1 Is it possible to initiate court proceedings via the internet?
It is possible to apply for a summons in civil cases by using the Swedish courts’ e-service, Signing and submitting an application for a summons digitally – Swedish courts.
In summary proceedings an application for an order to pay may be submitted to the Swedish Enforcement Authority (Kronofogdemyndigheten) online.
2 If so, for what types of cases is it available? Are any proceedings available exclusively via the internet?
The electronic service can be used in all types of litigation.
3 Is the facility available at all times (i.e. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or just during specific hours? If so, what are those hours?
This service is available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.
4 Should the details of the claim be provided in any particular format?
A summons application submitted digitally must contain the same information as an application that is not submitted digitally. There is a form that you can use (Application for a summons – Swedish courts), but you can also write your own application containing the same information.
5 How is transmission and storage of data secured?
Personal data are protected in accordance with the provisions of the applicable data protection rules.
6 Is it necessary to use any kind of electronic signature and/or time record?
Yes, the application must be signed with an electronic signature.
7 Are court fees payable? If so, how can they be paid and are they different to those for non-electronic procedures?
The same fee applies in civil proceedings launched by an electronic application as in civil proceedings not initiated by an electronic application.
Electronic applications to the Swedish Enforcement Authority for an order to pay must be signed with an advanced electronic signature as referred to in Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market and repealing Directive 1999/93/EC. The Swedish Enforcement Authority may grant an exemption from the signature requirement if a person is expected to submit a large number of applications in a secure and technically appropriate manner. If an action for an order to pay is transferred to a court to be dealt with as a normal case, it is not necessary to provide a physical signature in addition to an electronic application.
8 Is it possible to withdraw a claim that has been initiated via the internet?
The same rules apply to actions brought by means of an electronic application as to actions brought by other means.
9 If the claimant initiates proceedings via the internet is it possible and/or compulsory for the defendant to respond using the internet as well?
There is no requirement that the defence must be submitted electronically in civil proceedings initiated by an electronic application.
10 In terms of the electronic procedure what happens if the defendant responds to the claim?
The same procedural rules apply regardless of how civil proceedings are initiated.
11 In terms of the electronic procedure what happens if the defendant does not respond to a claim?
The same procedural rules apply regardless of how civil proceedings are initiated.
12 Is it possible to submit documents to a court electronically and if so in what type of proceedings and under what conditions is it possible?
Documents that do not have to be signed in person may be submitted electronically. This means that it is possible, in principle, to submit all documents electronically. The court may, however, decide in an individual case that a document that has been submitted electronically must be confirmed by the sender by means of an original signed document.
13 Can judicial documents, and particularly judgments, be served via the internet?
There is nothing to prevent a court from sending a document electronically and receipt of the document from being confirmed by email, for example, if this is deemed appropriate under provisions in force concerning personal data etc.
14 Can judicial decisions be given electronically?
A judgment is sent by post, unless the party requests otherwise. Where appropriate, for instance with reference to the provisions on personal data in force, documents may instead be sent by fax or email, or otherwise made available in electronic form.
15 Can an appeal be made and its decision served via the internet?
It is possible to lodge an appeal by email. Where necessary, the court may request that such an appeal be confirmed by the sender by means of an original signed document.
With regard to service of process, please see the answer to question 13.
16 Is it possible to initiate enforcement proceedings via the internet?
An application for enforcement may be made by the entitled party or by their representative, either orally or in writing. An oral application requires the applicant (the party seeking enforcement) to appear before the Swedish Enforcement Authority. A written application must be signed by the applicant or by their representative. The Swedish Enforcement Authority may, however, allow a party submitting a large number of applications to do so electronically.
17 Can the parties or their legal representatives consult on-line cases? If so, how this can be done?
No.