Buying Property in Spain? Notary Documents You Need from Cork

Spain has long been the most popular destination for Irish property buyers abroad. From holiday homes on the Costa del Sol to retirement properties in the Canary Islands, thousands of Irish people own property in Spain. The purchase process requires several notarised documents — this guide covers everything you need.

Overview of the Spanish Property Purchase Process

Buying property in Spain as an Irish citizen involves several stages, most requiring properly authenticated documents. The Spanish property purchase is formalised before a Spanish notario, who prepares and witnesses the deed of sale (escritura de compraventa). If you cannot be present — which is common for Irish buyers — you need a notarised power of attorney to authorise someone to act on your behalf.

The key documents from Ireland are: a notarised power of attorney, an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) or supporting documents for NIE application, and certified copies of your identification. All must be notarised and apostilled.

Power of Attorney (Poder Notarial)

The power of attorney is the most critical document. It authorises your Spanish lawyer (abogado) to:

• Sign the deed of sale before the Spanish notario on your behalf
• Apply for your NIE number
• Open a Spanish bank account
• Arrange utility connections and contracts
• Register the property at the Registro de la Propiedad
• Pay taxes and fees associated with the purchase

Your Spanish lawyer will typically draft the power of attorney in the specific format required by the Spanish notario, usually bilingual. You then bring this draft to your Irish Notary Public for notarisation.

The power of attorney must be specific enough to cover all necessary acts. General powers may not be accepted by Spanish notarios — they prefer detailed, specific powers related to the particular transaction.

See our power of attorney services page for more.

NIE Number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)

You cannot buy property in Spain without an NIE. This is your Spanish identification number for tax and legal purposes. Two ways to obtain it:

• Through the Spanish Consulate in Dublin: Submit a completed EX-15 form, your passport (and notarised copy), and proof of the reason for needing the NIE.
• In Spain: Your Spanish lawyer can apply on your behalf at a National Police station, using the power of attorney you provide.

Additional Documents

• Notarised Passport Copies: The Spanish notario needs certified copies of your passport.
• Proof of Funds: Bank references or statements may need notarisation.
• Marriage Certificate: If buying jointly with a spouse, a notarised copy may be required.
• Anti-Money Laundering Documentation: Source of funds declarations may be needed for compliance.

Apostille Requirements

All notarised documents for Spain must be apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Spain is a Hague Convention member, so the apostille is the standard authentication method. Documents without apostille will be rejected.

After apostille, documents typically need sworn Spanish translation by a traductor jurado. Visit our apostille services page for details.

Timeline and Planning

• Week 1: Contact Hugh Phelan's office and your Spanish lawyer. Receive the draft power of attorney.
• Week 1-2: Notarisation appointment at East Douglas Street, Cork.
• Week 2-3: Submit to DFA for apostille (2-5 working days).
• Week 3-4: Sworn Spanish translation and send to your Spanish lawyer.

Start the document process as soon as you agree terms on a property.

How to Get Started

Contact Hugh Phelan's office:

• Call (021) 489 7134 or email info@phelansolicitors.com
• Bring the draft power of attorney from your Spanish lawyer
• Bring your passport and proof of address

Also see our guide on notarising documents for Spain from Ireland.

Frequently Asked Questions