NIE and power of attorney: dealing with Menorca from abroad

The NIE

The NIE is required for the purchase deed, taxes, a bank account and utilities. It can be requested at a police office in Spain, at a Spanish consulate abroad or, in many cases, through a representative holding a power of attorney. Start early: waiting times vary through the year.

The power of attorney

Option	How it works
Notary in your country	Signed before a local notary, with the apostille and, if needed, a sworn translation
Spanish consulate	Signed in Spanish at the consulate, ready to use
Spanish notary	Signed at any Spanish notary if you are in Spain

We draft the power so that it covers exactly what is needed, for example buying one specific house in Menorca, opening an account and paying the taxes.

Funds and banks

Spanish banks apply anti-money-laundering checks to international transfers. We prepare the documents that justify the origin of the funds ahead of completion so that payments are not delayed.

What we can do for you

• Obtain NIEs and open a bank account.
• Sign the reservation and arras contract.
• Attend the notary in Maó or Ciutadella and sign the deed.
• Pay the taxes and register the title.
• Accept an inheritance and sell an inherited home. See inheritance in Menorca.

See also our property lawyer service and the guide to buying in Menorca. Menorca.law is the Menorca practice of Castell.law.

An illustrative example

Based on situations we commonly see; not a specific client. A family in Bristol bought a house in Es Castell while the parents were working in the UK. They signed a power of attorney at an English notary with the apostille. We obtained their NIEs, opened an account, signed the arras contract after due diligence and completed at the notary. Their first visit as owners was the summer holiday.