Enduring power of attorney in English – Swedish law and use abroad

By Mallbutiken · Facts verified October 1, 2026

A "framtidsfullmakt" (durable power of attorney) can be drafted in English, but if it is intended to be a Swedish durable power of attorney, it must still meet the requirements of the Act (2017:310) on Durable Powers of Attorney. The English language does not automatically make the document valid or accepted in other countries.

What Swedish formal requirements apply?

The principal (the person granting the power of attorney) must be at least 18 years old and have the capacity to manage their affairs when the document is executed. The power of attorney must be in writing and state that it is a durable power of attorney, who the attorney-in-fact is, which matters it covers, and what other terms apply.

The principal must sign or acknowledge their signature in the simultaneous presence of two witnesses. The witnesses must be aware that the document is a durable power of attorney and confirm the document with their own signatures. The attorney-in-fact may not serve as a witness.

Can it be signed electronically?

Yes. As of July 1, 2026, Swedish law permits the electronic signing of a durable power of attorney. If the power of attorney is signed electronically, the principal and the witnesses must use an advanced electronic signature in accordance with Section 4a.

What should be translated with extra clarity?

In an English-language Swedish durable power of attorney, core legal terms should not just be translated literally. It should be clear what the attorney-in-fact is authorized to do and how the Swedish legal rule functions. Be particularly clear regarding:

• that the document is a Swedish durable power of attorney under Act (2017:310),
• who the principal and the attorney-in-fact are,
• when the power of attorney is to take effect,
• which financial and personal matters are covered,
• gifts, fees, and any potential auditor/controller,
• that healthcare and dental care cannot be covered according to Swedish law.

Is it automatically valid in another country?

No. Recognition of a Swedish durable power of attorney abroad depends on the recipient country, the type of legal act, and the receiving bank, authority, or other party. A country may require a local form of power of attorney or specific documentation.

Therefore, contact the recipient before the document is to be used. Ask if an original, authorized translation, certified signature, apostille, or other legalization is required.

When might a Notary Public be relevant?

A Notary Public can, among other things, certify signatures and copies, as well as issue an apostille. An apostille can be used for documents that are to be presented in another country covered by the Hague Convention. Read the guide on Notaries Public and apostilles.

English or bilingual?

In some situations, a bilingual version is practical because the Swedish legal meaning is easier to verify while a foreign recipient can read the content. However, two languages also create a risk if the versions differ. Therefore, specify which language version shall prevail in the event of an interpretative discrepancy if the document contains parallel texts.

Three checks before a Swedish durable power of attorney is used abroad

1. Does the power of attorney comply with Swedish law? An English text must still satisfy Act (2017:310), including requirements for content, two witnesses, and where applicable, advanced electronic signatures according to Section 4a. For an electronic document, the signed original file and the verification information for the signatures should be preserved.
2. What does the certification attest? An apostille is used to certify the origin of a public document or a notarial attestation; it does not mean that the content of the power of attorney is legally approved or that another country automatically recognizes the attorney's authority. Therefore, a translation or apostille alone is not a general guarantee.
3. What does the recipient accept? Ask the bank, authority, or foreign advisor whether the Swedish durable power of attorney is recognized, whether the document needs to be certified or translated, what form of signing is accepted, and if a separate local power of attorney is required. Also, check how the entry into force should be verified.

For Swedish formal requirements, see 12 things to consider before creating a durable power of attorney and how it is invoked. For foreign certifications, see The County Administrative Board's information on Notaries Public and apostilles.

Which template? Future Power of Attorney – English Word/PDF template according to Swedish law (SEK 79) is an editable document template. It is not a guaranteed substitute for a foreign power of attorney or specific local formal requirements.

Checklist before use abroad

• Does the document meet all Swedish formal requirements?
• Is it clear that it is based on Swedish law?
• Has the recipient confirmed that a Swedish durable power of attorney is accepted?
• Is certification of the signature or a copy required?
• Is an apostille or other legalization required?
• Is an authorized translation required?
• Does a local lawyer need to check the legal effect in the recipient country?