When you report a crime to the police, a preliminary investigation will be launched. This is a thorough process where the police or prosecutor gathers evidence to determine whether there’s enough basis to press charges against the suspect.

What happens during a preliminary investigation

After you’ve filed a report, the police decide whether to open an investigation. If they choose to proceed, a preliminary investigation begins. The police will then search for and document evidence. This might include traces, injuries, or objects found at the crime scene. They’ll also conduct interviews with relevant individuals, such as yourself, the suspect(s), and other witnesses.

If you’re called in for questioning during the preliminary investigation, it may take place in person, over the phone, or at a police station. It’s important that you attend when summoned. You’re entitled to travel compensation for attending the interview. You can also bring a support person to help you feel safe.

The prosecutor’s role

Both the police and prosecutors can lead a preliminary investigation. Who takes the lead depends on the severity of the crime.

If a prosecutor is in charge, they decide what actions should be taken. This can include who to interview, whether a house search is necessary, or if a compulsory measure—such as DNA testing—is required. The prosecutor also decides whether to detain or request that a suspect be held in custody.

Charges or case dismissal

Once the evidence is collected, the prosecutor decides whether there’s sufficient basis for prosecution. If there is, the case proceeds to trial.

If the prosecutor determines that the evidence is insufficient, they may choose to close the preliminary investigation. In that case, you will be informed of the reason and have the right to request a review if new information arises.

Keep in mind that even if the preliminary investigation is closed, you’re can still be entitled to criminal injury compensation if you were the victim of the crime.

Do you need legal help?

We have several lawyers who can help you in this area. Book an appointment with one of them in the Kliently app, or contact us to hire one of the lawyers. We recommend: Sofia Hollström

In Sweden, all employees are entitled to vacation according to the Annual Leave Act (semesterlagen). The most common entitlement is 2.08 vacation days per month, with a total of 25 days per year. If you’re newly employed or work part-time, it can be difficult to know exactly how many days you’re entitled to and how they’re calculated each month. Here’s a breakdown of how it works.

How vacation days are calculated

When you start a new job, you earn vacation days during what’s called an “earning year.” A vacation year always starts on April 1 and ends on March 31 the following year. During that period, you earn approximately 2.08 paid vacation days per month if you work full-time, five days a week.

For example, if you start working in July and continue through the rest of the earning year, you’ll earn 19 vacation days:

• From July 1 to March 31, you will have worked 9 months.
• 2.08 × 9 months = 18.72
• Round up 18.72 to 19 days — which is the number of paid vacation days you can take the following year.

The amount of vacation days you earn per month if you work part-time

The Annual Leave Act doesn’t calculate by hours, only by working days per week. You’re still entitled to 25 days of vacation leave, but the number of days is adjusted based on how many days a week you work.

A few examples:

• If you work 4 days a week, you get 80% of 25 days = 20 vacation days per year.
• If you work 3.5 days a week, that’s 70% of 25 = 17.5 days, which is rounded up to 18 days.

You can only take vacation in whole days and only on days you would normally have worked.

If you haven’t worked long enough to earn paid vacation days, you can still take unpaid vacation days. This simply means you have the right to time off, but you won’t receive pay during your leave. Vacation pay or compensation is usually calculated according to collective agreements or a statutory formula.

Do you need legal help?

We have several lawyers who can help you in this area. Book an appointment with one of them in the Kliently app, or contact us to hire one of the lawyers. We recommend: Dlovan Kassab,
Samir Baraka

As of June 17, 2025, a new minimum maintenance requirement applies for those applying for a work permit in Sweden. You must have a salary equal to at least 80% of the current Swedish median salary, which, according to Statistics Sweden (SCB), is now SEK 37,100 per month before taxes. This means that the new maintenance requirement for a work permit is SEK 29,680 per month before taxes.

Who is affected by the change?

All applications submitted on or after June 17, 2025, must meet the new maintenance requirement. This applies to both new work permit applications and extensions of existing work permits. However, if you submitted your application before June 17, the previous maintenance requirement applies instead. In other words, it’s the date you submitted your application—not the date the Swedish Migration Agency makes a decision—that determines which maintenance requirement applies.

The previous minimum maintenance requirement for a work permit was SEK 28,480 per month before taxes and applies to applications submitted between June 18, 2024, and June 16, 2025.

Who is exempt from the maintenance requirement?

Not everyone applying for a Swedish work permit needs to meet the SEK 29,680 per month requirement. The following groups are exempt:

• EU/EEA citizens and their family members
• Seasonal workers
• Applicants for the EU Blue Card or ICT permit
• Au pairs
• Interns through international exchange programs
• Interns in higher education
• Researchers, athletes, and coaches

The groups listed above are subject to other requirements.

