Is a deed of estate distribution public? The difference compared to the estate inventory
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Facts checked October 2, 2026.
No, an estate distribution document (arvskifteshandling) is generally not a public record with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket). The estate distribution is a private agreement between the heirs and should not be submitted to the Swedish Tax Agency.
The estate inventory (bouppteckning) and the estate distribution (arvskifte) are two different documents
| Document | Function | Submitted to the Swedish Tax Agency? |
|---|---|---|
| Estate inventory (Bouppteckning) | Lists the estate’s heirs as well as assets and liabilities as of the date of death. | Yes, for registration. |
| Estate distribution document (Arvskifteshandling) | Shows how the net assets are actually distributed among the heirs. | No. |
When does the estate distribution document still need to be presented?
Banks and other parties may need to see it in order to carry out transfers. It can also be used as documentation for matters such as registration of title (lagfart), securities transfers, or a subsequent dispute. The fact that a private document is provided to a specific recipient does not mean it is automatically registered in a public estate distribution register.
Can one order an estate distribution document from the Swedish Tax Agency?
Normally, no. The Swedish Tax Agency registers the estate inventory, but not the private estate distribution. Therefore, anyone wishing to obtain a copy from the Swedish Tax Agency can normally order the estate inventory, not the estate distribution document.
Might the estate distribution still need to be submitted to an authority?
Yes, in an individual case, all or parts of the document may need to be presented as supporting documentation. A common example is when a property has been inherited by an heir and an application for registration of title is to be made. In such cases, the Swedish Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authority (Lantmäteriet) states that, when there are multiple heirs, a written and signed original estate distribution document must be enclosed in accordance with the authority's current application instructions. This does not change the main rule that the estate distribution is not registered with the Swedish Tax Agency.
Who should receive a copy?
All heirs should have access to the signed final version. The document may be needed long afterwards to demonstrate how bank funds, securities, properties, or other assets were distributed. Therefore, keep both the original and a secure copy together with the estate inventory and relevant attachments.
How should the document be stored?
All heirs should have access to the final signed version. Also, keep documentation showing how valuations and distributions were made.
Also read the step-by-step guide to estate distribution.
