kronofogden

Kronofogden, formally the Swedish Enforcement Authority (Kronofogdemyndigheten), is a Swedish government agency under the Ministry of Justice. Its primary role is to ensure that legally enforceable claims are satisfied, including private debts, fines, and public receivables, when other remedies have failed. The agency also enforces court decisions, administrative decisions, and attachments on income or assets, through measures such as wage garnishment and distraint (utmätningsarbete). It can seize and sell assets to satisfy a debt and may arrange payment plans to support debtors in meeting obligations.

Kronofogden provides services to both creditors and debtors. Creditors file enforcement cases with Kronofogden to recover money owed, while debtors can obtain information, request reconsideration or apply for payment arrangements, and access information and guidance on debt problems available through the agency. The authority also helps municipalities and the Swedish Tax Agency collect certain public receivables and oversees enforcement of fines.

The agency operates nationwide through regional offices and a central administration. It is subject to Swedish law, including the Enforcement Act (Utmätningsbalken) and data protection rules, and it works under the oversight of the Ministry of Justice. Kronofogden’s online services provide case status, payment information, and self-service options for both creditors and debtors.

Kronofogden maintains cooperation with international enforcement authorities to handle cross-border debt cases. It does not administer taxes; tax collection is handled by the Swedish Tax Agency.