Will there be more changes?

The Swedish government has discussed the possibility of raising the maintenance requirement for work permits again. For example, there have been talks about setting the requirement at 100% of the median salary in Sweden instead of the current 80%. If that happens, the new income threshold would be SEK 37,100 per month before taxes. However, no such change has been officially decided at this time—these are still only discussions.

Do you need legal help?

We have several lawyers who can help you in this area. Book an appointment with one of them in the Kliently app, or contact us to hire one of the lawyers. We recommend: Anastasia Martin,
Aja Wadii

When a close relative passes away in Sweden, you’re required to complete an estate inventory. This is a legal document that outlines the deceased person’s assets and debts, and who the heirs are. The estate inventory must be submitted to the Swedish Tax Agency within four months of the death, which can be stressful during a time of grief. That’s why it’s good to consider early on whether you want to handle the estate inventory yourself or get help with the estate inventory.

What does an estate inventory include?

An estate inventory contains:

• Information about the deceased
• Details about the surviving partner and heirs
• A list of all assets and debts
• Any will, prenuptial agreement, or cohabitation agreement
• Information about the person representing the estate

The estate inventory serves as proof of who’s authorized to represent the estate. You’ll need it to close bank accounts, sell property, or cancel subscriptions, for example.

Doing the estate inventory yourself

It’s entirely possible to prepare the estate inventory yourself instead of hiring a lawyer—especially if the estate is simple and there are no disputes between heirs. If this applies to your situation, we recommend using our contract service, where you’ll receive step-by-step guidance to ensure the estate inventory is accurate and complete. Before you begin, it’s important to know that:

• You’ll need to gather details about all assets and debts.
• You have to check which documents are required for the inventory (such as a will or previous estate records).
• Two executive officials and the person providing the estate details have to sign the document.
• You have to submit the inventory to the Swedish Tax Agency within four months.

Doing the estate inventory yourself can be more affordable, but it requires time and attention to detail. Any mistakes can delay the process or lead to the inventory being rejected.

Getting help with estate inventory

If the estate is complex, there are disagreements among heirs, or if you simply don’t have the time or energy to understand all the rules, it may be wise to consult a lawyer. A lawyer can:

• Collect and appraise assets
• Make sure all legal documents are in order
• Make sure the estate inventory meets all legal requirements
• Help you avoid mistakes that could cause problems later on

Keep in mind – whether you get help with estate inventory or not

Whether you choose to do the estate inventory yourself or get assistance, it’s important to start early. Gather all documents, contact banks and authorities, and check what applies in your specific case. A complete and accurate estate inventory makes the process easier for everyone involved and helps you move forward with inheritance and other practical matters.

Do you need legal help?

We have several lawyers who can help you in this area. Book an appointment with one of them in the Kliently app, or contact us to hire one of the lawyers. We recommend: Marie-Louise Silfwerax

Becoming a Swedish citizen comes with certain rights, but before you can apply for Swedish citizenship, you need to make sure you meet some requirements. The rules vary depending on your background, but there are a few basic conditions that apply to most people.

Basic requirements you need to meet

To apply for Swedish citizenship, you typically must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have lived in Sweden for a certain period—usually five years, but three years may be enough if you’re living with a Swedish partner.
• Have a permanent residence permit (or right of residence if you’re an EU citizen).
• Have lived a responsible life in Sweden—for example, not committed any crimes.
• Be able to prove your identity with a passport or another accepted document.

The time you’ve lived in Sweden must generally be continuous. Temporary trips abroad usually don’t affect the requirement, but longer stays might cause your qualifying period to reset.

How to prepare your application

Before submitting your citizenship application, it’s important to go through a few things. A common mistake is assuming that living in Sweden for the required number of years is enough—but if, for instance, you’ve recently received a fine or can’t verify your identity, it can affect the decision.

Things to check before you apply for Swedish citizenship

• Make sure your passport is valid and that you have a copy to attach.
• Double-check how long you’ve been registered in Sweden.
• Check whether you have any criminal records. Even minor offenses like traffic violations can delay your citizenship application.
• Make sure all previous decisions from the Swedish Migration Agency are clear and accessible.
• If you’ve changed your name, make sure all your documents match.

It’s also important not to leave out any information. The Swedish Migration Agency carefully reviews all details and documents, and an unclear application can take longer to process—or in the worst case, be rejected. To make sure your citizenship application is complete, it can be helpful to book 15–30 minutes with a lawyer who can review it before you submit.

Things to keep in mind before submitting your application for Swedish citizenship

The easiest way to apply for Swedish citizenship is online via the Swedish Migration Agency’s e-service. You can also send in a paper application, but that will naturally take more time. Be sure to pay the application fee at the same time—otherwise, the processing won’t start.

