(Applies to private loans in Sweden)
Have you lent money to a friend, relative, or someone else – and now they won’t pay you back? This is a common situation, but there are clear steps you can take. Below we explain what you can do when a private loan is not repaid in Sweden.
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1. Did You Have a Written Agreement?
The best situation is if you wrote down the terms of the loan, such as:
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How much money was loaned
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When it should be repaid
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Whether any interest should be paid
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A written agreement is easier to prove. But verbal agreements are also valid in Sweden – they are just harder to prove in court.
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2. Remind the Person
Start by sending a friendly reminder. You can send a message by SMS or email and include:
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How much money they owe
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When it should be paid
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A new deadline (for example, within 10 days)
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Be polite but clear. Many disputes can be resolved without legal action.
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3. Send a Formal Payment Request
If the person ignores you or refuses to pay, send a written demand for payment (kravbrev). It should include:
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The total amount owed
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A specific payment deadline
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A warning that you may take the case to the Swedish Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden) or to court
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Keep a copy of this letter.
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4. Apply to Kronofogden (The Swedish Enforcement Authority)
The next step is to apply for a payment order (betalningsföreläggande) with Kronofogden. This costs 300 SEK. You need to provide:
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Your and the debtor’s names and addresses
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The amount of money owed
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The reason for the debt
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If the other person does not object, Kronofogden will issue a decision (utslag) stating that the money must be paid. This decision works like a court judgment in Sweden.
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5. If the Person Disputes the Claim – Go to Court
If the person objects to your claim, the case will be transferred to a district court (tingsrätt). You will need to show evidence, such as:
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A written loan agreement
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Bank transfers or Swish transactions
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Texts, emails, or other messages showing that it was a loan
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The court will then decide whether you are legally entitled to get your money back.
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6. Get Help From a Lawyer
If the amount is large or the case is complicated, you may want to contact a lawyer in Sweden. A lawyer can help you:
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Draft a proper demand letter
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Prepare your case
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Represent you in court
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Good to Know
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Private loans between individuals are legally binding in Sweden, even without a contract.
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You usually have 10 years to claim the money back.
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Next time, write an agreement before lending money.
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Need help recovering a private loan in Sweden? Contact us at Advokatfirman Segerström. We can help you from the first demand letter all the way to court, if needed.
