Swedish law · Eyer Juridik AB
Business Law in Sweden
Swedish business law is built on statute, established commercial practice and a strong tradition of freedom of contract. For a foreign company, the framework is generally predictable, but it differs in important respects from common law systems and from other civil law jurisdictions.
Eyer Juridik AB is the Swedish legal partner for international companies doing business in Sweden, providing both ongoing commercial advice and representation in disputes — from the first agreement with a Swedish customer or supplier to the resolution of disputes before Swedish courts or in arbitration.
Common issues for international companies
- Understanding which Swedish rules apply to a contract and which can be varied by agreement
- Choosing between a Swedish subsidiary, a branch or operating cross-border without a local entity
- Assessing the enforceability of standard terms and limitation of liability clauses under Swedish law
- Dealing with a Swedish counterparty who fails to pay or perform
- Interpreting correspondence, notices and deadlines from Swedish authorities and courts
How Eyer Juridik AB can assist
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Explaining the Swedish legal position in clear English, with a practical commercial focus
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Reviewing and drafting agreements governed by Swedish law
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Advising on corporate structure and governance for Swedish entities
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Representing clients in negotiations, Swedish court proceedings and arbitration
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Acting as a point of contact for ongoing Swedish legal questions
Key features of the Swedish legal framework
The Swedish Contracts Act (lagen (1915:218) om avtal och andra rättshandlingar på förmögenhetsrättens område) governs how agreements are formed and when terms may be adjusted or set aside. Section 36 allows a court to modify or disregard a contract term that is unreasonable, although the threshold in business-to-business relationships is high.
Sales of goods between businesses are regulated by the Sale of Goods Act (köplagen, 1990:931), which is largely non-mandatory, while international sales may be governed by the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG), to which Sweden is a party. Companies are regulated primarily by the Swedish Companies Act (aktiebolagslagen, 2005:551) and registered with the Swedish Companies Registration Office (Bolagsverket).
Civil disputes are heard by the general courts — district courts (tingsrätt), courts of appeal (hovrätt) and the Supreme Court (Högsta domstolen) — under the Code of Judicial Procedure (rättegångsbalken). Arbitration is governed by the Swedish Arbitration Act (lagen (1999:116) om skiljeförfarande) and is widely used in commercial relationships.
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice for any specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
Do you advise on the law of other countries?
No. Our advice concerns Swedish law. Where a matter also involves another jurisdiction, we recommend that you obtain advice from a lawyer qualified in that jurisdiction, and we can coordinate with your existing advisers on the Swedish aspects.
Can a contract with a Swedish company be governed by foreign law?
In most commercial relationships, yes. Within the EU, the Rome I Regulation generally allows the parties to choose the governing law. Certain mandatory Swedish rules may still apply, for example in employment or consumer matters.
Is English acceptable in Swedish business dealings?
English is widely used in Swedish commercial contracts. Court proceedings are conducted in Swedish, although courts may accept documentary evidence in English in some cases.
Contact
Discuss your legal matter in Sweden
Tell us briefly about your business and the Swedish legal question you are facing. We will review your enquiry and explain how we may be able to assist.