Notarized Document Requirements Sweden: What You Need to Bring

A foreign bank, university or authority has asked you for a “notarized document”. But what exactly does that require in Sweden? The good news is that the process is fast and uncomplicated once you know what to bring. This guide covers the notarized document requirements in Sweden: who is allowed to notarize, which ID documents are accepted, what applies for each document type, and when you also need an Apostille. Quick answer: To get a document notarized in Sweden you visit a Notary Public with the original document and a valid ID (passport, Swedish driving licence or SIS marked ID card). Company signatories also bring a Bolagsverket registration certificate. Most documents are stamped within minutes, and an Apostille can be added in the same visit.  

What Does “Notarized” Mean in Sweden?

A notarized document is one where a Notary Public has officially verified something about it: that a signature is genuine, that a copy matches its original, or that a stated fact is correct. The notarization takes the form of a signed and stamped certificate on the document. Foreign counterparties use different words for the same thing, including “notarised”, “certified by notary”, “attested” and “legalized”, but in Sweden the route is always the same: through a notarius publicus. Read more about document notarization.  

Who Can Notarize a Document in Sweden?

In Sweden, only a Notary Public can notarize documents. Notaries Public are lawyers appointed by the County Administrative Board (Lansstyrelsen) under the Notary Public Ordinance (1982:327). Banks, police stations and municipal offices cannot notarize documents, and since 2005 the Apostille that makes documents valid abroad may likewise only be issued by a Notary Public.  

The Five Basic Requirements

Regardless of document type, these are the requirements to have a document notarized in Sweden:

• A valid ID document. Accepted: a passport, a Swedish driving licence or a Swedish SIS marked ID card. Foreign nationals should bring their passport.
• The original document. Certified copies are made against the original, and Apostilles are issued on documents bearing an official signature and stamp.
• Personal presence, when signatures are witnessed. You sign, or acknowledge your signature, before the Notary Public. Pure Apostille matters do not require a visit and can be handled by post or online.
• Proof of signing authority, for companies. Bring a current registration certificate from the Swedish Companies Registration Office (Bolagsverket) so the notary can verify that you are an authorised signatory.
• An unsigned document, where witnessing is required. Do not sign in advance. The whole point of witnessing is that the notary sees you sign.

 

Which ID Documents Are Accepted?

The Notary Public must be able to establish your identity beyond doubt. Accepted ID documents are a valid passport, a Swedish driving licence and a Swedish SIS marked ID card. Expired documents are not accepted, and neither are photocopies of ID documents. If your name has changed since the document you are notarizing was issued, bring evidence of the name change, for example a population registration extract.  

Requirements by Document Type

 

Passport Copies

The most common notarization. Bring your physical passport. The notary copies it and certifies the copy as a true copy of the original. Frequently combined with an Apostille for foreign banks, property purchases and visa applications. See our certified passport copy service.  

Powers of Attorney

The principal signs in person before the notary with valid ID. If the power of attorney is for use abroad, an Apostille is normally added in the same visit. Read more about witnessing a power of attorney.  

Academic Documents

Degree certificates and transcripts are usually notarized as certified copies, or apostilled directly if issued with an official university stamp and signature. See grade Apostille and degree certificates.  

Company and Trade Documents

Registration certificates, board resolutions, export documents and other trade documents require a verifiable signatory, so bring the Bolagsverket extract. Most corporate documents can be notarized and apostilled the same day, which keeps international deals moving.  

Civil Status Certificates

Swedish marriage certificates, birth certificates and similar official documents already carry an official signature, so they usually go straight to Apostille without prior notarization. See marriage certificate Apostille.  

Notarization, Apostille or Legalization: Which Do You Need?

Which requirement applies depends on where the document will be used:

• Used in Sweden: notarization alone is normally sufficient.
• Used in a Hague Convention country: notarization where needed, plus an Apostille. The 1961 Hague Convention covers more than 120 countries, and no embassy step is required.
• Used outside the convention: full legalization. First the notary, then the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, then the destination country’s embassy.

Always ask the receiving party exactly what they require before you order. Unsure? Our guide to notarization and legalization walks through the options step by step.  