Being thorough in advance makes the whole process smoother. Many applications are rejected due to simple mistakes or misunderstandings. By double-checking all the requirements and preparing your application properly, you reduce the risk of problems down the line.

Do you need legal help?

We have several lawyers who can help you in this area. Book an appointment with one of them in the Kliently app, or contact us to hire one of the lawyers. We recommend: Anastasia Martin,
Aja Wadii

Red pedestrian signal illuminated, indicating stop, near a brick building.

As of April 1, 2025, the possibility to change tracks will no longer be allowed in Sweden. Previously, people whose asylum applications were denied could still stay in Sweden and apply for a work permit through what’s known as a change of track (spårbyte). But now the Swedish Parliament has decided to remove the possibility of changing tracks. The new rules will also affect accompanying family members of those who were granted residence permits through a change of track.

To be granted a residence permit in Sweden, you normally need to apply and be approved before entering the country. This makes a change of track an exception to the general rule, as they’ve allowed people to apply for a work permit while already living in Sweden. But starting April 1, 2025, that will no longer be possible.

Who will the new rules regarding change of track affect?

The new rules will affect anyone who:

• have recently been denied asylum and have applied for a work permit since then.
• already has a work permit through a change of track and who want to extend it. You can continue working in Sweden for as long as your current permit is valid, but you won’t be able to apply for a renewal. If you don’t have any other grounds to stay in Sweden, you’ll have to leave the country once your current permit expires.
• is in Sweden as an accompanying family member of someone who received a work permit through a change of track. If the person who changed tracks doesn’t receive a work permit, you’ll no longer be able to get a residence permit by filing for it as an accompanying family member.

It’s important to know that the Swedish Migration Agency will process applications based on the new rules starting April 1, 2025. This means that it doesn’t matter when you submitted your application. If you receive a decision before April 1, 2025, the new rules won’t apply to you. But if you receive a decision after April 1, 2025, the new rules will apply—even if your application was submitted earlier.

Are there any exceptions?

If you received a work permit through a change of track but still have a valid deportation decision, the Migration Agency can in some cases assess whether there are any impediments to carrying out the deportation. What counts as an impediment can vary from case to case. But keep in mind that it’s uncommon for an impediment to result in a new residence permit. It requires new information in your case that makes deportation unreasonable.

If the deportation decision is no longer valid, there may be a possibility to apply for a residence permit on other grounds—for example, if you meet the requirements for permanent residence.

What can you do now?

Not sure if this change affects you? Then it’s a good idea to speak with a lawyer who specializes in migration law. If you want to know if you can apply for a permit based on other grounds—such as studies, family ties, or protection—it’s important to act quickly and find out what applies in your specific situation.

Do you need legal help?

We have several lawyers who can help you in this area. Book an appointment with one of them in the Kliently app, or contact us to hire one of the lawyers. We recommend: Anastasia Martin,
Aja Wadii

Portrait of positive multiracial parents in casual clothes carrying cute daughter with open hands while standing together against illuminated blurred background of room

On January 1, 2025, new rules in the Parental Code came into force in Sweden. The Parental Code, which has been undergoing reforms in recent years, regulates matters concerning custody, visitation, and residence for children. The legal framework has undergone significant changes over the years, and the latest amendment is found in Chapter 6, Section 2a, which aims to strengthen the protection of children against violence and other violations, as well as enhance security and stability for children placed in foster homes.

In practice, this latest change means that a child should be given greater protection and that this protection should take precedence over the child’s right to visitation with the other parent (the one the child does not live with) in situations where it is suspected that the child has been exposed to or is at risk of being exposed to violence. It is important to emphasize one thing in this context: namely, that it does not need to be proven that violence has occurred. A mere suspicion of this, regardless of whether it has been reported to the police or not, is in practice sufficient to invoke the protection. This is, at least, how it has played out in practice.

For active lawyers working with family-related cases and who often refer to Article 9 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child regarding the child’s right to both parents, this provision will now be put to the test. Article 9 is also incorporated into the Parental Code but is often referred to as “the best interests of the child.” In custody disputes, allegations of violence are not uncommon—rather, they are so frequent that they appear in every other case. Therefore, it is understandable that lawyers representing accused parents will use this legal provision to support their arguments and to counteract unjustified restrictions.

If that turns out to be the case, the new provision will lead to a weakening of the fundamental protection in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which so often must be invoked in this type of case. Since the burden of proof in civil cases is often lower than in criminal cases, it is likely to become easier for a party seeking to justify continued restriction of visitation to invoke this provision.

