About this template
Will under Swedish law – an English-first document package for an individual who wants to record how their estate should be distributed under Swedish succession law. The package includes an English Word/PDF will template, a Swedish reference version and detailed user guides in both languages.
Legally reviewed: 6 October 2026
The review covers Swedish rules on testamentary capacity, execution formalities, witnesses, forced share (laglott), revocation, service and challenges, executors and relevant separate-property provisions.
What is included?
| Will – Swedish law DOCX | Editable English primary template governed by Swedish law. |
| Will – Swedish law PDF | Print-ready English version. |
| English user guide – DOCX + PDF | Step-by-step guidance on execution, witnesses, forced share and post-death handling. |
| Swedish reference will – DOCX + PDF | Swedish reference version for family members, advisers and Swedish authorities. |
| Swedish reference guide – DOCX + PDF | Corresponding Swedish guidance. |
Important: the template does not automatically create a valid will
Validity depends on both the contents and how the document is executed. As a main rule under the Swedish Inheritance Code, a will must be in writing. The testator must sign it, or acknowledge an existing signature, in the simultaneous presence of two eligible witnesses. The witnesses then sign the instrument. They must know that the document is a will, but they do not need to know its contents.
This package is therefore a general documentation aid. It provides structured clauses and execution guidance but cannot guarantee validity in an individual case.
What the template helps you document
The English primary template is modular and includes sections for:
- the testator's identity and family/inheritance overview,
- specific gifts of assets or fixed amounts,
- percentage distribution of the residue of the estate,
- substitute beneficiaries if a beneficiary dies before the testator,
- optional separate-property clauses for beneficiaries,
- treatment of replacement property and income where appropriate,
- optional appointment of an executor (testamentsexekutor),
- additional testamentary instructions,
- a dedicated signing and witness section for two witnesses,
- an optional record of where the original will is stored.
Swedish execution formalities
The two witnesses must be simultaneously present when the testator signs the will or acknowledges the signature. Witness eligibility is important. Certain relatives and persons who benefit from the will cannot validly witness the relevant disposition, and Swedish law also contains age and capacity requirements.
The included guide contains a dedicated witness checklist. This package is designed for an ordinary written will and does not present emergency-will rules as the normal method of execution.
Forced share (laglott)
Descendants are protected by Swedish forced-share rules. A descendant's forced share is one half of the statutory inheritance share. A provision that interferes with that protection is not simply ignored automatically: a descendant generally needs to request adjustment of the will within the statutory period after service in order to obtain the forced share.
The template therefore highlights the issue rather than promising that a chosen distribution can always be implemented exactly as written.
Spouse, cohabitant and children from earlier relationships
Swedish succession results differ depending on family circumstances. A surviving spouse may have substantial statutory inheritance rights, while a cohabitant does not have a general statutory right to inherit the other cohabitant. Children from an earlier relationship can also materially affect the outcome.
This is a broad individual-will template. More specialised drafting or individual advice can be appropriate where there are children from earlier relationships, complex family arrangements, business assets, substantial wealth or advanced successive-inheritance planning.
Separate property
The template contains an optional clause allowing inherited property to be made the beneficiary's separate property under Swedish matrimonial-property rules. The package also distinguishes the original inherited property from replacement property and income, because those issues may require express drafting.
Executor (testamentsexekutor)
An optional executor clause is included. Under Swedish law, an executor appointed in a will may be given substantial authority in the administration of the estate. The appointment should therefore be made deliberately rather than added automatically.
Revoking or changing the will
A will can be revoked. A later amendment that is intended to operate as a new testamentary disposition generally needs to satisfy the applicable testamentary formalities. The guide recommends clear version control and careful handling of earlier originals so that there is no unnecessary uncertainty about the testator's final intentions.
After death: service and important time limits
The guide explains, at a general level, the Swedish rules on service of the will on heirs, the descendant's forced-share adjustment period and the time limit for challenging a will. It also explains that a will must be dealt with in connection with the estate inventory (bouppteckning) when one exists.
International situations require extra care
This is an English-language version governed by Swedish law. The use of English does not make it a UK, US or universal international will. If the testator lives abroad, has another nationality, owns foreign assets or otherwise has cross-border connections, applicable-law and jurisdiction questions may arise under international succession rules. Individual legal review is recommended in those situations.
Rule entering into force on 1 January 2027
Sweden has adopted an amendment extending acquisition-permit requirements under the Agricultural Land Acquisition Act to acquisitions of agricultural property by legal persons through testamentary dispositions. This special issue becomes relevant if a company, association, foundation or other legal person is intended to receive Swedish agricultural property.
Proposals that are not current law
A Swedish government inquiry has proposed, among other things, a voluntary public will register and a secure system for digital wills. As of the legal review date, that legislative process remains ongoing. This package does not treat those proposals as current Swedish law.
English first – Swedish reference included
The English document is the primary version in this product. The Swedish version is included as a reference for Swedish family members, advisers and authorities. Both versions are structured around Swedish law.
Prefer a Swedish-first product? See Testamente – Word/PDF + English + användarguide →
Detailed user guides included
The English guide explains what the document is, when the template is suitable, execution formalities, how each section should be completed, common mistakes, forced share, witnesses, storage, post-death handling and when professional advice should be obtained. A corresponding Swedish reference guide is included.
When this template is suitable – and when to seek advice
The package is mainly intended for an individual who wants a structured English-language will governed by Swedish law and a Swedish reference version in the same delivery.
Individual legal advice is particularly appropriate for cross-border estates, foreign residence or citizenship, foreign assets, major business interests, agricultural property, complex children-from-earlier-relationships situations, earlier mutual wills, major gifts, tax questions in another country, concerns about testamentary capacity or a foreseeable dispute.
File formats and delivery
Formats: DOCX, PDF and ZIP.
Languages: English primary version + Swedish reference.
Number of files: 8.
Delivery: digital download. No physical product is shipped.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a UK or US will?
No. It is an English-language template governed by Swedish law.
Do the witnesses need to read the will?
No. They must know that the document is a will, but they do not need to know its contents.
Can I exclude my children completely?
Swedish descendants have forced-share protection. How a will interacts with those rights depends on the circumstances and on whether the descendant requests adjustment within the applicable statutory period.
Does a cohabitant inherit automatically in Sweden?
No. A cohabitant does not have a general statutory inheritance right after the other cohabitant. Other property-law and estate rules can still affect the overall financial outcome.
Can I use the template if I have foreign assets?
The document can be a starting point, but cross-border estates can raise applicable-law, jurisdiction, registration and tax questions that should be reviewed separately.
This package is a general documentation aid under Swedish law and does not replace individual legal advice. A will must be appropriate for the testator's circumstances and executed in accordance with applicable formal requirements.
