Create a Power of Attorney for Health Care
Authorizing a trusted person to manage legal, financial, and health-related matters in the event that you become legally incompetent or unable to give consent.
How to proceed
- 1
Create a Power of Attorney
In writing; notarization is required for real estate transactions.
- 2
Certification (optional/recommended)
By a notary or the guardianship authority, depending on the intended use.
- 3
Registration in the Central Pension Register
So that guardianship courts can locate the power of attorney when necessary.
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
Online possible – at the responsible authority
Common mistakes
- • The power of attorney is not notarized, so banks and the land registry office, for example, do not accept it
- • Forgot to register with the Central Pension Register
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Adults who wish to appoint a representative in the event that they become incapacitated.
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
- •The power of attorney is not notarized, so banks and the land registry office, for example, do not accept it
- •Forgot to register with the Central Pension Register
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.