Power of attorney at the Salvadoran consulate in the US
When you live in the United States but need to handle matters in El Salvador —selling a property, managing assets, taking care of banking transactions, or settling an inheritance— traveling is not always possible. The solution is to grant a power of attorney (poder notarial) at the consulate, where the consul performs notarial functions and can authorize the document.
With that power of attorney, someone you trust in El Salvador (the agent) will be able to act legally on your behalf. In this guide you will learn what types of power of attorney exist, what you need, and how to grant one step by step.
Contents
What a power of attorney is and what it is for
A power of attorney (poder notarial) is a document in which you (the grantor) authorize another person (the agent) to carry out legal matters on your behalf. Because the consul performs notarial functions, the Salvadoran consul can authorize it so that it is fully valid in El Salvador.
With a power of attorney you can delegate, among other matters:
- 🏠 Selling or managing property and real estate in your name.
- ⚖️ Legal representation before authorities or institutions.
- 🏦 Banking transactions and financial matters.
- 📜 Inheritance and estate matters.
Types of power of attorney: general and special
Before requesting your appointment, it helps to know which type of power of attorney you need, because it defines the scope of what your agent will be able to do.
- General power of attorney: grants broad authority to manage and represent your affairs across different areas. It is useful when the agent needs to handle several matters on an ongoing basis.
- Special power of attorney: is limited to a specific, well-defined act, for example selling a particular property or carrying out a single banking transaction. Once that act is completed, the power of attorney loses its purpose.
Choose the power of attorney that best fits your need. A special power of attorney reduces risk by limiting authority to only what is strictly necessary.
Requirements to grant the power of attorney
The exact requirements and costs vary by consulate and by the type of act, so it is best to confirm them with your consulate beforehand. In general you will need:
- 🪪 Your valid Salvadoran ID: DUI or passport.
- 👤 The full details of your agent in El Salvador, including their DUI.
- 📝 A clear description of the powers or the act you are authorizing.
- 💵 Payment of the corresponding fee, if applicable (confirm it with your consulate).
How to grant the power of attorney step by step
- Decide the type of power of attorney (general or special) and gather your agent's details.
- Book your appointment at portalcitas.rree.gob.sv or through the Call Center at 1-888-301-1130 (option 4). The appointment is free.
- Confirm with the consulate the requirements and the exact cost based on the act you are going to authorize.
- Attend your appointment with your DUI or passport and the information about your agent and the powers being granted.
- Review and sign the document before the consul, who authorizes it through their notarial functions.
- Receive the authorized power of attorney to send or take it to El Salvador.
You can also get your questions answered by WhatsApp at +503 7070-1071 before your appointment.
What to do with the power of attorney in El Salvador
Once authorized, the power of attorney is sent or taken to El Salvador, where your agent will present it to carry out the matters you entrusted to them. Depending on the type of act —for example, the sale or management of real estate— the document may need to be recorded in the corresponding registry within the country.
If the act is complex or affects property, it is advisable for the agent to rely on a lawyer or notary in El Salvador to verify that the power of attorney meets all requirements. In some cases you may also need an apostille or legalization of related documents.
Frequently asked questions about the power of attorney
What is the difference between a general and a special power of attorney?
A general power of attorney grants broad authority to manage and represent your affairs; a special power of attorney is limited to a specific act, such as selling a property or carrying out a particular banking transaction.
What documents should I bring?
Generally, your valid Salvadoran DUI or passport, the full details of your agent in El Salvador (including their DUI), and a clear description of the powers being granted. Confirm requirements and costs with your consulate.
Can the consul really authorize a power of attorney?
Yes. The consul performs notarial functions and can authorize the power of attorney so that someone in El Salvador can act on your behalf in matters such as the sale of property, legal representation, banking transactions, or inheritance.
Do I need an appointment for this procedure?
Yes. Book an appointment in advance at portalcitas.rree.gob.sv or the Call Center 1-888-301-1130, option 4. Booking the appointment is free; only the procedure itself may have a cost.
Do I have to register the power of attorney in El Salvador?
It depends on the act. Some powers of attorney, such as those affecting real estate, may require recording in the corresponding registry. Consult a lawyer or notary in El Salvador to confirm.