Buyer's Guide
How to buy property in Spain remotely with a power of attorney
With a power of attorney you can buy property in Spain without travelling: you authorise someone you trust, usually your lawyer, to sign the reservation, contract, mortgage or deed for you. You sign it before a notary in your country with a Hague apostille and certified translation, or directly at the Spanish consulate. Ask for a power limited to that purchase, not a general one.
What a power of attorney is for when buying
A power of attorney is a document appointing someone to act on your behalf. In a remote purchase, it saves you trips and stops a signing being delayed by a cancelled flight.
- Applying for your NIE.
- Opening your Spanish bank account.
- Signing the private contract and the deed.
- Signing the mortgage, if the bank accepts it.
- Connecting utilities and setting up direct debits.
Specific or general power of attorney
| Type | What it allows | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Specific | Only the acts of that particular purchase | Advisable in almost every case |
| General | Broad powers over your assets | Only with someone you trust completely |
If you buy with your partner, each of you signs your own power or you both sign a joint one. Ask your lawyer which option the Spanish notary handling the completion prefers.
How to sign a Spain property power of attorney from abroad
- Your lawyer in Spain drafts the text in Spanish, or as a bilingual version.
- You sign it before a notary in your country.
- You obtain the Hague apostille, which certifies the notary's signature. The notary or the relevant ministry usually handles it.
- If the power is not in Spanish, you order a certified translation.
- You courier the original to your lawyer in Spain.
Another option is to sign at the Spanish consulate in your country. It is issued in Spanish and needs no apostille, although appointments can take time.
Guide timings and costs for a power of attorney
| Step | Typical time | Guide cost |
|---|---|---|
| Drafting by your lawyer | 1-3 days | Included in their fee |
| Signing before a notary in your country | 1-7 days | Depends on the country |
| Hague apostille | 1-10 working days | Varies by country |
| Certified translation | 2-5 days | About €30-60 per page |
| Couriering the original to Spain | 2-5 days | €30-80 by courier |
In total, allow 2 to 4 weeks. Start as soon as you reserve, not when you already have a completion date.
Precautions when buying with a power of attorney
- Choose a registered lawyer who is independent of the developer.
- Ask for copies of everything they sign on your behalf.
- Make the large transfers yourself, directly to the developer's or notary's account.
- Revoke the power before a notary once the purchase is complete.
For the other steps, see how to get an NIE and buying property in Spain as a foreigner. If you want something already finished so you can complete quickly, look at Be Aloha in Marbella.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a house in Spain without being there?
Yes. With a power of attorney, your representative signs the reservation, contract and deed in your name.
What is a Hague apostille?
It is a stamp certifying that a public document from a Hague Convention country is authentic, so it is valid in Spain.
How much does a power of attorney cost?
It depends on the country. Add the apostille and certified translation; at a Spanish consulate the cost is usually lower and no apostille is needed.
Will the bank accept a mortgage signed under a power of attorney?
Many banks do if the power expressly includes the authority to sign mortgage loans. Confirm with your bank beforehand.
Official sources
- Spanish Notaries' Council: powers of attorney
- Spanish Ministry of Justice: Hague apostille
- Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: consular notarial services
General information checked on the date shown; it does not replace advice from a lawyer or tax adviser for your case.
