If you are living outside Sweden but need legal help from a Swedish lawyer (advokat) — for example in a family dispute, inheritance case, business matter, or property issue — you can easily hire representation remotely.
However, it is important to understand how the Swedish legal system works, what to expect when engaging a lawyer, and why advance payment is often required when the client is based abroad.
Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Swedish Lawyer
In Sweden, not every “lawyer” or “law firm” is an advokat.
The title “advokat” is protected by law and reserved only for members of the Swedish Bar Association (Advokatsamfundet) — professionals who:
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Hold a Swedish law degree,
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Have at least three years of qualified legal experience,
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Are bound by strict rules of confidentiality and independence, and
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Are subject to the Bar’s disciplinary supervision.
Foreign nationals should always verify that the lawyer’s title includes “advokat”, not just “jurist” or “lawyer.”
This ensures professional accountability and the highest ethical standards.
Step 2: Contacting a Swedish Advokat from Abroad
You can contact Swedish lawyers directly via:
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The Swedish Bar Association’s online directory,
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Referrals from your embassy or consulate,
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Recommendations from your lawyer in your home country, or
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Email or contact forms on law firm websites.
When writing, include:
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A short summary of your legal issue,
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Whether it involves Swedish law or Swedish parties, and
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Your preferred language for communication.
Most Swedish advokater speak fluent English and are accustomed to representing international clients.
Step 3: Initial Consultation and Case Assessment
The lawyer will typically offer an initial consultation (by email, phone, or video call) to review your situation and determine whether Swedish law applies.
You will then receive a formal engagement letter outlining:
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The scope of work,
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The hourly rate or fixed fee,
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Estimated costs, and
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Payment terms.
This written agreement is standard practice and ensures full transparency before any work begins.
Step 4: Expect to Pay an Advance Fee (Retainer)
If you are located outside Sweden, the advokat will normally request an advance payment (retainer) before starting work.
This is not unusual — it reflects standard risk management when representing foreign clients, since enforcing unpaid invoices internationally can be difficult.
The advance is typically:
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Deposited into the lawyer’s client account,
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Deducted from future invoices, and
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Fully accounted for in regular billing statements.
For straightforward matters, this may be a fixed advance amount; for ongoing disputes, it is often an initial retainer covering the first hours or phase of work.
Once payment is received, the advokat begins preparing documents, contacting authorities, or representing you in Swedish proceedings.
Step 5: How Communication and Representation Work
Even if you are abroad, your Swedish lawyer can handle the entire process remotely.
You will communicate mainly by:
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Email (for documents and updates),
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Video meetings (for strategic discussions), and
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Digital signatures (for authorisation forms).
Swedish courts and agencies routinely accept digitally signed documents and online representation mandates.
If physical attendance becomes necessary, your lawyer will appear in court on your behalf whenever possible.
Step 6: Legal Aid and Insurance Options
Depending on your case, you may be eligible for:
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Swedish legal aid (rättshjälp), or
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Legal expenses insurance (rättsskydd) through your home or travel insurance policy.
Your advokat can advise you on these possibilities and help you apply if you qualify.
Why Legal Opinion Sweden
At Legal Opinion Sweden, we help clients worldwide connect with qualified Swedish advokater and understand how Swedish law applies to their situation.
We ensure that every engagement is clear, transparent, and professionally handled — from the first consultation to the final resolution.
Our network includes advokater experienced in:
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Family and custody law,
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Property and inheritance disputes,
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Contract and business law, and
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Cross-border litigation.
In short:
Hiring a Swedish lawyer from abroad is simple and secure — but expect to pay a reasonable advance fee as part of the engagement.
Doing so ensures that your case receives immediate attention and that your lawyer can act on your behalf with full commitment under Swedish professional standards.