Do Documents Need to Be in Swedish?

No. Documents in English are notarized routinely, and most other languages are no problem either, since the notary certifies signatures, copies and facts rather than the linguistic content. Note, however, that some receiving countries require a certified translation alongside the notarized document. In that case the translation should be made by an authorised translator, and the translation itself can then be apostilled.  

How Long Does Notarization Take?

Usually a few minutes. At our drop-in in Stockholm, Kungsgatan 37, weekdays 09:00 to 16:00, documents are checked, certified and stamped while you wait, with no appointment needed. Postal orders are normally processed the day they arrive and returned by registered mail, and urgent matters can often be prioritised. Living abroad? We also handle Apostille orders from abroad.  

Checklist Before Your Visit

1. Confirm with the receiving party: notarization, Apostille or both, and in which language.
2. Bring the original document, unsigned if the signature is to be witnessed.
3. Bring a valid ID: passport, Swedish driving licence or SIS marked ID card.
4. Signing for a company? Bring a current Bolagsverket registration certificate.
5. Check whether the destination country is a Hague Convention member. We can confirm this for you on the spot.

 

How Apostille24 Can Help

Apostille24 is a licensed Notary Public in Stockholm with full service in English. We notarize passport copies, powers of attorney, company documents and certificates, and issue the Apostille in the same visit. Drop in on weekdays between 09:00 and 16:00, or handle your entire Apostille matter by post or online from anywhere in the world. We work with fixed prices and no hidden fees. Contact us for a free quote if you are unsure what your receiving party requires.  

Related Reading

Related services and guides: what a Notary Public in Sweden does, document notarization, signature witnessing, vidimation (certified copies) and our guide to notarization and legalization.  

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are the requirements to get a document notarized in Sweden?

You need a valid ID (passport, Swedish driving licence or SIS marked ID card), the original document, and personal presence if a signature is to be witnessed. Company signatories also need a current registration certificate from the Swedish Companies Registration Office (Bolagsverket).  

Who can notarize a document in Sweden?

Only a Notary Public (notarius publicus), a lawyer appointed by the County Administrative Board (Lansstyrelsen). Banks, police stations and municipal offices cannot notarize documents in Sweden.  

Can a bank notarize a document in Sweden?

No. Swedish banks cannot notarize documents. Since 2005, only a Notary Public may issue an Apostille, and notarial certifications such as witnessed signatures and certified copies also require a Notary Public.  

Do notarized documents need to be in Swedish?

No. Documents in English are notarized routinely, and other languages are usually no problem, since the notary certifies signatures, copies and facts rather than the content. Some receiving countries additionally require a certified translation by an authorised translator.  

Do I need to book an appointment for notarization?

Not at Apostille24. Use our smooth online service or visit our office: drop-in at Kungsgatan 37 in Stockholm is open on weekdays between 09:00 and 16:00, and most documents are verified, stamped and returned within minutes.  

What ID documents are accepted for notarization in Sweden?

A valid passport, a Swedish driving licence or a Swedish SIS marked ID card. Foreign nationals should bring their passport. Expired documents are not accepted.  

Do I need an Apostille as well as notarization?

If the document will be used in one of the 120 plus Hague Convention countries, almost certainly yes. The Apostille verifies the notary signature and makes the document valid abroad. Both can be issued in the same visit.  

Can I get a document notarized by post or online in Sweden?

Apostille matters can be handled entirely by post or online, including the digital e-Apostille. Services where identity must be verified in person, such as signature witnessing, always require a physical visit with valid ID.  

What does it cost to notarize a document in Sweden?

Notaries Public set fees within their own practice. Apostille24 works with fixed prices per document and service, listed on each service page, and offers a free consultation if you are unsure what you need.  

How long does notarization take in Sweden?

Usually a few minutes. At the Apostille24 drop-in in Stockholm, documents are checked, certified and stamped while you wait. Postal orders are normally processed the day they arrive and returned by registered mail.

Not sure which service your situation calls for? Book a free consultation and we will point you in the right direction.

Planning a move to Sweden? See our complete guide to the documents you need when moving to Sweden.