Togo follows the French civil law tradition, so a power of attorney is a formal instrument drafted in French by the notary in Lomé who will use it. An American template will not do, and a translation of one is not a substitute for proper drafting.
Quick facts
Property and inheritance are the usual reasons, and Togolese succession combines civil law forms with customary rules depending on the family and the asset.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Consular act | Consular tariff | Confirm with the embassy |
| U.S. notarisation | $5–$25 per signature | First step |
| State and federal certification | $3–$25 plus $20 | Before the consular step |
| French translation | Per page | Usually required |
| Notary’s fees in Togo | Agreed with the office | Drafting and completion |
Where several heirs live in different countries, coordinating their documents takes longer than preparing any one of them, and the six-week consular timescale applies to each.
How to apply
- Ask the notary in Togo for the wording and the acts to authorise.
- Establish whether the land is under registered title or customary tenure.
- Collect the identity details of everyone named.
- Have the document notarised and certified here, then legalised at the embassy.
- Arrange the French translation as instructed.
- Courier the original to Togo and keep a scan.
Required documents
- Togolese passport and consular card.
- The wording supplied from Togo, in French.
- Identity details of the person receiving the authority.
- Land or case references as they appear in Togolese records.
- Civil certificates where the act depends on them.
- Payment in the accepted form.
Where to apply
At the embassy in Washington, on Massachusetts Avenue.
Additional notes
Get the wording from Lomé
A civil law notary will refuse an instrument drafted to an American pattern, however well translated.
Title or custom
Establish which applies to the property before granting authority over it.
Plan for weeks
Every consular step at this embassy should be assumed to take weeks rather than days.
Revocation
Revoking requires a further instrument through the same route, with notice to whoever holds the original.