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German lasting power of attorney form (Vorsorgevollmacht) from the Federal Ministry of Justice
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German Lasting Power of Attorney (Vorsorgevollmacht) in short
A Vorsorgevollmacht is a German lasting power of attorney. You name a trusted person who can act for you if you can no longer manage your own affairs. The Federal Ministry of Justice template covers health care and care needs, residence, authorities, assets, mail and courts. You tick yes or no for each area.
| Issued by | Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz (BMJV) |
|---|---|
| Current version | Stand 01/2023 (checked 2026-10-25) |
| Who fills it in | An adult with legal capacity who wants to appoint a trusted person. The form is not filed with any authority. |
| Who receives it | No authority. You keep the original or give it to your attorney. You can optionally register the fact that a power of attorney exists with the Central Register of Lasting Powers of Attorney (Zentrales Vorsorgeregister) of the Federal Chamber of Notaries. The document itself is not sent there. |
| Where to send it | Nowhere. Keep the signed original where it can be found when needed, or give it to your attorney. For optional registration use Form P of the Zentrales Vorsorgeregister, online or by post. |
| Fee | The form is free. Optional registration with the Zentrales Vorsorgeregister and a certified signature cost a fee; check vorsorgeregister.de or your local care authority (Betreuungsbehörde) for current amounts. |
| Official links | Official page · Official PDF · Official instructions |
What changed
The current version is dated January 2023 and refers to sections 1829, 1831 and 1832 of the German Civil Code (BGB) in the health care part.
How to fill out German Lasting Power of Attorney (Vorsorgevollmacht), line by line
| Page 1 | Principal and attorney Name, date and place of birth, address and contact details for you and your trusted person. The form says the power is only valid while the attorney holds the document and can show the original. |
| No. 1 | Health care and care needs Decisions on treatment, nursing care, medical records, medical confidentiality, and on detention, restraint and coercive medical measures. Tick yes or no for each point. |
| No. 2 | Residence and housing Deciding where you live, ending your tenancy, clearing your home, and signing a new tenancy or a care home contract. |
| No. 3 | Authorities Acting for you with authorities, insurers, pension and social benefit bodies, including data protection consent. |
| No. 4 | Financial matters Managing and disposing of assets, accepting payments, taking on debts, banking and gifts within the stated limits. You can also exclude certain transactions. Read the notes on property and bank mandates. |
| Nos. 5 to 7 | Mail, courts and sub-delegation Mail and electronic communication, representing you in court, and whether the attorney may delegate to someone else. |
| Nos. 8 and 9 | Guardianship wish and validity after death Your wish that the attorney be appointed as legal guardian if guardianship is still needed, and whether the power continues after your death. |
| No. 10 and page 4 | Other provisions and signatures Free text for other provisions. Then place, date and signatures of you and your attorney. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving the pages loose. The ministry recommends binding them firmly, for example with a staple, and printing double sided.
- Ticking neither yes nor no for some points.
- Relying on it for property deals, a commercial business or consumer loans without checking the required form. The form flags this.
- Relying only on this form for banking. The form recommends your bank's own account and securities mandate.
- Locking the original away where nobody can find it. The attorney must be able to show the original.
- Sending the document to the central register. Only the fact of the power is registered.
Questions about German Lasting Power of Attorney (Vorsorgevollmacht)
Is there an English version of the German power of attorney form?
Yes. The ministry offers a bilingual German and English version. If the versions differ, the German text applies.
Does it need a notary?
The ministry recommends a written power. In some cases, such as property transactions, a certified signature or notarial deed is required. Rules depend on the case, so check the official Betreuungsrecht brochure.
When does it take effect?
The ministry says a lasting power of attorney is effective towards third parties as soon as it is issued. Whether the attorney may only use it once you need help is agreed between you, ideally in writing.
Do I have to register it?
No. Registration with the Zentrales Vorsorgeregister is optional. Guardianship courts can check the register to see whether a power exists.
Is there a separate care power of attorney (Pflegevollmacht)?
The ministry template is a general lasting power. Care decisions are in No. 1. You can limit the power by ticking yes only for the areas you choose.
Who can help me fill it in?
The ministry names guardianship associations (Betreuungsvereine) and local care authorities. Legal or notarial advice is recommended for large estates or property.
Tools for this form
Sources
Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-25. PDF Editor Hub is not affiliated with the Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.
- https://www.bmjv.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Formular/Vorsorgevollmacht.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=8
- https://www.bmjv.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Service/Formulare/Vorsorgevollmacht.html
- https://www.bmjv.de/DE/themen/vorsorge_betreuungsrecht/vorsorgevollmacht/vorsorgevollmacht_node.html
- https://www.bmjv.de/DE/service/impressum/impressum_node.html
- https://www.bmjv.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Formular/Vorsorgevollmacht_deutsch_englisch.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=12
- https://www.vorsorgeregister.de