Spanish Power of Attorney in the U.S. — 2026 Guide

Spanish consuls exercise notarial functions for acts destined for Spain: powers of attorney, acceptance or renunciation of an inheritance, declarations and certified copies. The instrument they issue is a Spanish public deed and works in Spain without an apostille. Several consulates now also allow certain instruments to be executed online.

Quick facts

The alternative — a U.S. notary plus apostille plus sworn translation — is accepted for some purposes, but Spanish registries and notaries are exacting about form, and the consular route avoids that argument entirely.

Fees breakdown

Ask the consulate for the current amount before the appointment, since the tariff was revised at the start of 2026.

How to apply

1. Ask the notary or lawyer in Spain who will use the power to supply the exact wording.
2. Check whether your consulate offers online execution for that type of instrument.
3. Book the appointment through the ministry’s portal, remembering that each procedure needs its own slot.
4. Send the draft in advance if the consulate asks for it, so the deed can be prepared.
5. Attend with valid identification and sign before the consular officer.
6. Send the original to Spain, keeping a copy and the courier record.

Required documents

• Valid Spanish passport or national identity card for every grantor.
• Spanish tax or foreigner identification number of everyone named.
• Proof of address within the consular district.
• The draft wording, with the acts described precisely.
• Property registry references, deed numbers or case numbers.
• Civil status documents where the act depends on them.

Where to apply

At the consulate covering your U.S. address. Notarial appointments are among the scarcest, so book as soon as the draft exists.

Additional notes

Inheritance deadlines

Accepting or renouncing a Spanish estate, and the associated tax filings, run to deadlines that do not move for appointment availability. Start early.

Identification numbers

A power naming someone without their Spanish identification number is frequently rejected by registries. Collect the numbers before drafting.

Online instruments

Remote execution is available only for specific instrument types and only at some consulates. Confirm rather than assume.

Revocation

Revoking a power requires a further deed executed the same way, and notice must reach the notary and anyone relying on the original.