With no consulate in the United States, a power of attorney letting a relative act in Bhutan is usually the only practical way a property or family matter progresses. The obstacle is having it accepted, so agree the route with the lawyer in Thimphu before anything is drafted.
Quick facts
Land is the decisive point: ownership in Bhutan is restricted to citizens, and holdings are subject to limits. Anyone who has lost citizenship by naturalising elsewhere may find that their position regarding family land has changed, which is why the citizenship page here should be read first.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. notarisation | $5–$25 per signature | First step |
| State and federal certification | $3–$25 plus $20 | Where required |
| Consular step | Not available here | Ask what substitutes |
| Lawyer’s fees in Bhutan | Agreed with the firm | Drafting and completion |
| Courier | Carrier’s charge | Slow and expensive |
Because the route is not standard, get the instruction in writing from the person who will present the document, and follow it exactly.
How to proceed
- Ask the lawyer in Bhutan for the wording and the acts to authorise.
- Ask how the document should be certified given there is no post here.
- Confirm the citizenship position of everyone involved.
- Collect the identity details of all parties.
- Complete the U.S. certifications once the route is agreed.
- Courier the original and keep a scan.
Required documents
- Bhutanese passport and citizenship identity card.
- The wording supplied from Thimphu.
- Full details of the person receiving the authority.
- Land or case references as they appear in the records.
- Census and family documents where relevant.
- Correspondence confirming the certification route.
Where to enquire
At the Permanent Mission in New York, and with a lawyer in Bhutan.
Additional notes
Read the citizenship page first
Land ownership is restricted to citizens, so status and property are directly connected here.
Agree the route before drafting
A document that cannot be certified is worthless, however well written.
Choose carefully
Where a power of attorney substitutes for a consulate, who holds it matters more than usual.
Revocation
Revoking requires a further instrument through the same slow route, so keep the authority narrow.