Spanish Power of Attorney

A Spanish Power of Attorney, or poder, is a legal document that allows someone (the donor/grantor) to authorise another person (the attorney/agent) to act on their behalf in Spain.

This is particularly useful when the donor is not in Spain but needs someone to handle legal or financial matters there — such as buying or selling property, managing a bank account, dealing with taxes, or instructing a Spanish lawyer.

Spanish Powers of Attorney usually need a Notary and Apostille. If you need help, call us now… Give us a call on +442074992605 email us: notary@notarypubliclondon.co.uk or complete the form below to get the process started.

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Such as “Notarisation and Apostille of a PoA for use India” or “Urgent Apostille for a UK Birth Certificate”

Key Features of a Spanish Power of Attorney:

  • It’s a formal document: Drafted in Spanish, often by a Spanish notary or lawyer.
    • A Spanish Power of Attorney is a ‘Public Document’ this means it is an official notarial act. A permanent copy is made and kept in the notary’s protocol and it’s like the notary is saying: ‘I personally witnessed this, and I’m recording it in my official logbook. If anyone needs proof later, I have it.‘
    • Spanish lawyers and officials trust these “public” documents more because a notary has certified and archived them
    • If there’s ever a dispute or question, they can go back to the notary’s records
    • It’s one of the reasons why they insist on notarised and apostilled powers when the document is signed abroad — they’re trying to replicate that same level of certainty
  • Types of poderes:
    • General poder: Very broad, covers multiple powers.
    • Specific (limited) poder: Limited to a particular transaction or matter (e.g. selling one property).
  • Can be notarised in the UK: Then legalised with an apostille so it’s valid in Spain.
Spanish power of attorney

Why Grant a Spanish power of attorney?

When you need to

  • Sell or buy property and need to authorise your lawyer to sign papers on your behalf
  • Opening or closing Spanish bank accounts
  • Representing you at a notary’s office in Spain
  • Instructing a lawyer
  • Dealing with Spanish tax authorities

How to Sign a Spanish Power of Attorney from the UK

  1. Document is drafted in Spanish (often with an English translation attached)
  2. You sign it in front of a UK Notary Public
  3. The notary certifies your signature
  4. It’s then legalised with an apostille from the Foreign Office (FCDO)
  5. The document is sent to Spain, where your Spanish lawyer can use it

FAQs:

Can I understand what I’m signing?
Yes — even though the official version is in Spanish, most notaries will ensure there’s a side-by-side English translation, and will confirm that you understand the document before signing.

Can I cancel a Spanish Power of Attorney?
Yes, by executing a revocation of power and notifying the attorney and relevant authorities.

How long does it last?
Unless it contains a specific expiry date, a Spanish POA lasts until it is revoked

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