Do You Need a Notarised Power of Attorney (Vollmacht)?

Usually not. Authorising someone to help with your case normally needs only a simple signed letter of authority. A few German offices insist on a notarised power of attorney (a beglaubigte Vollmacht) — and that can now be done online in a short EU video call, so it no longer means travel.

When a simple letter of authority is enough

For most steps — requesting records, corresponding with an office, or having someone collect documents — a plain signed letter of authority naming your helper is accepted. This is by far the most common situation.

When a notarised Vollmacht is required

A minority of German offices require the authority to be notarised — a beglaubigte Vollmacht — particularly for actions with legal weight. If an office asks for one, it will usually say so; it’s the exception rather than the norm.

Notarising online across the EU

A notarised power of attorney no longer means a trip to a notary abroad. EU online notarisation, using qualified electronic signatures (eIDAS / QES) in a short video appointment, produces a notarised Vollmacht remotely — a practical option when an office insists on notarisation.

Letting someone collect records for you

For offices that don’t post records abroad or only release them in person, a letter of authority (occasionally a notarised one) lets a third party request or collect on your behalf — often the only practical route from overseas.