow and specific.
Flying to Italy for every signature is expensive. A power of attorney can save you the trip, but a badly drawn one is refused by the notary, the land registry or the bank, and a too-wide one is a risk. This is how it works in practice.
What a power of attorney does
With a power of attorney you name an attorney-in-fact (procuratore) who acts in your name. The acts are valid only within the powers you write. It does not transfer ownership to the attorney and it can be revoked.
The form must match the act
As a rule, the power of attorney must be made in the same form required for the act it authorizes. For a sale of real estate, a mere private letter is not enough: the Italian notary will ask for a power of attorney in a public deed or with authenticated signature. For accepting an inheritance, renouncing it or dividing it, other formalities may apply. Always ask the notary or lawyer who will handle the matter to check the text before you sign.
Facing a similar situation? You can send your documents to the firm for an assessment, from anywhere in the world.
Book a consultationWhere to sign it: Italy or the United States
| Option | Points to check |
|---|---|
| Before an Italian notary | The surest way for Italian offices. Needs travel, or a trip with an interpreter if you do not speak Italian. |
| Before a notary in the US, with apostille and sworn translation | Common. The apostille is issued by the Secretary of State of the state concerned; the Italian notary will ask for the translation and may ask for changes. |
| At a US Embassy or Consulate in Italy | Not suited. The consulates notarize documents for use in the United States, not for use in Italy, apart from specific cases such as marriage-related certificates (see the official page). |
The U.S. Embassy states that its notarial services are available in Rome, Florence, Naples and Milan and that the staff cannot assemble documents or give legal advice on their use. The documents to be notarized must be in English. Source: U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy, notarial services.
How to draft it safely
- One purpose. A power of attorney for “this property, with these limits” is safer than a general one.
- Limits. Indicate minimum price, payment by bank transfer to your own account, and what the attorney cannot do.
- Choose well. Someone trustworthy, with whom you can communicate. Avoid giving the power to the seller’s agent or to the seller’s relatives.
- Duration. Set an end date and keep proof of revocation if you cancel it.
- Language. The version used in Italy must be in Italian or accompanied by a sworn translation.
Typical mistakes
Typical case
A problem that happens often. Typical case described in general terms: names, places and details do not refer to real people or cases.
An American couple signs a general power of attorney before a notary in Arizona and sends it to the real estate agent in Italy so that “things move fast”. The Italian notary refuses it because the text has no apostille and does not identify the property. The sale is delayed and the agent has received more power than necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Can a US notary sign a power of attorney for Italy?
Yes, in many cases, if it is apostilled and translated, but the Italian notary decides whether the document is suitable. Check before signing.
Can I use the consulate in Italy?
The consulates notarize documents for use in the United States only. They do not authenticate documents for use in Italy, except marriage-related certificates.
Can I revoke it?
Yes. Revocation must be communicated to the attorney and, if needed, to third parties and the notary.
Can my lawyer act as attorney-in-fact?
It is possible; but think about conflicts of interest and ask what safeguards are used.
Related guides
Questions about property or an inheritance in Italy?
Every situation must be assessed on the documents of the specific case. You can consult the firm from anywhere in the world: by video call, phone, WhatsApp or email. The first meeting is held in Italian. If you speak English, a video call on Google Meet from a computer may offer Italian–English translation as a support, without any guarantee; it does not replace an interpreter or a certified translation. Appointments in person in Naples (Piazza Giovanni Bovio 22 and Via Monte di Dio 14), Rome and Bari.
Official sources
- U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy: notarial services
- Italian Civil Code, art. 1392 (Normattiva)
- Hague Conference: Apostille Section
- U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy: American Citizen Services
- U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy: contact
- U.S. Department of State: Italy country information
- Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: consular services and visas
Information updated on October 10, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. The firm does not advise on United States law or taxes.
Text prepared with the help of artificial intelligence tools and reviewed under the responsibility of Avv. Renato Giuseppe Fiorentino on October 10, 2026.