Brunei’s legal system combines common law with Islamic law, and which applies depends on the matter. For property and commercial questions the common law framework will look familiar; for family and inheritance matters it may not. Get the wording from a lawyer in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Quick facts
Land is where status bites again: ownership in Brunei is restricted, generally to citizens, with other arrangements available to permanent residents and foreigners. Establish what right is actually involved before granting authority over it.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Consular act | Consular tariff | Confirm with the embassy |
| Apostille | $3–$25 per document | Often sufficient |
| U.S. notarisation | $5–$25 per signature | First step |
| Lawyer’s fees in Brunei | Agreed with the firm | Drafting and completion |
| Land registry | Charged in Brunei | Where registration is needed |
Inheritance may be dealt with under Islamic law depending on the family, which fixes the shares and therefore determines who must sign. Ask the lawyer there which framework applies before assuming anything.
How to apply
- Instruct a lawyer in Brunei to draft the instrument.
- Establish which legal framework governs the matter.
- Confirm whether an apostille suffices or a consular act is wanted.
- Collect the identity card details of everyone named.
- Execute the document as instructed and send it tracked.
- Register it in Brunei where the transaction requires it.
Required documents
- Bruneian passport and identity card.
- The draft prepared in Brunei.
- Identity card details for every party.
- Land or case references.
- Evidence of relationship for inheritance matters.
- Payment as instructed.
Where to apply
At the embassy in Washington where a consular act is required, or through the apostille route where it is not.
Additional notes
Which framework applies
Common law and Islamic law operate side by side. Establish which governs your matter before drafting.
Land follows status
Ownership is restricted, so what a power of attorney can achieve depends on who holds what.
Be specific
Name the asset and the acts authorised as precisely as the records allow.
Revocation
Revoking requires a further instrument through the same route, with notice to whoever holds the original.