About this template
General Power of Attorney – English-first template under Swedish law for individuals and businesses that need to authorise another person to act on their behalf in financial, administrative and other permitted legal matters. The package includes an English Word/PDF template, a Swedish reference version and detailed user guides in both languages.
Legally reviewed: 5 October 2026
Reviewed against the Swedish Contracts Act rules on authority and revocation, the special written-form requirement for certain real-estate transactions and current guidance on bank powers of attorney.
What is included?
| General Power of Attorney – English Word | Editable primary template under Swedish law. |
| General Power of Attorney – English PDF | Print-ready version. |
| English user guide – Word + PDF | Detailed step-by-step guidance for use under Swedish law. |
| Swedish reference template – Word + PDF | Swedish reference version for bilingual organisations and advisers. |
| Swedish user guide – Word + PDF | Swedish reference guidance corresponding to the English package. |
Broad authority does not mean unlimited authority
A general power of attorney can cover many different legal acts, but the agent's authority is determined by the wording of the document and by any special legal rules that apply to the transaction. This template therefore uses selectable powers, monetary limits and specific restrictions rather than claiming that the agent may simply do “everything”.
The template can cover
- day-to-day financial administration and payments,
- entering into, changing and terminating contracts,
- contacts with public authorities and other organisations,
- insurance, subscriptions and supplier agreements,
- claims, debts and payment arrangements,
- bank matters to the extent accepted by the relevant bank,
- securities and financial assets where expressly authorised,
- real estate and condominium/co-operative housing matters where specifically stated,
- other expressly defined financial or administrative matters.
Authority and internal instructions
Swedish agency law distinguishes between the agent's outward authority and the principal's internal instructions. If a restriction is important, it should therefore be stated directly in the document shown to third parties. The template contains dedicated fields for prohibited actions, monetary limits and other instructions.
Real estate – written authority required
Under section 27 of the Swedish Contracts Act, authority to enter into an agreement for the purchase, exchange or gift of real property must be in writing. The template therefore contains a separate real-estate section where the property, transaction type and any price or condition limits can be specified.
Additional documents may be required for land-registration matters.
Bank matters – the bank may impose its own requirements
There is no general statutory form that every ordinary power of attorney must follow. Banks may nevertheless require a written and witnessed power of attorney and may insist on their own form. The package therefore includes a dedicated banking section and a clear reminder to check the bank's current procedures before use.
BankID and personal security credentials
The power of attorney does not authorise the agent to use the principal's personal BankID, security token, PIN code or other personal authentication credentials. Those services are governed by the relevant provider's terms and security rules.
Gifts and conflicts of interest
Very broad gift authority can create significant risk. The template therefore includes options to prohibit gifts, limit them to customary personal gifts or add an explicit gift instruction. It also highlights transactions in which the agent or a related person could benefit personally.
Validity and revocation
The power of attorney can be made indefinite, time-limited or linked to a specific assignment. The Swedish Contracts Act contains different revocation rules depending on how the power of attorney has been communicated. A written instrument held and presented by the agent should generally be recovered or destroyed when revoked, and third parties that have registered or relied on the authority should be informed where relevant.
Important: death and future incapacity
An ordinary Swedish power of attorney does not automatically terminate solely because the principal dies. Section 21 of the Swedish Contracts Act contains a specific rule under which the authority may remain effective unless particular circumstances indicate otherwise.
If the purpose is instead to appoint someone who should act once you permanently lose the ability to manage your own affairs, consider a Future Power of Attorney, which is governed by separate legislation.
Not suitable for strictly personal legal acts
A general power of attorney is not intended for acts that by law or their nature must be performed personally, such as making a will or entering into marriage. Other transactions can also be subject to special representation rules.
Witnesses are optional as a general rule
There is no general statutory requirement that an ordinary general power of attorney be witnessed. Witnesses can nevertheless provide additional evidence, and banks or other recipients may impose their own requirements. The template therefore contains optional witness fields without incorrectly presenting witnessing as mandatory in every case.
English + Swedish in one package
The English document is the primary template in this product. The Swedish version is included as a reference for Swedish boards, banks, advisers and bilingual organisations. This is an English-language version governed by Swedish law, not a UK, US or other foreign power of attorney.
Prefer a Swedish-first product? See the Swedish Generalfullmakt package →
Detailed user guides included
The guides explain how to complete the template, the difference between authority and internal instructions, bank requirements, real-estate authority, gifts and conflicts of interest, revocation, death, guardianship and when a special-purpose or future power of attorney may be more appropriate.
File formats and delivery
Formats: DOCX, PDF and ZIP.
Languages: English and Swedish.
Number of files: 8.
Delivery: digital download. No physical product is shipped.
Frequently asked questions
Does a General Power of Attorney give unlimited authority?
No. The agent's powers depend on the wording of the document, applicable law and any requirements imposed by the receiving organisation.
Does it have to be witnessed?
Not as a general legal requirement. A bank or other recipient may nevertheless require witnesses or its own form.
Can the agent buy or sell real estate?
That can be included if the authority is stated clearly. For agreements concerning the purchase, exchange or gift of real property, Swedish law requires written authority.
Does the power of attorney automatically end when the principal dies?
No, not under the general rule in section 21 of the Swedish Contracts Act. Particular circumstances can, however, mean that the authority should be treated as terminated.
Is this the same as a Future Power of Attorney?
No. A Future Power of Attorney is governed by separate Swedish legislation and is specifically designed for future permanent incapacity.
This package is a general documentation aid and does not replace individual legal advice. Real-estate transactions, substantial investment authority, corporate matters, gifts to agents or related persons, international arrangements or other high-value matters may require professional review.
