Foreign nationals and companies frequently need to bring legal matters before Swedish authorities or courts.
This may involve family law, contract disputes, property issues, or claims against Swedish individuals or businesses.
Starting a legal case in Sweden is straightforward once you understand how jurisdiction, representation, and documentation work.
1. Determine Whether Sweden Has Jurisdiction
Before a case can begin, it must be clear that a Swedish court or authority is entitled to handle it.
Jurisdiction depends on factors such as:
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Whether the defendant lives or operates in Sweden,
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Whether the contract or event took place in Sweden, or
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Whether Swedish law applies under an agreement or EU regulation.
In family or custody matters, the child’s habitual residence is usually decisive.
Your Swedish advokat can quickly confirm whether Sweden is the correct forum.
2. Choose a Licensed Swedish Advokat
Only a member of the Swedish Bar Association (Advokatsamfundet) may use the title advokat.
This ensures:
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Professional confidentiality,
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Independence from public authorities, and
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Responsibility under Bar disciplinary rules.
For international clients, choosing a Bar-registered advokat ensures that representation meets Swedish procedural standards — even if you are located abroad.
3. Appoint the Lawyer through Power of Attorney
If you are not in Sweden, you can authorise your advokat to represent you by signing a power of attorney (fullmakt).
This can usually be done electronically.
Once authorised, your lawyer can:
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File your claim or response in court,
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Communicate with the other party,
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Request evidence or documents, and
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Appear in hearings on your behalf.
Swedish courts and agencies regularly handle cases for parties living abroad, and communication can take place by email or video conference.
4. Prepare Key Documents
To start a case, certain documents are required.
Typically these include:
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A written statement of claim or application,
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Supporting documents (contracts, correspondence, invoices, etc.),
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Translations into Swedish if necessary, and
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Proof of payment of any court fee (in civil cases).
Your advokat will prepare and submit all filings according to Swedish procedural rules.
5. Pay the Advance Fee or Retainer
For clients outside Sweden, lawyers usually request an advance payment (retainer) before beginning work.
This is a standard precaution for international cases and is held in a separate client account.
It is later offset against actual legal costs.
Your lawyer will also explain expected fees and possible additional expenses (court fees, translation, service of process, etc.) before proceedings start.
6. How the Case Proceeds
After the filing is submitted, the Swedish court or authority will:
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Acknowledge receipt,
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Notify the other party, and
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Request written submissions or schedule a hearing.
Proceedings are often conducted in writing, but some cases — especially in family or criminal law — require oral hearings.
If you live abroad, your lawyer can usually appear on your behalf.
Remote participation is also common in modern Swedish courts.
7. Enforcement and Recognition Abroad
Judgments from Swedish courts can often be enforced in other EU or Nordic countries under European and international conventions.
If your case involves enforcement outside Europe, your advokat can advise on whether recognition is possible under bilateral or domestic rules in that jurisdiction.
Summary
Starting a legal case in Sweden as an international client involves three essential steps:
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Confirming that Sweden has jurisdiction,
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Engaging a licensed advokat, and
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Providing documents and a power of attorney.
From that point, your Swedish lawyer can handle the entire process — including filings, communication, and court appearances — even while you remain abroad.
