To use a power of attorney from Canada in India, sign it before a lawyer acting as notary, a BC notary public or a Quebec notary. Obtain an apostille from your province if you are in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec or Saskatchewan, or from Global Affairs Canada for other provinces and territories. Courier the original to India and have it stamped within three months. Register it in India where the sub-registrar requires that for property transactions.
- Document route
- Notary or lawyer, then apostille from Global Affairs Canada or the provincial authority
- Time difference
- IST is 9h30 (Ontario, summer) to 13h30 (British Columbia, winter) ahead
- Recognition
- Section 33, Registration Act 1908
- Authentication
- Indian mission, or notary plus apostille
Power of Attorney from Canada: how it works
We draft a specific power naming the property or case, the attorney holder and the acts allowed, using Indian formats that sub-registrars and tehsildars in Punjab and Haryana expect, including space for photographs and thumb impressions. Have the notary stamp each page and confirm your identity with your passport. Apostille processing times vary by province, and Ontario and BC offices may need appointments or mail-in applications, so build that into your timeline.
In India the attorney holder takes the original for adjudication and stamping by the Collector. For selling land in Punjab, the power often has to be registered or at least presented with identity proof, and some offices confirm the principal is alive by a video call or fresh affidavit if the power is old. We keep the power focused, because a broad general power invites misuse, and we advise you on revoking it formally when the task is done.
What clients in Canada should know
- Older Canadian powers that carry Global Affairs authentication plus Indian consular legalisation remain valid; the apostille is simply the new route.
- Quebec notarial acts are formal documents; tell the notary the power is for use in India so it is prepared in English with the required Indian annexures.
- If your Indian passport has expired or you now hold a Canadian passport, the power should explain the change so names and numbers match Indian records.
Step by step from Canada
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Canada, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Canada
Notary or lawyer, then apostille from Global Affairs Canada or the provincial authority
Work in India
Our team files, appears and follows up in India, and shares scans of everything filed.
Result and handover
Certified copies and originals are couriered to you in Canada where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Canada. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on Power of Attorney, or see all services for clients in Canada and the Inheritance & Documents practice area.
Questions from clients in Canada
Does Ontario issue its own apostille?
Yes. Ontario is one of the five provinces with its own competent authority, along with Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec and Saskatchewan.
Can I sign at the Indian consulate instead?
Indian nationals may still use consular attestation, but most clients now find the apostille simpler, particularly Canadian citizens.
How long is a power of attorney valid?
Until revoked, unless it states an end date. Some offices are wary of powers more than a year or two old, so a fresh one may be requested.