Power of Attorney in Spain
Experts lawyers near you to get a power of attorney
Granting a power of attorney in Spain is the most convenient and efficient way for expats, non-residents, and foreign investors to handle legal, financial, and property matters without being physically present.
As a foreigner in Spain, navigating legal procedures can be complex, especially when dealing with notaries, banks, or government offices. Whether you’re purchasing a property, managing your business, handling inheritance procedures, or need someone to act on your behalf for medical or financial decisions, a properly drafted Power of Attorney (POA) ensures your interests are protected.
At Pellicer & Heredia, our expert lawyers specialize in drafting, executing, and revoking all types of POAs. We tailor each document to your specific needs, ensuring its validity under Spanish law. We make the process hassle-free, whether you are in Spain or abroad.
Types of power of attorney we offer
We understand that every client has unique needs. That’s why we offer a wide range of power of attorney services tailored to different situations. Our expert lawyers ensure that your POA is legally valid, properly structured, and tailored to your specific situation.
General for financial and legal matters
A general power of attorney is the most comprehensive type of POA, granting your representative broad authority to act on your behalf in financial, legal, and administrative matters.
This is particularly useful for expats and non-residents who need someone to handle essential banking transactions, contract signings, business administration, tax filings, and other legal procedures while they are outside Spain. Instead of having to travel back and forth for legal matters, a general POA allows a trusted individual—such as a lawyer or family member—to act on your behalf with full legal authority.
This type of POA is ideal for those who frequently deal with Spanish notaries, tax authorities, government agencies, and financial institutions. However, because it grants extensive powers, it is essential to choose a reliable and legally knowledgeable representative. At Pellicer & Heredia, we ensure that your POA is carefully drafted to protect your interests while allowing smooth legal management of your affairs.
Limited for specific transactions
A limited power of attorney grants authority for a specific task or transaction, such as buying or selling property, executing a legal contract, or handling a single financial operation.
This is an excellent option for expats or foreign investors who need assistance with a particular legal process but do not want to grant broad powers. Unlike a General POA, which remains valid until revoked, a Limited POA is designed to expire once the specified action is completed.
For example, if you are purchasing a property in Spain but cannot be physically present for the signing of documents, you can grant a limited POA to a lawyer or solicitor who will handle the process on your behalf. This ensures that the transaction proceeds smoothly and legally without unnecessary delays.
Medical for health care decisions
A medical power of attorney is essential for expats and non-residents in Spain who want to ensure that their healthcare decisions are made according to their wishes in case of incapacity.
With this POA, you can appoint a trusted person—such as a family member or legal representative—to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to communicate or make decisions due to illness or an accident. This is particularly important for elderly expats, retirees, or individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
This type of POA is often used in combination with inheritance and wills, which outlines specific healthcare and end-of-life preferences. Without a valid medical POA, Spanish healthcare professionals may have to rely on general legal procedures or family members who may not be aware of your specific wishes. Our legal team ensures that your health and welfare power of attorney is clear, legally binding, and aligned with Spanish health regulations.
Property for real estate management
A property power of attorney is an essential legal tool for foreign investors, second-home buyers, and non-residents who need a trusted representative to handle property transactions or real estate management in Spain.
Whether you are buying, selling, renting out, or handling legal procedures for a property, a POA allows your lawyer to act on your behalf, ensuring that all paperwork, negotiations, and legal requirements are met without delays.
Many expats use this type of POA to avoid the inconvenience of traveling back and forth for document signings, tax declarations, and administrative processes. Our Spanish property law experts ensure that your POA is drafted to precisely reflect your instructions while complying with all regulations. We provide full support throughout the real estate transaction process, ensuring that your investment in Spain is handled securely and efficiently.
Durable for long-term needs
A durable power of attorney is designed for long-term legal security, remaining valid even if you become incapacitated due to illness, an accident, or age-related conditions.
Unlike a standard POA, which may become invalid if the grantor loses mental capacity, a durable POA ensures that your legal, financial, and healthcare affairs continue to be managed according to your instructions.
This is particularly important for expats who want to plan for the future or those who may require ongoing legal and financial management due to aging or medical conditions. Without a durable power of attorney, Spanish law may require a court process to appoint a legal guardian, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Financial for bank account or investments
A financial power of attorney allows your representative to manage bank accounts, investments, tax matters, and other financial affairs in Spain.
This is a crucial tool for foreign investors and business owners who need to delegate financial decision-making while ensuring compliance with Spanish banking and tax regulations. With this POA, your appointed lawyer or financial advisor can handle payments, withdraw funds, manage assets, or even negotiate investment transactions on your behalf.
Many non-residents use a financial POA to manage Spanish bank accounts, rental income, or business operations remotely. We carefully structure your financial power of attorney to ensure it grants the necessary powers while including safeguards to prevent unauthorized misuse.
How to get a power of attorney in Spain with our legal services?
