If you need legal help in Sweden but don’t speak Swedish, you are not alone.
Every year, thousands of foreign nationals and international companies contact Swedish law firms for assistance in family law, business disputes, immigration, and inheritance matters.
The good news: language is almost never a problem.
1. English Is the Working Language of International Legal Practice
Sweden is one of the most English-proficient countries in the world.
Most younger Swedish lawyers — and virtually all advokater working with international clients — speak fluent, professional English.
Many have studied or trained abroad and are fully comfortable handling all communication, documentation, and court proceedings in English.
In fact, English is routinely used in:
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Client communication and legal correspondence,
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Contract drafting and translation,
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Arbitration and cross-border negotiations, and
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Cooperation with foreign counsel.
So if you don’t speak Swedish, there is truly no barrier to obtaining full legal representation.
2. Understanding the Term “Advokat” vs. “Lawyer”
When searching online, you might find many Swedish websites using the term law firm.
However, not every “lawyer” or “law firm” in Sweden is run by a licensed advokat.
The title “advokat” is legally protected in Sweden and reserved for members of the Swedish Bar Association (Advokatsamfundet).
Only an advokat is bound by the strict rules of:
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Professional secrecy and confidentiality,
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Independence from public authorities, and
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Ethical responsibility under Bar supervision.
If you want guaranteed quality and professionalism, look for the words “Advokat” or “Member of the Swedish Bar Association” on the lawyer’s profile.
3. How to Contact a Swedish Law Firm in English
Most Swedish law firms welcome international inquiries and have English-language websites.
You can safely contact them by:
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Email,
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Contact form, or
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Video call appointment (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet).
When writing, briefly describe:
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What your case involves (e.g. divorce, custody, business contract, or criminal defence),
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Whether you live in Sweden or abroad, and
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Your preferred method of communication.
If your matter falls outside the lawyer’s specialisation, they will typically refer you to a suitable colleague or advokat in the right field.
4. Translators and Interpreters Are Easily Arranged
If you prefer to communicate in a language other than English, Swedish law firms can arrange certified interpreters or translators for meetings and court proceedings.
This ensures accuracy while keeping your rights fully protected — especially in sensitive cases involving children, immigration, or criminal defence.
Interpreters are also available through the Swedish courts and social authorities when necessary.
5. What to Expect After First Contact
After your first message or call, the advokat will:
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Review your information,
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Offer an initial consultation,
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Explain costs and payment terms, and
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Outline the next legal steps.
For clients abroad, an advance payment (retainer) may be required before representation begins, which is standard international practice.
6. Why You Can Feel Confident Working in English
Modern Swedish lawyers are accustomed to serving multinational clients and institutions.
Many hold LL.M. degrees from universities in the UK, US, or EU, and their legal English meets international standards.
All written communication — from legal memoranda to court submissions — can be handled entirely in English when needed.
In short, you don’t need to speak Swedish to receive first-class legal representation in Sweden.
Why Legal Opinion Sweden
At Legal Opinion Sweden, we specialise in helping foreign nationals and international clients connect with Swedish advokater who are fluent in English and experienced in cross-border legal issues.
Whether you need help with family, business, or regulatory matters, we ensure:
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Clear English communication,
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Independent professional representation, and
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Reliable guidance through the Swedish legal system.
In short:
Language is never an obstacle in Sweden.
If you reach out to a Swedish advokat, you can expect professional English communication, cultural understanding, and the same level of legal quality you would receive in any major international jurisdiction.
