Indian citizens in the Maldives can usually sign a power of attorney before the consular officer at the High Commission of India in Malé. Otherwise it is signed before a Maldivian notary, attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the High Commission. In India it must be stamped within three months, and powers relating to property are authenticated or registered as the local office requires.
- Document route
- Maldivian notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation, then Indian High Commission attestation
- Time difference
- IST is 30 minutes ahead of the Maldives all year
- Recognition
- Section 33, Registration Act 1908
- Authentication
- Indian mission, or notary plus apostille
Power of Attorney from Maldives: how it works
We draft a specific power for the job in hand: selling or letting a named property, operating an NRO account, applying for mutation or conducting a case. Because resort staff often have only one chance to visit Malé, we finalise the draft in advance, send it with the checklist for the High Commission, and confirm the appointment procedure.
Once the original reaches India, we arrange stamp duty, then the authentication or registration the local office needs, and guide the attorney holder through the transaction. If the power is no longer needed, we prepare a deed of revocation.
What clients in Maldives should know
- Carry your passport, work permit and the unsigned draft to the High Commission.
- Name the property exactly as in the title deed to avoid objections.
- Direct that sale money goes only to your own account.
Step by step from Maldives
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits Maldives, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in Maldives
Maldivian notary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation, then Indian High Commission attestation
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 Maldives where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in Maldives. 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 Maldives and the Inheritance & Documents practice area.
Questions from clients in Maldives
How long does attestation at the High Commission take?
Often the same day or a few working days, depending on its current procedure.
Can I sign before a Maldivian notary instead?
Yes, but then Ministry and High Commission attestation are also needed.
Will the power work for selling land in Kerala?
Yes, if it specifically authorises the sale and is stamped and authenticated in India.