Power of Attorney in Spain: Buying Property from Abroad

Power of Attorney in Spain: Buying Property from Abroad

Can’t travel to Spain for your property purchase? A power of attorney allows your lawyer to handle everything on your behalf, from signing the contract to completing the sale at the notary.

Types of Power of Attorney

What Your Lawyer Can Do With a Power of Attorney

Property purchase — Sign the preliminary contract (contrato de arras), pay the deposit, and sign the title deed (escritura) at the notary on your behalf.

NIE application — Apply for your foreigner identification number.

Bank account — Open a Spanish bank account needed for the purchase.

Utility contracts — Transfer water, electricity and other services to your name.

Tax payments — Pay transfer tax, municipal taxes and other obligations.

How to Grant a Power of Attorney

Option 1: In Spain — Visit a Spanish notary with your passport and NIE. The document is ready immediately. This is the simplest and cheapest option if you are already in Spain.

Option 2: From your home country — Sign before a notary in your country, have the document apostilled (Hague Convention), then have it translated by a sworn translator into Spanish. Your lawyer in Spain can prepare the text in advance.

Option 3: At a Spanish consulate — Some Spanish consulates abroad can notarise powers of attorney directly, which may avoid the need for apostille and translation.

Important Considerations

Always use a specific (limited) power of attorney for property transactions rather than a general one. Ensure it clearly describes the property, the maximum price, and the specific acts authorised. A well-drafted power of attorney protects both you and your interests.

Areas We Serve

Our firm assists clients throughout the Costa Blanca, including Javea (Xabia), Moraira, Denia Altea and. Whether you are buying, selling or inheriting property, we provide comprehensive legal support tailored to non-residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a power of attorney to buy property in Spain?

Not strictly necessary if you can attend the notary in person, but highly recommended. A power of attorney allows your lawyer to handle the entire purchase process on your behalf without you needing to travel to Spain.

What types of power of attorney are used in Spain?

There are two main types: a general power of attorney (poder general) which covers all legal and financial acts, and a specific power of attorney (poder especial) limited to a particular transaction, which is more commonly used for property purchases.

Can I grant a power of attorney from my home country?

Yes. You can sign a power of attorney before a notary in your country, have it apostilled under the Hague Convention, and then have it officially translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.

How much does a power of attorney cost in Spain?

A Spanish notarial power of attorney costs approximately 50-150 euros. If granted abroad, you will also need to pay for apostille and sworn translation, adding another 100-300 euros.

Can I revoke a power of attorney?

Yes, a power of attorney can be revoked at any time by the grantor through a notarial deed of revocation. It is important to formally revoke it to prevent any future use.