More than 4 million Spaniards reside in Latin American countries. If you are one of them and need to process a power of attorney in Spain, this guide explains how to do it from your country without traveling, with full legal validity and in 24-48 hours.
How does the online power of attorney from Latin America work?
Thanks to the Law 11/2023 on notarial digitalization, the Spanish notary can authorize public deeds with the signatory appearing via videoconference from any country in the world. You only need a valid Spanish ID card or Spanish passport, a device with a camera, and an internet connection.
The resulting document is a Spanish public notarial deed with full validity throughout Spain. It does not require an apostille for use in Spain.
Guide by countries: time differences and consulates
🇦🇷 Argentina
Argentina has a time difference of -4 hours compared to Spain (it may be -3 hours during Spanish summer time). An appointment at 15:00h in Spain is at 10:00-11:00h in Buenos Aires. Argentina is a signatory to the Hague Convention. Spanish consulates in: Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, Rosario, Mar del Plata, Bahía Blanca.
🇨🇴 Colombia
Colombia has -5 hours compared to Spain. An appointment at 15:00h in Madrid is at 09:00h in Bogotá. Colombia has been a signatory to the Hague Convention since 2012. Spanish consulates in: Bogotá, Medellín, Barranquilla, Cali, Bucaramanga.
🇨🇱 Chile
Chile has -4/-5 hours compared to Spain depending on the time of year. An appointment at 15:00h in Madrid is at 10:00-11:00h in Santiago. Chile has been a signatory to the Hague Convention since 2016. Spanish consulates in: Santiago, Valparaíso, Concepción, Antofagasta.
🇻🇪 Venezuela
Venezuela has -5:30 hours compared to Spain (UTC-4:30). An appointment at 15:00h in Madrid is at 09:30h in Caracas. Venezuela is a signatory to the Hague Convention. Spanish consulates in: Caracas and other cities.
🇵🇪 Perú
Peru has -6 hours compared to Spain. An appointment at 15:00h in Madrid is at 09:00h in Lima. Peru has been a signatory to the Hague Convention since 2010. Spanish consulates in: Lima, Cusco.
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Ecuador has -6 hours compared to Spain. Same situation as Peru. Ecuador has been a signatory to the Hague Convention since 2005. Spanish consulate in: Quito and Guayaquil.
🇨🇺 Cuba
Cuba has -6 hours compared to Spain (in Spanish summer time, -5h). Cuba is not a signatory to the Hague Convention, so Cuban documents would need consular legalization. However, if the power of attorney is processed before a Spanish notary via videoconference from Cuba, it does not require an apostille because it is already a Spanish document. Spanish consulate in La Habana.
🇧🇴 Bolivia, 🇺🇾 Uruguay, 🇵🇾 Paraguay
These countries have time differences of -5 to -4 hours. All are signatories to the Hague Convention. We have clients who have processed their powers from La Paz, Montevideo, and Asunción. The process is identical to that of the rest of the countries.
Can I grant the power before the Spanish consulate in my country?
Yes, it is a valid alternative. The consul acts as a notary and can authorize powers of attorney. However, appointment times at Spanish consulates in Latin America are usually long (weeks or months in countries like Venezuela or Cuba), and the process requires travel. The video call with Online Notary is faster, more convenient, and achieves the same result.
Required documents for the power from LATAM
- Valid Spanish ID card (or Spanish passport). Essential: it must be a Spanish identity document.
- Details of the attorney: full name and ID/NIE of the person who will act on your behalf in Spain.
- Description of the procedure: for what the power is needed (sell property, inheritance, bank, etc.).
- Address for sending the original power (can be in Latin America or directly in Spain).
How long does it take and what does it cost?
The power of attorney is authorized during the video call. The original arrives at your address in Latin America in 5-10 business days via DHL or FedEx (or sooner if sent directly to Spain). The cost depends on the type of power and the powers it includes — request a personalized quote without obligation.