Power of Attorney Apostille for Spain and Portugal
A power of attorney lets someone act for you abroad, often on property, banking or tax matters. It needs a notary and an apostille, and it is the document most likely to be required on paper.
What this document is
The document names your representative and lists exactly what that person may do. Foreign notaries read that list closely, so a general U.S. form often fails to cover a specific transaction overseas.
Where it is used
Buyers and heirs use them to sign deeds in Spain, obtain a NIE, or get a Portuguese NIF and open accounts. Companies use them to appoint local representatives.
How to prepare it
- Have the text reviewed by the notary or lawyer who will rely on it.
- Match your name to your passport, character for character.
- Tell us the transaction and the office that will accept the document.
Check this first
Ask this question before you order. Spanish and Portuguese notaries and land registries frequently want the paper original, in which case a PDF copy alone will not complete the deed.
How the apostille is obtained
- We review the document and check whether a notarized copy meets the request.
- A Maryland notary performs the notarization.
- The Circuit Court clerk certifies the notary where required, and the Maryland Secretary of State issues the apostille.
- We scan the apostilled document and email you a high-resolution PDF.
A common question
Should the power of attorney be bilingual?
Often it helps, and some notaries require it. Ask the notary who will receive it whether a two-column version or a separate translation is preferred.