Buying in Spain from abroad with a power of attorney

What your representative can do

With a power of attorney (poder), your representative can act on your behalf. If the document covers those steps, they can apply for your NIE, sign the purchase contract and deed, and pay the taxes. If they need to open a bank account, ask the bank whether it will accept the power of attorney.

How much authority to give

If you’re buying one home, ask your lawyer to draw up a limited power of attorney. It can name the property, list what your representative can do and set an expiry date. A general power grants broader authority, so read the draft carefully before signing.

Where to sign

• In Spain. You can sign before a Spanish notary.
• In your country. Ask your lawyer whether a local notary can handle it and whether Spain will require an apostille or other legalisation and a sworn Spanish translation.
• At a Spanish consulate. Check whether your consulate offers notarial services and how far ahead you’ll need to book.

Ask for a quote and a timeline before booking. Your actual cost depends on where you sign and what paperwork you need.

Before you send a deposit

Choose an independent lawyer and have them check the Land Registry extract before you send money. Ask them how to transfer the funds and which documents to keep. If the power of attorney needs a translation, read it and make sure it gives your representative only the powers you agreed on.

You can arrange a purchase from abroad yourself, but coordinating it from another country takes time. TND can help you plan what needs to happen in Spain and put you in touch with a lawyer who can advise on the power of attorney.