Powers of attorney may be granted by Spanish or foreign citizens to authorize an agent to perform any valid legal act or business activity in Spain.
There are different types of powers of attorney. The most common are:
General power of attorney: This power entitles an agent to carry out, on behalf of the applicant, and without limitations, any act valid in law (e.g., buying, selling, managing assets, entering into contracts, mortgaging assets, establishing a corporation, acting in an inheritance, opening and managing bank accounts, making payments and collecting debts).
General power of attorney for lawsuits: This power is granted to one or more lawyers and/or party agents (procuradores) to represent the applicant in all types of legal proceedings, with broad powers.
Special power of attorney for lawsuits: This power is granted to one or more lawyers and /or party agents to intervene in a specific judicial process.
Special power of attorney: This power is granted to one or more agents to represent the principal in one or more specific legal acts or business activities (e.g., buying, selling, managing assets, accepting an inheritance or donation, establishing a corporation, pension collection, obtaining a Foreigner Identity Number [NIE]), in accordance with the conditions established by the applicant.
Documents required
In addition to the documents listed below, the Consular Office may request additional data or documents when necessary to assess the application.
- Valid Spanish NationaI ID (DNI) or passport of the applicant.
- NIE of the applicant, if of foreign nationality.
- Copy of the DNI or NIE of the agent(s) representing you in Spain.
- In the case of a power of attorney for lawsuits, it is not necessary to provide a copy of the DNI or NIE of the lawyers and party agents. Only their full name and registration number with the Law Society.
- A description of the powers to be delegated through the power of attorney. A draft may be provided.
- Payment of the fee, which varies according to the length of the document, the number of applicants, and the number of copies requested. The Consular Office will confirm the appointment once the fee has been received.
Procedure
More information on the application procedure may be obtained by email
from this Consular Office.
To request an appointment with the Notary Section, please complete the application form.doc and send it by e-mail
Attendance is always necessary on the day the document is signed. Applicants must identify themselves with the original of their valid DNI or passport.
Revoking a power of attorney
Powers of attorney that are authorized by a Spanish notary or consul may be revoked at any time by means of a deed of revocation, which may be issued at this Consular Office, regardless of whether the power was authorized by a notary in Spain or by another consul.
Relevant legislation
- Decree of 2 June 1944, definitively approving the Regulations on the Organization and Activities of Notaries.