Notarising Documents for Use in Spain from Ireland

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for Irish people buying property, retiring, or doing business abroad. Documents notarised in Ireland for use in Spain are among the most common requests handled by Irish Notaries Public. This guide explains everything you need to know.

Why Documents Need Notarisation for Spain

Spain has a strong notarial tradition — the Spanish notario plays a central role in property transactions, business formations, and many other legal processes. Spanish authorities expect foreign documents to meet similarly high standards of authentication.

Both Ireland and Spain are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, meaning documents notarised in Ireland and apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs are accepted by Spanish authorities. However, Spanish institutions often have specific requirements about format, content, and translation that go beyond simple notarisation.

Common Documents Notarised for Spain

• Powers of Attorney (Poder Notarial): The most frequently requested document, essential for property purchases when you cannot be present in Spain. Spanish notarios typically require specific wording.
• NIE Application Documents: The Número de Identificación de Extranjero is required for any financial or legal transaction in Spain. Supporting documents often need notarisation.
• Certified Copies: Copies of passports, birth certificates, and marriage certificates for Spanish residency applications and property registration.
• Affidavits and Declarations: Including declarations of single status (certificado de soltería), affidavits of law, and declarations for Spanish inheritance proceedings.
• Corporate Documents: Board resolutions, certificates of incorporation, and corporate authorisations for Spanish business transactions.
• Inheritance Documents: Grant of probate, wills, and letters of administration for Spanish succession proceedings.

Documents for Property Purchases in Spain

Buying property in Spain from Ireland is extremely common, and the documentation requirements are specific. You will typically need:

• Notarised Power of Attorney: Allowing your Spanish lawyer (abogado) to act on your behalf before the Spanish notario. Must be specifically worded to cover the property transaction, often drafted bilingually.
• Notarised Passport Copies: The Spanish notario will need certified copies of your passport.
• NIE Application Support: Notarised supporting documents for your NIE application.
• Proof of Funds: Bank letters or statements may need notarisation.

For a detailed guide, see our article on buying property in Spain — notary documents you need from Cork.

NIE Applications

Every foreign national conducting legal or financial transactions in Spain needs a Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE). This is your Spanish tax identification number required for property purchases, opening bank accounts, signing contracts, starting a business, and paying taxes in Spain.

You can apply for an NIE at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in Ireland, or in person at a National Police station in Spain. Applications typically require notarised copies of your passport and a completed application form (EX-15). Your Notary Public in Cork can prepare the necessary notarised documents.

Apostille Requirements for Spain

As both Ireland and Spain are Hague Convention members, the apostille process applies. Once your documents are notarised, they must be apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs before being accepted in Spain. Spanish authorities are particularly rigorous about the apostille requirement and will reject documents without it.

The complete chain: notarisation → apostille → sworn translation (where required). Visit our apostille services page for details.

Translation Requirements

Spain generally requires documents to be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor jurado) authorised by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This translation is in addition to the notarisation and apostille — it does not replace them.

The typical sequence is: (1) notarise the document in Ireland, (2) obtain an apostille from the DFA, (3) have the document translated by a sworn translator. It is safest to use a Spanish sworn translator, as their translations are automatically recognised by Spanish authorities.

How to Get Started

Contact Hugh Phelan's office to discuss your Spain-related notarisation needs:

• Call (021) 489 7134 or email info@phelansolicitors.com
• Bring any instructions from your Spanish lawyer or notario
• Bring your passport or driving licence for identity verification
• If you have a draft power of attorney from your Spanish lawyer, bring that too

Visit our power of attorney services page or document notarisation page for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions