VwVfG

VwVfG, short for Verwaltungsverfahrensgesetz, is the German federal law that codifies the general rules governing administrative procedures conducted by federal authorities. It sets out how administrative proceedings are initiated, conducted, and concluded, and it applies to acts, decisions, or administrative measures that affect the rights or obligations of individuals and businesses in dealings with federal agencies. The act provides a procedural framework that complements sector-specific statutes and does not cover judicial proceedings or procedures in the Länder.

A central concept in the VwVfG is the Verwaltungsakt, the formal decision by an authority that alters the legal position of a person or entity. The law standardizes how such acts must be prepared and issued, including form (often in writing), content, and the provision of reasons. It requires the authority to involve affected parties when appropriate, notably through the right to be heard (Anhörung) before a decision is made in cases where interests could be prejudiced. Decisions typically include information about remedies, and the VwVfG mandates a Belehrung about legal remedies, commonly indicating how to appeal or challenge the decision and the applicable time limits.

The act also governs other procedural aspects such as initiation, notification, evidence gathering, and processing timelines, with the aim of ensuring transparency, fairness, and legal certainty in administrative actions. While the VwVfG provides general rules, amendments, sector-specific adaptations, and EU law interact with it to address particular administrative contexts and evolving administrative practice.