At Pellicer & Heredia, we make the process of obtaining a power of attorney in Spain simple, fast, and legally secure for expats, non-residents, and foreign investors. We assist you in drafting, notarizing, and legalizing the document, whether you are in Spain or abroad, so you can authorize a trusted individual to act on your behalf without unnecessary delays.
Documents required
To create a legally valid POA in Spain, you will need to provide specific documents that verify your identity and define the scope of the legal authority being granted. Our legal team ensures that all documentation is prepared correctly to avoid any legal complications. The required documents typically include:
- Passport or national ID (for both the grantor and the appointed representative).
- NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) – If the POA involves financial or property matters.
- Full personal details of both parties, including legal addresses.
- Draft of the POA – Our legal team will prepare this, tailored to your specific needs.
- Specific instructions on the powers being granted (general, limited, property, medical, etc.).
- Certified translations if the POA is drafted in Spanish but needs to be used internationally.
If you are granting a POA from abroad, additional steps may be required, such as legalization or an Apostille of The Hague. Our team will guide you through each step to ensure that your power of attorney is fully compliant with Spanish and international legal requirements.
Notarization and legalization
Once the Power of Attorney is drafted and reviewed, it must be signed in the presence of a notary to be legally valid. This can be done in Spain or from abroad, depending on your location and specific needs.
- Notarization in Spain: If you are in Spain, the POA must be signed before a Spanish notary, who will verify your identity and certify the document. This step ensures that the POA is officially recognized under Spanish law.
- Notarization from Abroad: If you cannot travel to Spain, we can help you arrange for the POA to be signed at a notary in your country of residence. The document will then need to be legalized with:
- Apostille of The Hague (if your country is a member of the Apostille Convention).
- Consular legalization (if your country does not follow the Apostille system).
- Translation and Legal Validation: If the power of attorney is issued in another language, it must be officially translated into Spanish by a sworn translator. Our legal team ensures that the translation meets all legal requirements for acceptance in Spain.
Why do I need a Power of Attorney?
Revoking a power of attorney
A power of attorney is a powerful legal tool that allows a trusted representative to act on your behalf in financial, legal, medical, or property matters. However, there may come a time when you need to revoke, modify or cancel your POA—whether due to a change in circumstances, a completed transaction, or concerns about the appointed representative.
When and why you might need to cancel a POA
There are several reasons why you may need to revoke a power of attorney in Spain. The most common include:
- The purpose of the POA has been fulfilled: for example, if the POA was granted for a property purchase or legal transaction, it may no longer be necessary once the process is completed.
- A change in personal or financial circumstances: you may no longer require someone to manage your affairs, or you may wish to appoint a new representative.
- Loss of trust in the appointed representative: if your agent (attorney-in-fact) is no longer acting in your best interests, revoking the POA is essential to prevent misuse of authority.
- Legal changes or the expiration of the POA: some powers of attorney are created with a fixed expiration date, while others may become invalid due to new legal requirements.
- Medical or mental incapacity of the agent: if the person appointed under the POA is unable to perform their duties, you may need to revoke it and grant a new one.
Understanding when and why to revoke a POA ensures that your legal affairs remain secure, properly managed, and aligned with your current needs.
Steps to cancel a power of attorney in Spain
Revoking a Power of Attorney in Spain is a legal process that must be done correctly to ensure that the authority granted to your agent is completely withdrawn. At Pellicer & Heredia, we guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth and legally valid revocation.
- Draft a revocation document: the first step is to draft a formal revocation deed, specifying that you are cancelling the existing POA.
- Sign the revocation before a notary: just as a POA must be notarized to be valid, its revocation must also be signed in front of a Spanish notary to ensure legal recognition. If you are outside Spain, this can be done at a notary in your home country with proper legalization or an Apostille.
- Notify the attorney-in-fact (representative): the revocation must be officially communicated to the individual or entity who was granted the POA. This is crucial to prevent them from continuing to act on your behalf.
- Inform relevant authorities and institutions: if the POA was used for banking, real estate, business, or tax purposes, the revocation should be reported to the relevant institutions, such as banks, the land registry, government agencies, or business partners.
- Obtain a legal certification of revocation: a certified copy of the revocation deed should be kept as proof that the POA has been cancelled.
Cost of a power of attorney in Spain
Depends on several factors, including the type of POA, notary fees, legal services, and additional expenses for legalization or translations. At Pellicer & Heredia, we provide transparent pricing and a hassle-free process, ensuring that expats, non-residents, and foreign investors get their POA quickly, efficiently, and with full legal compliance.
Transparent pricing for POA services
We believe in clear and upfront pricing so that our clients know exactly what to expect when obtaining a Power of Attorney in Spain. The base cost of drafting a POA typically includes:
- Legal drafting and customization: ensuring the POA meets your specific needs and complies with Spanish law.
- Consultation with our expert lawyers: advising on the most suitable POA for your situation.
- Assistance with notarization and legalization: guiding you through the legal formalities.
