Business and corporate matters
General power of attorney for a company
A general power of attorney authorizes an individual to represent a company in a broad range of business matters. The agent may be authorized to enter into agreements, represent the company in negotiations, and handle other ongoing commercial matters. Our lawyers help you define the authority carefully and prepare a document suited to the company’s operations and risk profile.
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What is a general power of attorney?
A general power of attorney gives the agent broader authority than a document limited to one specific transaction. The company determines which actions the agent may take and whether any restrictions apply.
It may be useful when an owner, board member, or other authorized representative cannot personally handle every ongoing matter. The agent may be authorized to:
- enter into and sign certain agreements
- represent the company in negotiations
- communicate with customers and suppliers
- receive documents and notices
- represent the company before specified authorities
- conduct defined banking and payment matters
The scope should be described clearly. A broadly worded document may allow the agent to make decisions with significant financial consequences for the company.
What should the document include?
A general power of attorney should identify the company, the appointed agent, and the actions the agent is authorized to perform. It should also state when the authority begins and how long it remains in effect.
The document should address:
- the company’s name and registration number
- the agent’s name and identifying information
- the transactions the agent may carry out
- monetary limits and other restrictions
- whether the agent may appoint a substitute
- the duration of the authority
- the procedure for revocation
- the person signing on behalf of the company
The document must be signed by the person or persons authorized to represent the company. If the company requires joint signatures, the power of attorney should be executed in accordance with those signatory rules.
Power of attorney and company signatory authority
A general power of attorney is different from registered company signatory authority. A registered signatory has authority based on their corporate position or registration. An agent derives authority from the power of attorney issued by the company.
Under Swedish law, the precise wording of the document determines the agent’s external authority. Internal instructions may further restrict how that authority should be exercised, but they do not always protect the company against a third party who was unaware of the restriction.
Banks, government agencies, and other recipients may impose their own requirements. A bank may require its own form, while a government service may require a separate digital authorization or action by a registered representative.
When to consult a lawyer
Legal assistance is recommended when the authority covers significant financial values, several areas of the business, or complex decision-making powers. The document should give the agent enough authority to perform the intended tasks without creating unnecessary exposure for the company.
Our lawyers help you determine the appropriate scope, define clear limitations, and coordinate the document with the company’s signatory arrangements.
How we can help you
We help you prepare a general power of attorney that provides practical authority while establishing clear boundaries.
Assessing the company’s needs
We review the matters the agent must handle and determine whether general or more limited authority is appropriate.
Preparing the document
We draft a power of attorney defining the agent’s authority, restrictions, and duration.
Reviewing an existing authorization
We identify unclear wording and powers that may be broader than the company intends.
Amendment and revocation
We help the company limit, replace, or revoke an authorization and notify relevant third parties.
Get help drafting a general power of attorney
Schedule a 15-minute meeting with a lawyer to review and discuss your situation.
If you need further assistance, we’ll explain your options, how we can assist you, and what it would cost. If you hire us for your case, the cost of the first 15 minutes will be deducted from your final bill.
Talk to a lawyer
15-minute legal consultation
A brief meeting for quick guidance. Get answers to your questions, understand your rights and options, and learn how to move forward.
Need more help? You can also schedule a longer meeting with a lawyer for assistance with a specific task or a more complex situation.
Concerned about the cost? In some cases, part of the cost may be covered by legal expenses insurance or legal aid. We also offer payment plans through Klarna. Learn more about costs and financing →
Get help from our lawyers
Book a consultation with one of our lawyers when you need to define the agent’s powers, coordinate the document with the company’s signatory rules, or revoke an existing authorization.
Matilda Selander Persson
Lawyer
Matilda primarily works with employment law, business law, contract law, family law, and migration law. She speaks Swedish and English.
Florita Telhaj
Lawyer
Florita specializes in migration law, business law, contract law, and employment law. In addition to Swedish and English, Florita is also fluent in Albanian and Greek.
Farid Laghrissi
Lawyer
Farid assists individuals and businesses with employment law, tenancy law, financial family law, contracts, disputes, and other business and corporate law matters. Farid speaks Swedish, English, Arabic, Darija, and French.
Mirxan Özalp
Lawyer
Mirxan specializes in real estate law, construction law, housing and tenancy law, contract law, and consumer disputes. He speaks Swedish, English, and Kurdish (Kurmanji).
Adib Hosseini
Consulting lawyer
Adib specializes in migration law, business law, competition law, and EU regulations for businesses. He speaks English, Farsi, and Kurdish.
Ari Arash GN Shali
Consulting lawyer
Ari primarily works with business and civil law matters, contract law, real estate law, construction law, tenancy law, and employment law. Ari speaks Swedish, English, and Persian.
Mirella Nunes Siqueira
Consulting lawyer
Mirella specializes in business law, financial family law, employment law, and consumer law. She speaks Swedish, English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about general power of attorney for companies
That depends on the document. The agent may represent the company only within the authority granted.
No. A company signatory has authority through a corporate role or registration. An agent receives authority through the issued document.
Requirements vary. Banks may require their own forms, identification procedures, or additional documentation.
The company should issue a written revocation, recover or destroy the original document, and notify parties that were informed of the agent’s authority.
Let a lawyer contact you
Tell us briefly about your situation, and we’ll get back to you within one business day to schedule a video consultation.