Power of attorney to buy property (委托购房公证)

What this notarization certifies

The notary office certifies the authenticity and legality of your act of authorizing another person to buy a property on your behalf — signing contracts, paying, and registering title. Buyers living abroad commonly use it so a relative or agent in China can complete the purchase.

Who can apply in Shanghai

Applicants whose registered residence, habitual residence, or place of signing the POA is in Shanghai. Companies can also apply, with corporate documents.

Documents to prepare

• Notarization application form (filled in and signed at the notary office)
• Resident ID card or another valid ID — Chinese or foreign passport, or a Taiwan / Hong Kong / Macao travel permit and ID
• Household register or registration certificate (not required of active-service military or overseas residents)
• Proof of living in Shanghai, if your hukou is registered elsewhere — Shanghai residence permit, a property deed or lease in your or a close relative's name, or an employer letter
• For corporate applicants: business license, board resolution approving the purchase, articles of association, and the signatory's ID
• Guardian's ID and proof of guardianship, if the applicant is a minor or lacks full legal capacity
• The purchase contract or deposit agreement, identifying the property address
• The POA text, one copy more than the number of certificates needed — the handling notary can draft or revise it for you
• The attorney-in-fact's ID (a copy is accepted)

Requirements vary case by case — the coordinator confirms your personal checklist before you visit the notary office.

Fee and timeline

• Notary fee: ¥300 (about $46) per deed for individuals; ¥500 (about $77) for companies
• Extra certificate copies: ¥10 (about $1.50) each
• Acceptance review: up to 3 working days; the certificate is normally issued within 15 working days of acceptance

Fees follow Shanghai's published government price standard (2017/2018). The coordinator confirms the current fee and the certified-translation cost before you commit to anything.

Using it abroad

China joined the Hague Apostille Convention in November 2023. For use in a member country — the US, Japan, most of Europe and many others — the notarial certificate receives an apostille and needs no embassy legalization. For non-member countries, consular legalization still applies. Tell the coordinator the destination country and we arrange the correct chain, including a certified translation into the language the receiving authority requires.