When do debts become time-barred? 10 years, 3 years, and interruption of the limitation period

By Mallbutiken · Facts verified October 1, 2026

The main rule in the Statute of Limitations Act is that a claim becomes statute-barred ten years after its origin if the limitation period is not interrupted. For certain claims against consumers, a three-year period applies. However, specific laws may have different time limits, so a simple list of "all types of debt" is easily incorrect.

The main rule: ten years

According to Section 2 of the Statute of Limitations Act, a claim becomes statute-barred ten years after its origin unless the limitation period is interrupted before then. Therefore, it is incorrect to generally calculate from the invoice due date without first identifying when the claim in question is legally considered to have originated.

Consumer claims: three years

Three years applies to a claim against a consumer when the claim concerns goods, services, or other utilities that a trader has provided to the consumer in their professional capacity primarily for private use.

How is the limitation period interrupted?

Section 5 specifies three main ways:

1. the debtor promises payment, pays interest or installments, or otherwise acknowledges the claim,
2. the debtor receives a written demand or a written reminder regarding the claim from the creditor,
3. the creditor asserts the claim in court, with the Swedish Enforcement Authority, or in certain other legal proceedings.

After an interruption of the limitation period through acknowledgement or a demand, a new limitation period begins according to Section 6.

What happens when the claim becomes statute-barred?

According to Section 8, the creditor loses the right to collect the claim. The statute of limitations also covers interest and other additional obligations, as well as collateral belonging to the main claim.

Not all government debts are "five years"

Older simplified guides sometimes state that government debts generally have a five-year limitation period. That is not how it should be expressed. Taxes, fines, recovery claims, and other public law claims may be subject to specific limitation rules. Check the law that applies to that particular debt.

Not all crime-related claims are without a statute of limitations

The Statute of Limitations Act has specific rules for damages due to criminal offenses. It is therefore also incorrect to generally say that "debts resulting from crimes have no limitation period."

Practical documentation for the creditor

• Save agreements and promissory notes.
• Document when the claim originated.
• Save payment history.
• Save demand letters and proof that the debtor received the demand.
• Record acknowledgements and installment payments.
• Check if specific limitation legislation applies.