How to File a Lawsuit in Sweden: Step-by-Step Guide

A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Legal Proceedings

If you’re involved in a dispute in Sweden and informal solutions haven’t worked, you may be considering legal action. But how do you actually file a lawsuit (“stämning”)? Whether it’s about child custody, unpaid debts, breach of contract, or another civil matter — the process starts with a formal written application to the District Court (“tingsrätten”).

This article walks you through how to initiate a civil case in Sweden — especially helpful for foreigners or international parties unfamiliar with the Swedish legal system.

1. What Is a “Stämning”?

A “stämning” is a lawsuit application, also known as a summons application. It’s the official way to ask a Swedish court to settle a legal dispute. The person who brings the case is the plaintiff (“kärande”), and the person being sued is the defendant (“svarande”).

Most lawsuits begin in the local District Court (“tingsrätt”).

2. When Should You File a Lawsuit?

You can file a stämning when:

You’ve tried to resolve the issue informally without success
You’re dealing with a legal matter like money, child custody, or property
You have evidence to support your position
You know the identity and address of the opposing party

Common civil cases include:

Child custody and visitation disputes
Debt collection (unpaid invoices or loans)
Contract breaches
Property or rental disagreements

3. What Must the Application Include?

Your lawsuit application (“stämningsansökan”) must be written and include:

Your full name and address
The defendant’s name and address
A description of your claim – what you are asking the court to decide
The legal basis – why you believe you are entitled to what you’re claiming
A summary of the facts – what happened and when
Supporting evidence – contracts, messages, invoices, witness names, etc.

You should also say whether you want the case to be handled in writing or with an oral hearing.

4. Where Do You File the Lawsuit?

File your application with the District Court (“tingsrätt”) that covers:

The area where the defendant lives
Or, in some cases, where the dispute took place

You can file the application by mail, in person, or sometimes via email (check with the court first).

5. What Does It Cost to File a Lawsuit?

Filing a lawsuit in Sweden requires you to pay a court fee, and the amount depends on the type of case:

SEK 900:
– For family law disputes (e.g., custody or visitation)
– For civil cases involving claims under SEK 29,000

SEK 2,800 or more:
– For cases involving claims of SEK 29,000 or more
– Or more complex legal matters

The fee is paid when you submit the application. If you win the case, the court may require the losing party to pay your legal costs, including this fee.

6. What Happens After You File?

Once the application is submitted:

The court reviews it and sends a summons to the defendant
The defendant must submit a written response
The court may call both parties to a preliminary hearing (“förberedelse”)
If no agreement is reached, the court will schedule a main hearing (“huvudförhandling”)

If the defendant does not respond, the court may issue a default judgment (“tredskodom”) in your favor.

7. Do You Need a Lawyer?

You are allowed to represent yourself, but hiring a qualified Swedish lawyer (“advokat”) is strongly recommended for:

Complex legal issues
High-value claims
Situations where the other party has legal representation

For small claims under SEK 29,000, the court process is simplified and costs are limited.

8. Legal Aid and Insurance Coverage

If you have home insurance (“hemförsäkring”), it may include legal expense coverage (“rättsskydd”) to help with your legal costs.

You may also be eligible for state legal aid (“rättshjälp”), depending on your income and the nature of your case. Ask the court or your lawyer for assistance with applying.

Summary

Filing a lawsuit in Sweden — called a “stämningsansökan” — is a structured process that requires proper documentation, payment of a court fee, and submission to the correct District Court.

For family or small civil claims under SEK 29,000: the fee is SEK 900
For larger or more complex cases: the fee starts at SEK 2,800

The steps are:

Write a clear, well-supported application
File it with the appropriate court
Pay the filing fee
Be prepared for further hearings or a potential settlement