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When you purchase something from a company, the company can demand payment for three years. After three years, the debt becomes statute-barred. The company can no longer require you to pay the debt. However, sometimes the company may get more time. Therefore, do not assume that your debt will become statute-barred.
Translated page: This text has been translated from Swedish. The text and appearance of the page may look different from the original page.
Time limit for debts – keep this in mind
Do not assume that your debt will become statute barred. The company may have more time to require payment from you.
If you do not agree with the debt, dispute it with the company.
More about limitation periods for debts
A limitation period is the length of time during which the organisation you owe money to can require you to pay a debt. When that period expires, the debt becomes statute-barred.
The general rule is that a debt becomes statute barred after 10 years. However, if you are a private individual who has bought goods or services from a company, the limitation period is instead 3 years. This means that the company can require payment from you for up to 3 years. The period is calculated from the final payment due date.
How long is the limitation period for a debt?
The limitation period depends on the type of debt and who you owe money to.
Examples of limitation periods:
Goods and services purchased from a company: 3 years
Bank loans: 10 years
Fines: 5 years
Taxes: 5 years
Bills and credit card debts: 3 years
Debts owed to the municipality: 3 or 10 years, depending on the type of debt
In some cases, a limitation period can be extended. A new limitation period begins if there is an interruption during the limitation period. This gives the company more time to require payment, and you remain liable for the debt.
An interruption of the limitation period can occur, for example, if:
the company sends reminders during the limitation period
you ask for an instalment plan
the company is forwarding the case to the Swedish Enforcement Authority
you inform the company that you will pay.
Has a company told you that you must pay a debt that you believe is statute barred? Write to the company and explain why. You can always dispute a claim that you believe is incorrect.
If the company can prove that it sent reminders during the limitation period, the limitation period for the debt is extended and you are still required to pay.
Help with debts
Contact the budget and debt counselling service in your municipality if you need help with your finances. The service is free of charge.
A budget and debt counsellor can help you get an overview of your finances and provide practical advice if you have debts. You can also get help applying for debt restructuring.
