I’m Attorney Sabrina Candela, and today I want to talk about one of the most important, yet often overlooked, legal tools for expats in Ecuador: the Power of Attorney (or POA).
In my years practicing law, I’ve seen expats in very difficult situations: people left without adequate medical care because no one was authorized to speak for them, families unable to access bank funds in an emergency, or property disputes that dragged on simply because the owner was abroad. The common thread? No POA in place.
This is why I’m excited to share everything you need to know about Powers of Attorney in Ecuador. We’ll cover what they are, how they work, common misconceptions, and real stories from clients who were saved from serious problems thanks to having one. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of why a POA is not just a legal formality, but real peace of mind for your life here.
Prefer video? Here is a detailed video I made on this topic:
At its core, a POA is about choosing someone you trust to legally act for you when you can’t.
“A Power of Attorney is basically a legal document that allows a third party, someone else that you choose and designate, to represent you in all the areas that you choose to include.”
There are two main types:
Some clients prefer the broad flexibility of a general POA, while others feel more comfortable limiting it. Either way, the power is yours to decide.
Now, how do you actually make a POA valid here? Ecuadorian law is very specific:
But don't worry, my team assists with all of these steps, so you don’t have to navigate the bureaucracy alone.
Here’s something many expats don’t realize: your POA doesn’t expire automatically. By default, it stays valid until you revoke it through a notarial act. If you want, you can limit it to a timeframe (e.g., three years) or to a condition (e.g., “only valid until I leave Ecuador” or “only valid if I am declared incapacitated”).
And yes, you can even include an “after-death validity clause” — meaning your POA continues for certain matters like burial wishes or notifying your embassy.
You may be thinking: “I’m healthy, capable, and here in Ecuador — why would I need one?”
The truth is, POAs aren’t for everyday life. They’re for those moments we don’t plan for.
As I often tell clients: “The POA is exactly what you want to have peace of mind knowing that you are protected if anything happens to you.”
Let’s clear up a few myths I hear almost every week.
“I already have a POA from my home country.”
This is a big one. Yes, foreign POAs can technically be used in Ecuador if apostilled and translated. But here’s the catch: if the wording doesn’t align with Ecuadorian law, it won’t be enforceable. Imagine thinking you’re covered, only to discover in an emergency that your POA is legally useless here.
“I don’t need one — I can handle things myself.”
That may be true today, but what about tomorrow? Emergencies don’t wait until you’re ready. A car accident, sudden illness, or even being stuck abroad can leave your affairs unprotected.
“POAs are expensive and complicated.”
They don't have to be. At Expat Law Group, POAs start at $120, which includes legal fees and translation. The process is streamlined: we meet to understand your needs, I draft the POA, you review it from home, and we finalize it at the notary - usually in a single visit.
Stories are the best way to understand just how powerful this tool can be.
Jane, an expat in Cuenca, was in a devastating car accident. She was unconscious for two weeks and in recovery for months. Because she had a comprehensive POA:
Without that document, Jane’s family would have faced overwhelming financial and emotional stress - and her own medical wishes might have been ignored.
John owned three properties in Ecuador but had to leave urgently when his son in the U.S. fell seriously ill. Thanks to his POA:
Instead of returning to unpaid bills, vacant properties, and legal issues, John came back to find everything in order.
Another client had an accident and couldn’t physically get to the bank to prevent a CD from rolling over. His POA-holder did it for him, accessed funds, and paid his medical bills without delay. It was a simple clause in his POA that prevented a financial headache.
The scope of a POA in Ecuador can be very broad. Here are just some areas where it can protect you:
And remember you can set conditions. For example, your POA might only activate if a doctor certifies incapacity. That way, you maintain control while still ensuring protection.
So how does the process work? At Expat Law Group, we keep it simple:
That’s it. One meeting, one notary visit, and you’re covered.
1. How long does it take to set up a POA in Ecuador?
Usually just a few days from consultation to final notarization.
2. Can I revoke a POA?
Yes. You can cancel it anytime by signing a revocation at the notary.
3. Can I have more than one person as my attorney-in-fact?
Yes. You can appoint multiple people and even decide whether they act jointly or separately.
4. What happens if I don’t have a POA?
Your loved ones may need to go through a court process to gain authority — which is costly, time-consuming, and stressful.
5. Can a foreign POA be used in Ecuador?
Yes, but only if properly apostilled, translated, and adapted to Ecuadorian law. Often, drafting a local POA is simpler and safer.
Too many expats in Ecuador wait until it’s too late to think about a Power of Attorney. But as the stories of Jane, John, and others show, this document isn’t just a piece of paper - it’s your safety net.
It ensures your medical wishes are respected.
It keeps your property and finances in order.
It gives your loved ones peace of mind.
We are here ready to protect you. Start today by getting in contact with us via the form below.
Sabrina Candela is an Associate Attorney at Expat Law Group, specializing in helping expatriates navigate Ecuador's legal system. This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
