Swedish Enforcement Administration

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The Swedish Enforcement Administration (in Swedish: Kronofogdemyndigheten, literally: The Crown's Bailiff Authority), is a government agency handling all debt collection in Sweden.

It is the only organization in Sweden that may withdraw money from bank accounts of the debtors, and, if necessary, also visit the homes and companies of debtors to claim property and sell it. Furthermore, they have the right to force an employer to deduct money directly from a debtor's income.

The procedure is that a person or organisation wanting someone to pay a debt applies to this agency. The one owing the amount must answer within 10 days. If there is no answer and it is established that the claim has reached the recipient, the agency can take money or property. If the debt is denied within 10 days, a court must establish the debt.

Taxes have a special procedure. They must be paid within the assigned time even if the person owing them considers them wrong. The agency will claim the money without asking. If the tax claim later is considered wrong, the money will be paid back.

If a person owes money, he or she is allowed to keep a minimum income, enough for low price food, keeping a home, and a few other basics, including family needs. If the person owns a home, it can be sold by the agency, and the city administration is responsible to find somewhere to live there.

Once you have been registered as a debtor with the administration, that information is public, and you stay in the register three years after the last debt has been paid. It is considered the worst aspect of being a debtor since, for example, borrowing money, renting apartment, and getting a cell phone is virtually impossible.