Swedish law · Eyer Juridik AB
Commercial Debt Recovery in Sweden
Unpaid invoices from a Swedish customer can often be resolved efficiently using the Swedish procedures designed for undisputed claims. Where the debtor disputes the claim, the matter may need to proceed to court.
We assist international creditors in recovering commercial claims against Swedish companies, from formal demand to enforcement.
Common issues for international companies
- Unpaid invoices for goods or services delivered to a Swedish customer
- Debtors who raise late or unsubstantiated objections
- Uncertainty about interest and compensation for recovery costs
- Debtors at risk of insolvency
- Enforcing a foreign judgment or award against Swedish assets
How Eyer Juridik AB can assist
- 01
Sending formal payment demands
- 02
Applying for payment orders with the Swedish Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden)
- 03
Representing you if the claim is disputed and transferred to the district court
- 04
Applying for enforcement and advising on security measures
- 05
Lodging claims in Swedish bankruptcy or reconstruction proceedings
Debt recovery procedures under Swedish law
An application for a payment order (betalningsföreläggande) can be filed with Kronofogden under the Summary Proceedings Act (lagen (1990:746) om betalningsföreläggande och handräckning). If the debtor does not contest the claim, Kronofogden issues a decision that is enforceable. If the debtor contests, the creditor can request that the matter be transferred to the district court.
Under the Interest Act (räntelagen, 1975:635), late payment interest in commercial relationships is, unless otherwise agreed, the Riksbank reference rate plus eight percentage points. Under section 4 a of the Act on Compensation for Debt Collection Costs (lagen (1981:739) om ersättning för inkassokostnader m.m.), where a creditor in a relationship between businesses acting in the course of their business is entitled to late payment interest because a claim for payment for goods or services has not been paid on time, the creditor is also entitled to late payment compensation (förseningsersättning) of SEK 450. The same applies in a relationship between a business and a public authority or other public body, where the business supplies goods or services against payment in the course of its business.
Collection activities carried out on behalf of others are regulated by the Debt Collection Act (inkassolagen, 1974:182), which requires good debt collection practice.
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice for any specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign company apply for a payment order in Sweden?
Yes. Foreign creditors can use the Kronofogden procedure against Swedish debtors. Applications must be made in Swedish, and we can handle this on your behalf.
What if the debtor disputes the invoice?
If the debtor contests the claim, it can be transferred to the district court for an ordinary trial. We will assess the dispute before you decide whether to proceed.
Can we use the European Payment Order procedure?
For cross-border claims within the EU, the European Order for Payment procedure may be available as an alternative. The best route depends on the circumstances.
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.