Selling a property in Spain—whether a second home, an inherited asset, or a rental investment—can become more complicated when the owner does not reside in the country. Between travelling back and forth, coordinating with the notary, managing administrative documents and communicating with buyers, distance makes every step heavier and sometimes even impossible to handle without local assistance.
Fortunately, Spanish law offers a simple and well-regulated solution: the ability to appoint someone to represent you officially through a power of attorney.
With this document, a trusted person can carry out all necessary procedures on your behalf, from signing the reservation contract to the final signature of the deed of sale.
This option is especially popular among French sellers living abroad, those who cannot or do not wish to travel to Spain, and property owners who prefer to delegate the entire process to a trusted professional on site. It allows the sale to proceed under optimal conditions, saving time while ensuring personalised support and full legal security.
Selling in Spain without travelling is entirely possible: a simple power of attorney can save you a trip while securing your transaction.
What Is a Power of Attorney in Spain?
In Spain, a power of attorney is an official document signed before a notary, authorising a trusted person to act on your behalf.
For selling a property, a power of attorney can grant authority to:
sign the reservation or deposit contract (contrato de arras),
sign the deed of sale before the notary,
manage compulsory certificates (energy, compliance),
receive or make certain payments,
terminate or transfer utility contracts (water, electricity, IBI, etc.).
Where to Issue a Power of Attorney? (From France or Spain)
You have three options to create a power of attorney valid in Spain:
– At a notary office in Spain
The easiest solution if you are already in the country.
The document is drafted in Spanish and is immediately valid.
– At a notary in your home country
The notary prepares the document, then you must:
have it apostilled by the relevant Court of Appeal,
have it translated by a sworn translator in Spain if required (not always necessary depending on what the Spanish notary requests).
→ This option avoids the need to travel to Spain.
– At the Spanish consulate in France
Spanish consulates can issue a power of attorney that is 100% valid in Spain.
This is often the fastest solution for French sellers.
Who Should You Appoint as Your Representative?
You may grant power of attorney to:
a real estate agent,
a lawyer,
a family member,
a trusted friend,
a tax representative,
or a French-speaking professional based in Spain.
Important: the designated person will be able to sign binding documents on your behalf. Choose someone reliable and experienced.
In my work in Valencia, I often assist French sellers who do not wish to travel and prefer to delegate the entire procedure.
Required Documents to Sell via Power of Attorney
To finalise the sale, you must provide:
Valid passport or ID card.
NIE (foreign identification number, required for selling).
Escritura (title deed).
Latest IBI property tax receipt.
Property energy certificate.
Certificate of co-ownership status.
Proof of payment of service charges and local taxes.
Your representative will handle presenting these documents to the notary, town hall, buyers, agencies and other parties involved.
How the Sale Process Works with a Power of Attorney
Once the power of attorney is issued, your representative can handle the entire sales process without you needing to travel.
They begin by signing the reservation contract, or contrato de arras, which secures the agreement with the buyer. They then prepare all necessary legal documents: mandatory certificates, energy certificate check, and coordination with the Spanish notary and town hall.
On the day of the sale, your representative signs the escritura de compraventa in your name before the notary. Once the deed is signed, the sale price is transferred directly to your French or Spanish bank account.
Finally, your trusted representative manages all post-sale formalities: cancelling or transferring utility contracts (water, electricity, co-ownership fees), terminating subscriptions, and handling any taxes related to the sale, including the IRNR (non-resident tax). Thanks to this full delegation, the transaction is smooth, secure, and entirely manageable from a distance.
Benefits of Selling in Spain via Power of Attorney
No need to travel to Spain.
Significant time savings.
Ability to delegate the entire process to a professional.
Full legal security through a notary.
Support in French to avoid misunderstandings.
Tips :
Choose a sufficiently broad power of attorney to avoid issuing a new one later.
Ensure the document authorises receiving funds if needed.
Prepare your energy certificate in advance to avoid delays.
If you are not a tax resident in Spain, anticipate the mandatory 3% withholding (for non-residents).
Work with a professional accustomed to assisting French clients: this avoids 90% of administrative errors.
Conclusion
Selling a property in Spain by power of attorney is a simple, secure and fully legal procedure, highly appreciated by French owners who cannot travel. By choosing the right representative and preparing the necessary documents, you can finalise the sale stress-free and under the best possible conditions.