In an attempt to address the issue of baseless accusations in custody disputes, the legislator has previously established that the primary focus of the court’s assessment should be on what is in the child’s best interests and that “cooperation,” which has often been decisive in assessing the child’s best interests, should not carry the same weight as before. To address the previous problem and social services’ excessive focus on “cooperation,” the requirement was lowered so that it is now sufficient if “there is cooperation that covers the child’s most basic needs.” Given that this relatively recent change softened the regulations, it is surprising that the latest amendment now tightens them.

Considering how many children are kept from a parent solely based on allegations of violence, questions naturally arise about how this provision should be interpreted in relation to Article 9 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

It should also be noted that Swedish courts often adopt exceptionally broad interpretations of the concept of visitation, where video calls, phone calls, and in some cases even written correspondence have been approved as substitutes for physical visitation, even when there were good opportunities to allow the latter.

The question is how beneficial it really is to replace physical visitation with alternatives that eliminate the child’s right to alone time with the visiting parent. The alternatives rarely fulfill the child’s need for physical closeness.

For children at high risk of being exposed to further violence, the new provision obviously provides increased protection, but for the innocent parent who has been falsely accused of violence, the provision simultaneously creates an obstacle that was not there before. The question is whether it will now be easier for an accusing parent, with weak grounds for restricting visitation, to justify a restriction that otherwise would not have been upheld and thereby get away with visitation sabotage.

Do you need legal help?

We have several lawyers who can help you in this area. Book an appointment with one of them in the Kliently app, or contact us to hire one of the lawyers. We recommend: Samir Baraka

Photographer: Johan Gunseus

In Sweden, there are two main ways to bring charges against someone who’s committed a crime. These different types of prosecution serve different purposes and follow different rules and procedures.

Public prosecution – the responsibility of society

In this case, a prosecutor brings charges on behalf of society. This applies to the vast majority of crimes, such as assault, theft, fraud, and drug offenses.

• The prosecutor evaluates the evidence and decides whether there are sufficient grounds for prosecution.
• If the evidence is strong enough – and there is public interest – the prosecutor is obligated to proceed.
• The prosecutor leads the process, and the victim is considered the injured party in court.

Private prosecution – when the victim takes action

The victim can personally file a summons application with the district court in cases like defamation or insult. A private prosecution can also occur when a prosecutor decides not to take a case further, but the victim wants to pursue it independently.

However, in some exceptional cases, the prosecutor may still decide to take the case to court. This applies when the crime is particularly serious or if there is a strong public interest. In these cases, since it’s the prosecutor who acts, the case is treated as public – even if the offense is usually handled through private prosecution.

If you initiate a private prosecution, you’re responsible for gathering evidence, calling witnesses, and applying for an official summons. You will have to pay a fee and can also be required to cover the opposing party’s legal costs if you lose the case.

Private prosecutions are less common and can be both legally and financially demanding. That’s why many choose to consult a lawyer in these situations. It’s important to understand the differences and how the process works, especially if you’re a crime victim and the prosecutor chooses not to proceed.

What separates the two?

Do you need legal help?

We have several lawyers who can help you in this area. Book an appointment with one of them in the Kliently app, or contact us to hire one of the lawyers. We recommend: Sofia Hollström

Fee guarantee for an estate distribution executor is a financial support you can apply for if you’re unable to afford an estate distribution executor yourself. In the event of a divorce or separation, the district court can appoint an executor if you and your former partner can’t agree on how to divide your property. The executor is responsible for making sure that you divide your assets fairly. If you’re granted a fee guarantee, the government will pay for up to five hours of the executor’s work.

What is a property division?

A property division is done when two people separate—such as during a divorce or when cohabiting partners split up. It can also take place if one person in a relationship passes away. The division involves splitting up the assets and debts accumulated during the relationship. This could include your home, money, or other valuable possessions.

Usually, the parties involved try to come to an agreement on their own. But if that’s not possible, the district court can appoint an estate distribution executor to help ensure a fair and legally correct process. Sometimes, the process can become lengthy and expensive, especially when there’s conflict. In those cases, applying for a fee guarantee can be helpful.

How to apply for a fee guarantee for an estate distribution executor

If you can’t afford to pay for an executor, you can apply for a fee guarantee. Only one of the parties can receive the compensation. It covers five hours of the executor’s work, which is often enough to begin or complete the process. To apply, contact the district court where the executor was appointed and fill out the application form. The court will then review your financial situation to determine whether you qualify.

Make sure to apply for the fee guarantee as soon as the court appoints the executor, especially if you know you won’t be able to cover the costs. Applying early can help prevent delays in the process.

Do you need legal help?

We have several lawyers who can help you in this area. Book an appointment with one of them in the Kliently app, or contact us to hire one of the lawyers. We recommend: Marie-Louise Silfwerax,
Samir Baraka,
Aja Wadii