🇺🇸 How to Certify Documents for Real Estate or Business Transactions in Ukraine While Staying in the United States

Are you currently in the U.S. but planning to purchase real estate or a business in Ukraine? You can issue a power of attorney or other necessary documents without leaving the country — through a Ukrainian consulate, a U.S. notary public, or a remote online notary. Here’s how to do it correctly.

Modern technologies and international legal mechanisms make it possible for Ukrainians living or temporarily staying in the U.S. to legally execute documents for property purchases or business operations in Ukraine — all without traveling there in person.

The most common case involves issuing a power of attorney that authorizes a representative in Ukraine to act on your behalf — sign sales contracts, submit documents to state registries, obtain extracts, and more.

🔹Options for Document Certification in the U.S.

Depending on your situation, you can choose one of three ways to certify documents for use in Ukraine:

1. Though a Ukrainian Consular Office

This is the most traditional and official method. Ukrainian consular institutions (embassies and consulates) are authorized to perform notarial actions — certify signatures, powers of attorney, declarations, and other documents.Consular certification is recognized in Ukraine without an apostille, since it is performed by an official representative of the Ukrainian government.However, the downside is limited availability and long waiting times. Appointments may take weeks or even months, and travel costs can add up if you need to visit the consulate in person.

2. Through a U.S. Notary Public

You can visit any notary public licensed in your state. A U.S. notary (ideally one who speaks your language) can certify your signature on a document written in Ukrainian. Note that notaries in the U.S. do not draft the text of documents — they only verify identity and witness the signature.

After notarization, the document must be apostilled — a special stamp confirming the authenticity of the notary’s signature and seal for use abroad.

The apostille is issued by the Secretary of State’s office in the same state where the notary is licensed.

A document with an apostille is recognized in Ukraine under the 1961 Hague Convention.

3. Through a Remote Online Notary (Remote Online Notary)

This is a modern and highly convenient option that has become popular in recent years. A remote online notary is a licensed U.S. notary who performs notarizations via video conferencing, using secure identity verification and electronic signatures.

After the session, you receive an electronic document, which must also be apostilled — usually by printing it and submitting it for apostille processing in the relevant state.

Key benefits include speed (15–30 minutes), no need for in-person visits, and the ability to complete the process even from a mobile phone.

🔹 Power of Attorney Requirements

The power of attorney (POA) can be written in Ukrainian, as this format is easier for Ukrainian notaries and registrars to process. If bilingual (Ukrainian and English), the Ukrainian version should be designated as the primary text.

The document must clearly state:

• Full details of both parties (name, date of birth, residential address);
• Specific powers granted (e.g., signing contracts, submitting documents, obtaining extracts);
• The duration of the power of attorney.

If the POA is certified by a U.S. or online notary, an apostille is mandatory.

The apostille translation into Ukrainian should be done in Ukraine and notarized locally.

🔹 Step-by-Step Process

1️⃣ Draft the power of attorney. It’s best to consult the notary in Ukraine who will handle your main transaction, or a specialist familiar with international documents.
2️⃣ Notarize your signature — via a consulate, a U.S. notary, or an online notary.
3️⃣ Obtain an apostille from the Secretary of State in your jurisdiction (for documents notarized in the U.S.).
4️⃣ Send the document to Ukraine (by mail or through a trusted representative).
5️⃣ Translate and notarize the apostille in Ukraine.
6️⃣ Use the power of attorney for your transaction or document submission in Ukraine.

🔹 Important Notes

• A document with an apostille has full legal validity in Ukraine and does not require further legalization.
• Documents issued by a Ukrainian consulate do not need an apostille but must be entered into the Unified Register of Powers of Attorney.
• The apostille has no expiration date, but the power of attorney itself may have a validity term.
• If the POA concerns real estate or business matters, make sure all representative powers are described in detail — this simplifies processing in Ukraine.

🔹 Advantages of Online Notarization

• ✅ Speed — no need to wait for a consular appointment;
• ✅ Flexibility — you can sign at any time, from anywhere;
• ✅ Security — identity verification through official databases and biometric documents;
• ✅ Legality — documents with an apostille are fully recognized in Ukraine.

In summary, even while staying in the United States, you can legally and securely issue documents for Ukrainian notarial actions — from purchasing real estate to registering a business or managing corporate rights.

Modern digital solutions make the process faster, safer, and more accessible than ever.

Link to official website.