Debt Collection Operations

Those who collect debts on behalf of others (agency debt collection) or debts that have been taken over for collection generally require a permit from the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen) to conduct debt collection operations. This applies to both legal entities (companies and organizations) and natural persons with or without business names.

No permit is required for own debt collection (own claims), group debt collection (claims within own group), or for those who already have a permit and are under supervision by Finansinspektionen. Lawyers and employees at law firms may also collect debts without a permit.

Requirements

  • Permit requirement: Agency debt collection and taking over claims for collection require a permit
  • Exemptions: Own debt collection, group debt collection, licensed financial companies, lawyers
  • Assessment: Operations must be conducted in an expert and prudent manner
  • Documentation: Descriptions of operations, merit documents and certificates according to Finansinspektionen requirements

Procedure

  • Application: Submitted to Finansinspektionen
  • Content: According to Finansinspektionen application forms and instructions
  • Assessment: Finansinspektionen examines business description, merit documents and certificates
  • Supervision: Finansinspektionen supervises permit holders