Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Sweden

Foreign clients who have obtained a court judgment abroad often ask whether it can be recognized and enforced in Sweden. The answer depends on where the judgment was issued and whether there is an applicable treaty or EU regulation.

1. EU Judgments

Judgments from EU member states (except Denmark) are generally recognized and enforceable in Sweden without any special procedure, under the Brussels I Regulation (Recast) – Regulation (EU) No. 1215/2012.

This means that:

• You do not need to start a new case in Sweden.

• Once you have a certified copy of the foreign judgment and the standard EU certificate, the Swedish Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden) can carry out enforcement, such as seizing assets or collecting payment.

2. Judgments from Denmark, Norway, and Iceland

Sweden has a Nordic cooperation agreement (the Lugano Convention and related treaties) with these countries.
Judgments from Denmark, Norway, and Iceland can also be enforced in Sweden relatively easily, following a simplified recognition procedure.

3. Judgments from Non-EU / Non-Nordic Countries

If the judgment comes from a country outside the EU and the Nordic region, Swedish law applies more strictly.

Sweden does not generally recognize or enforce foreign judgments unless there is a specific bilateral or multilateral agreement. Examples include certain conventions within family law, maintenance, or arbitration awards.

If no treaty applies, the creditor usually needs to:

1. File a new lawsuit in Sweden, using the foreign judgment as evidence of the debt or obligation, and

2. Obtain a new Swedish judgment, which can then be enforced by the Enforcement Authority.

4. Arbitration Awards

Unlike foreign court judgments, foreign arbitration awards are broadly recognized in Sweden under the New York Convention (1958). Sweden is known for being arbitration-friendly, and enforcement of such awards is generally straightforward.

5. Enforcement Procedure

Once a judgment is recognized, enforcement is handled by the Swedish Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden). The Authority can take measures such as:

• Seizing bank accounts, salaries, or property

• Forcing payment of monetary claims

• Assisting with possession or eviction cases

6. Legal Assistance

The rules for recognition and enforcement can be complex, especially for judgments from outside the EU. It is strongly recommended to consult a Swedish lawyer (advokat) experienced in cross-border litigation and enforcement to ensure compliance with local procedures.