Can I decide who manages my affairs if I become ill in Sweden?
Yes — a future power of attorney (framtidsfullmakt) appoints, in advance, someone to manage your financial and personal affairs if you later permanently lose decision-making capacity. This follows from the Future Powers of Attorney Act (2017:310). You must be 18 and of sound mind when signing, and it must be written and witnessed by two people who know it is a future power of attorney. The witnesses may not be your spouse, cohabitant, closest relative or the appointed agent. The power of attorney cannot cover decisions on healthcare or dental care, nor making a will or marrying.
📋 The rules
- You appoint, in advance, an agent for your affairs
- You must be 18 and of sound mind
- It must be written and witnessed by two people
- The witnesses may not be a spouse, relative or the agent
- Cannot cover healthcare or dental-care decisions
🔓 Exceptions
- The chief guardian can review and stop misuse of the power of attorney
- It cannot be made irrevocable
- It lapses if a guardian or administrator is appointed for the same matters
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There is no penalty in the Act itself, but misuse can bring civil liability and engage general criminal law, such as breach of trust or embezzlement.
📎 Official sources
- Future Powers of Attorney Act (2017:310) · Riksdagen →
- Courts of Sweden · Future power of attorney →
- Konsumenternas · Future power of attorney →
❓ Frequently asked
What is a future power of attorney?
A way to appoint, in advance, someone to manage your financial and personal affairs if you lose decision-making capacity.
What form rules apply?
It must be written, signed and witnessed by two people who know it is a future power of attorney.
Who may be a witness?
Not your spouse, cohabitant, closest relative or the appointed agent. Witnesses must be at least 15.
Can it cover healthcare?
No. A future power of attorney cannot cover decisions on healthcare or dental care.
When does it take effect?
When you can permanently no longer manage your affairs. The agent assesses this, unless stated otherwise.
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