General or special assistance? Differences, evidence and application 2026/2027

Source control: 1 November 2026 · Swedish law · Editorial review, not a specific legal review.

Ordinary enforcement is used when someone, for example, is to return property or fulfill something other than a payment. Special enforcement is used primarily to remedy an unlawful act or remove an obstacle to someone's right. Both procedures are handled by the Swedish Enforcement Authority, but the choice affects the evidentiary requirements and what happens if the opposing party disputes the claim.

1. Ordinary and special enforcement – comparison

It is not always optional. The Swedish Enforcement Authority's comparison explains which situations must be handled according to a certain procedure. The choice depends on, among other things, on the legal relationship, what is requested, and what evidence is available.

2. When is ordinary enforcement used?

According to Section 3 of the Act (1990:746) on demands for payment and enforcement, ordinary enforcement may refer to a former owner or holder of a right of use moving out when the right of possession has ceased. It may also refer to someone fulfilling something other than payment when the time for fulfillment has arisen, provided that settlement is permitted in the matter.

Example: a company does not get back loaned equipment

A company lends a machine to a business partner. The agreement specifies the return date and the machine's serial number. When the day has passed, the company sends a written demand and saves the documentation. If the machine is still not returned, ordinary enforcement may be a possible way. If there is also an overdue monetary claim, it must be assessed separately; pursuant to Section 13, a demand for payment may in some cases be combined with ordinary enforcement if the claims are based on substantially the same grounds.

3. When is special enforcement used?

Section 4 of the Act (1990:746) addresses, among other things, that the applicant's possession has been unlawfully disturbed, that someone has taken another unlawful measure regarding immovable or movable property, or that a right to property is unlawfully hindered. Special enforcement may also result from express provisions in another law.

Example: an unlawful road obstacle

A property owner has a documented right to use a road. Someone sets up a barrier that prevents access. The applicant should then collect easement documentation or other evidence of rights, photos of the obstacle, a timeline, and communication. In the application, it must be clear which right is being hindered and exactly what remedy is requested. Pursuant to Section 15, the written evidence cited must be attached.

An application for someone to move from a place may in some cases be handled as removal, a special form of enforcement. It should not be confused with ordinary eviction of someone whose previous right of use has ceased; the law makes an express distinction.

4. Checklist before application

1. Identify the parties: state the correct legal entity, organization number, and authorized representative.
2. Formulate the claim: what should the opposing party return, remedy, remove, or tolerate?
3. Explain the grounds: state the agreement, ownership, right of use, easement, or other legal relationship.
4. Document the events: state the date, location, identification of the property, communication, and previous demands.
5. Collect evidence: agreements, maps, receipts, photos, and other documents. In special enforcement, cited written documents must be attached.
6. Choose the correct procedure: compare Sections 3–4 with the Swedish Enforcement Authority's guidance. Clearly state whether special enforcement is requested.
7. Send the application: follow the authority's current instructions regarding the e-service or form, and save a copy and the case number.

Pursuant to Sections 9–10, the application must be in writing and contain the claim and grounds. Pursuant to Section 15, it must expressly state whether special enforcement is requested. If the parties dispute the underlying right, the question may require a special legal assessment.

5. What happens in the event of a dispute?

Ordinary enforcement: If the opposing party disputes in time, the applicant may request that the disputed part be referred to the District Court. Pursuant to Section 34, the request must reach the Swedish Enforcement Authority within four weeks from when the authority's notice was sent. If the request is not received, the case or the disputed part may be dismissed pursuant to Section 37. In the event of a failure to dispute, a ruling may be issued pursuant to Section 42.

Special enforcement: The Swedish Enforcement Authority may examine the claim despite an objection. Pursuant to Section 43, the application must be legally grounded and the relevant circumstances must support the measure. Anyone dissatisfied with a ruling may appeal to the District Court pursuant to Section 55. The rules on possible interim decisions are special and should not be taken for granted.

After ruling: appeal or appeal?

Ordinary enforcement: If the respondent is dissatisfied with the Swedish Enforcement Authority's ruling, the respondent may apply for reconsideration. The application must have been received by the Swedish Enforcement Authority within one month from the day of the ruling, pursuant to Sections 52–54 of the Act (1990:746). The applicant who is dissatisfied with the ruling instead has an opportunity to appeal pursuant to Section 55.

Special enforcement: A ruling is appealed to the District Court within three weeks from the day of the ruling, pursuant to Section 55. The underlying civil law dispute may still need to be examined separately; pursuant to Section 65, the ruling does not prevent such an action. Deadlines must be calculated from the correct decision and not be confused with the four-week deadline for the applicant's request for referral after a dispute in ordinary enforcement.

Can the Swedish Enforcement Authority decide before the case is finished?

In special enforcement, the applicant may request an immediate measure pursuant to Section 63, but must make it probable that the matter cannot wait. The Swedish Enforcement Authority states that very strong evidence is required for such an intervention decision. A request does not mean that the decision is automatically granted. See the Swedish Enforcement Authority's information on interim decisions.

6. How much does enforcement cost?

On the Swedish Enforcement Authority's fee page, as of 1 November 2026, an application fee of 300 kronor is stated for both ordinary and special enforcement. Additional costs may arise if the case proceeds to court or enforcement. It is not certain that the applicant will receive compensation for all their costs.

A ruling is not the same as the property already having been returned. If necessary, enforcement may be required. Check whether enforcement should be requested in the application and whether special wishes need to be stated.

7. Common mistakes

• Using enforcement for a pure monetary claim without considering a demand for payment.
• Choosing special enforcement for an eviction that falls under Section 3, paragraph 1.
• Lacking documentation showing the right or that the measure is unlawful.
• Not attaching written evidence in special enforcement.
• Missing the four-week deadline after a dispute in ordinary enforcement.
• Confusing a private document package with the authority's official form.

8. Document templates and complementary guides

9. Frequently asked questions

Can you choose special enforcement because it is faster?

No. The procedure must be applicable to the circumstances. The Swedish Enforcement Authority states when each form must be used and when a choice may exist.

Can you request payment and return at the same time?

Pursuant to Section 13 of the Act (1990:746), a demand for payment may in some cases be combined with ordinary enforcement if the claims are based on substantially the same grounds.

Must photos and agreements be attached?

In special enforcement, cited written evidence and documents must be attached. In ordinary enforcement, written documentation is also valuable, especially if the matter becomes disputed.

Is enforcement the same as execution?

No. An enforcement case may lead to a ruling that establishes an obligation. Execution means that an enforceable decision or judgment is carried out.

Sources and scope

• Swedish Parliament – Act (1990:746) on demands for payment and enforcement, especially Sections 3–4, 9–19, 33–37, 42–43, and 55.
• Swedish Enforcement Authority – ordinary and special enforcement.
• Swedish Enforcement Authority – fees and costs.
• Swedish Enforcement Authority – execution of enforcement.

Swedish law. Sources checked 1 November 2026. Editorial review, no specific legal review. The article is general information and does not replace individual legal advice.