Legal help with lawsuits in Sweden

What is a summons?

An application for summons is the document normally used by an individual or business to begin civil proceedings in a Swedish district court. The party bringing the claim is the claimant, and the opposing party is the defendant.

The application states what the claimant wants the court to decide and the basis for that request. Once the district court has confirmed that the application meets the formal requirements, it may issue a summons. The defendant is then formally notified of the claim and directed to respond.

In everyday English, the entire matter may be called a lawsuit. Under Swedish procedure, it is useful to distinguish between:

• the application for summons filed by the claimant
• the summons issued by the court
• the civil case that continues after the summons is issued.

When can you file a lawsuit?

An application for summons may be used when the parties have not resolved a civil dispute and one party wants a binding court decision.

The dispute may concern:

• payment of a debt or another claim
• the interpretation or breach of a contract
• compensation for a loss or injury
• defects in goods or services
• ownership or the return of property
• another civil claim between individuals or businesses.

Before filing, determine whether the claim is time-barred, whether you are bringing it against the correct defendant, and which court has jurisdiction. You should also assess the available evidence and the potential cost of the proceedings.

If the matter concerns an overdue and undisputed debt, an order to pay from the Swedish Enforcement Authority may be a simpler alternative. If the other party contests the claim, the matter may be referred to the district court upon request.

What must an application for summons contain?

The application must be clear and provide the court with the information required to process the case.

It should normally include:

• the parties’ identities and contact details
• a precise request stating exactly what you want the court to decide
• the circumstances on which the request is based
• the evidence you intend to rely on
• what each item of evidence is intended to prove
• information showing why that district court has jurisdiction
• any other information relevant to the court’s handling of the case.

Relevant contracts, invoices, messages, photographs, and other documents should normally be attached. If you intend to call witnesses, explain what each witness is expected to establish.

The court may order you to correct or complete an unclear application. In some circumstances, the court may dismiss the application if a required correction is not submitted.

The Swedish Courts can provide general assistance with an application for summons, although they do not provide legal advice.

Which district court should receive the application?

As a general rule, a claim against an individual is filed with the district court for the place where the defendant is domiciled. A claim against a company is generally filed where its board has its registered office.

Several exceptions apply. Depending on the subject of the dispute, another court may have jurisdiction or exclusive jurisdiction. Filing with the wrong court may delay the case or result in dismissal or transfer.

What does it cost to file?

In 2026, the filing fee is SEK 900 for a claim worth no more than SEK 29,600. The fee is SEK 2,800 for a higher-value claim or a dispute that does not concern a specified amount.

The filing fee is only part of the financial risk. In ordinary civil proceedings, the general rule is that the losing party must reimburse the winning party’s reasonable litigation costs.

A dispute worth no more than half of the applicable price base amount is normally handled under the simplified civil procedure rules. These cases are commonly called small claims. Recoverable legal costs are limited, which also means that a successful party normally cannot recover all of its own legal fees.

What happens after the application is filed?

The district court reviews the application and may request additional information. If the application can form the basis of proceedings, the court issues a summons and serves the documents on the defendant.

The case will normally proceed through the following stages:

1. The defendant submits a written response.
2. The parties clarify their positions and submit evidence.
3. The court will often hold an oral preparatory hearing.
4. The possibility of settlement is discussed.
5. If the case is not resolved, the court will generally hold a main hearing.
6. The court issues its judgment.

During the preparatory stage, the court identifies what is disputed, what is agreed, which evidence will be presented, and whether the case can be decided without a main hearing.

What should you do if you receive a summons?

Read the court’s directions immediately and note the deadline for responding. Check:

• what the claimant is asking the court to decide
• the facts on which the claim is based
• which parts you admit or contest
• the evidence relied on by the claimant
• your defenses and supporting evidence.

Your response should clearly state your position on each request. If you contest the claim, explain why and identify the evidence supporting your position.

If you fail to respond by the deadline, the court may enter a default judgment against you. You could then lose without the merits of the dispute being fully examined. Contact the court immediately if you cannot meet the stated deadline.

Claims for damages

A claimant seeking damages must state the amount claimed, describe the loss or injury, and explain why the defendant is legally responsible. The claim must also be supported by relevant evidence.

The evidence may include:

• contracts and written communications
• receipts, invoices, and cost estimates
• medical records
• photographs and expert reports
• documentation of lost income
• witness testimony.

The facts and evidence required depend on the type of damages sought and the legal basis for the claim.

Can the parties settle?

The parties may settle at any stage of the proceedings. A settlement can reduce the time, cost, and uncertainty involved in taking the case through a full trial.

The agreement should clearly state which claims are resolved, what each party must do, the applicable deadlines, and how litigation costs will be allocated. The parties may also ask the court to confirm the settlement in a judgment.

The terms and consequences should be carefully reviewed before an agreement is signed.