Create / File a Power of Attorney
A written statement designating who should be appointed as your legal guardian in the event that you become unable to care for yourself.
How to proceed
- 1
Draft an order
Record your preferred caregiver(s) and your preferences regarding your daily routine.
- 2
Register in the Central Pension Registry
For a fee payable to the Federal Chamber of Notaries, so that the guardianship court can locate the order.
- 3
Storage
Keep the original on hand and inform trusted individuals.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 1 weeks
Official: max. approx. 2 weeks
Online application
In person or by post
Common mistakes
- • Decision not registered in the Central Pension Register
- • The nominated person has not been informed of the role
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Any person of legal age who has legal capacity.
Income limit
The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 1 weeks
Success rate
approx. 99.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Decision not registered in the Central Pension Register
- •The nominated person has not been informed of the role
Common reasons for rejection
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
Read the decision carefully: often submitting missing documents or reapplying helps more than an objection.
Related services
Questions & Answers
How does this differ from a health care proxy?▼
A guardianship directive designates a preferred individual to serve as a court-appointed guardian, while a power of attorney grants direct authority and can often make court-appointed guardianship unnecessary.