LPAs and overseas assets
Guidance from Estate Advisory Group
Written and legally reviewed by Ramani Gill TEP, Solicitor and private client practitioner·Last reviewed 13 August 2026
An English LPA is an English document. Other countries may recognise it, may adapt it, or may ignore it entirely.
The jurisdiction problem
An LPA registered with the OPG covers England and Wales. Scotland uses continuing and welfare powers of attorney; Northern Ireland uses enduring powers. See does an LPA cover Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Foreign property and accounts
- Some EU countries accept a certified, apostilled and translated LPA; many require a locally drafted mandate instead.
- A Spanish or French property usually needs a local power of attorney before a notary.
- Overseas banks frequently refuse foreign documents outright.
- Ask a lawyer in the country where the asset sits, not one in the UK.
Practical sequence
- Make and register your England and Wales LPA for your UK affairs.
- List assets outside the jurisdiction.
- Take local advice for each country and put a local instrument in place.
- Keep an apostilled certified copy of the LPA with your papers.
Common questions
Can my attorney sell my Spanish holiday home?
Usually not on the English LPA alone. Spanish notaries normally require a Spanish power of attorney, though some accept an apostilled and sworn-translated LPA.
I live abroad but own UK property — can I make an LPA?
Yes. Being resident abroad does not stop you making an LPA covering your England and Wales assets. See LPA if you live abroad.
Read next
Where this fits
This page is part of LPA basics. The pages below take it further.
- Make an LPA online
The whole journey end to end: questions, documents, signing and registration.
- Solicitor, GOV.UK or online?
An honest comparison, including when you genuinely should pay a solicitor.
Review and sources
Reviewed by Ramani Gill TEP, Solicitor and private client practitioner. Last reviewed 13 August 2026. We recheck fees, forms and Office of the Public Guardian guidance whenever they change — see our editorial policy.
Official sources
Ready to make your LPA?
Answer five quick questions to check the service suits you, then start online for £49 per LPA.
The Office of the Public Guardian charges a separate £92 to register each LPA.
This is general information about how Lasting Powers of Attorney work in England and Wales. It is not legal advice about your situation. What we do and do not do.
Published by Estate Advisory Group