Powers of attorney

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​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 principal, 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 principal 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 principal.

Documents required​​ 

In addition to the documents listed below, the Consular Office may request additional data or documents when necessary to assess the application. 

1. Application form.
   
2. Valid Spanish NationaI ID (DNI) or passport of the grantor.
   
3. NIE of the grantor, if of foreign nationality (if available).
   
4. Copy of the DNI or NIE of the authorized person(s).
5. 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 attorneys. However, it is mandatory to submit the registration number and the Spanish bar association.
   
6. In the case of a power of attorney to sell a specific property, it is necessary to submit the information regarding its registration number and its land register reference.
   
7. In the case of a power of attorney to purchase a specific property, it is necessary to submit the information regarding its registration number and its land register reference (if available).
   
8. A description of the powers to be delegated through the power of attorney. An official record or a draft may be provided.
9. Payment of the fee, which varies according to the type of power of attorney, the length of the document, the number of grantors, and the number of copies requested. The payment will be only in cash the day of the appointment after signing the power of attorney.
   
   

Procedure​​​ 

Applicants need to book an appointment by e-mail: 

cog.toronto.not@maec.es

Document submission: Copies of the documents must be sent by e-mail to cog.toronto.not@maec.es or by mail to the address below:

A personal appearance is always necessary on the day the document is signed. Grantors 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 

• Nota​ries Act, of 28 May 1862. 

• Decree of 2 June 1944, definitively approving the Regulations on the Organization and Activities of Notaries.