Notarizing and legalizing a POA
To be legally valid in Spain, a power of attorney must be signed in the presence of a Spanish notary. If you are granting a POA from outside Spain, additional legalization steps may be required. The notary fees in Spain for signing a POA typically range from €60 – €150, depending on the complexity of the document.
If the POA is granted outside Spain, it will need to be legalized or apostilled for it to be recognized under Spanish law. This process ensures that Spanish authorities, banks, and real estate institutions accept the document. Our legal team handles the entire process, making sure your POA is notarized, legalized, and ready for use in Spain without complications.
Additional costs for translations and Apostille
If your power of attorney is issued in a language other than Spanish, a sworn translation is required for it to be legally valid in Spain. Sworn translation costs range from €50 – €150, depending on the length and complexity of the document.
For international POAs, an Apostille of The Hague or consular legalization may be needed, which can add €30 – €100 to the total cost.
Why choose Pellicer & Heredia for your Power of Attorney?
When it comes to creating, managing, or revoking a power of attorney in Spain, having the right legal partner is crucial. At Pellicer & Heredia, we combine decades of experience, multilingual expertise, and a client-focused approach to provide exceptional POA services for expats, non-residents, and foreign investors.
Trusted legal experts for expats and foreign investors
As a leading international law firm, Pellicer & Heredia specializes in assisting expats and foreign investors who need reliable legal representation in Spain. We are experts in drafting, notarizing, legalizing, and revoking POAs, ensuring that your document meets all Spanish legal requirements.
We understand the unique challenges that non-residents face, including navigating Spanish bureaucracy, property transactions, business operations, and healthcare decisions. Our qualified legal professionals protect your interests and make the process stress-free.
Over 20 years of experience in Spanish and international law
With over two decades of experience, Pellicer & Heredia has built a reputation as a trusted legal partner for expats and foreign investors in Spain. Our deep understanding of Spanish and international law allows us to provide comprehensive legal solutions for clients from different backgrounds and legal systems.
We have successfully assisted thousands of individuals with real estate transactions, business affairs, tax matters, inheritance procedures, and health and welfare power of attorney. Our expertise ensures that every POA we draft is tailored to your specific needs, legally compliant, and fully enforceable under Spanish law.
Assistance in English, French, German, Russian and other languages
Language barriers should never be an obstacle when handling important legal matters. At Pellicer & Heredia, we provide multilingual legal assistance to ensure that you fully understand the legal implications of your Power of Attorney.
We believe that clear communication is essential for a smooth and stress-free legal process, which is why our team ensures that every aspect of your POA is explained in your native language. We are committed to making the process easy, transparent, and accessible.
Remote and in-person legal services for non-residents
We know that many of our clients live abroad or have busy schedules, which is why we offer both remote and in-person legal services. Whether you’re in Spain or overseas, we can assist you with your POA needs through virtual consultations, email, and phone calls.
For non-residents, we also provide guidance on signing POAs at Spanish consulates or embassies in your home country, as well as legalization through the Apostille of the Hague Convention. Our goal is to make the process as convenient and efficient as possible, no matter where you are.
FAQs about our POA services
How long is a power of attorney valid in Spain?
A POA in Spain remains valid until it is revoked, expires, or its purpose is fulfilled. If no expiration date is specified, it remains active indefinitely.
However, a Limited POA expires once the specific transaction is completed. A durable power of attorney stays valid even if the grantor becomes incapacitated, while all POAs become void upon the grantor’s death.
Can I make a power of attorney for property if I live abroad?
Yes, you can grant it from abroad. The document must be signed before a notary in your country and then legalized with an Apostille (or consular authentication if necessary). Once legalized, it is fully valid in Spain, allowing your representative to buy, sell, or manage real estate on your behalf. Our legal team handles the entire process remotely for non-residents.
Do I need a lawyer to create a POA?
While it is not legally required, having a lawyer ensures your power of attorney is properly drafted, legally compliant, and includes all necessary clauses. Spanish legal documents must be precisely worded to avoid misinterpretation or rejection by authorities, banks, and notaries. Our expert team at Pellicer & Heredia ensures that your POA is clear, secure, and protects your interests.
How can I ensure my POA is legally binding in Spain?
To be valid in Spain, a power of attorney must be correctly drafted, notarized, and, if signed abroad, legalized with an Apostille or consular certification. If the document is in another language, a sworn translation into Spanish may be required. Our lawyers ensure that your POA meets all legal requirements, so it is accepted by notaries, banks, and government institutions.
When should you appoint a power of attorney in Spain?
A POA is recommended when you need a trusted person to handle legal, financial, or medical matters on your behalf. It is useful for buying or selling property, managing bank accounts, handling tax matters, making healthcare decisions, or ensuring long-term legal protection. Expats, non-residents, and foreign investors often grant a power of attorney to avoid unnecessary travel and streamline legal processes in Spain.
