Process Recipient vs Process Server – What's the Difference?
Many confuse a process recipient (delgivningsmottagare) with a process server (delgivningsman). Here we explain the difference and which one your business actually needs.
Two terms that sound alike – but mean very different things
In Swedish law there are two roles that are easy to mix up: delgivningsmottagare (process recipient) and delgivningsman (process server). They sound similar, but they do completely different things, are appointed in different ways and apply in different situations.
Below I explain both, compare them side by side and help you figure out which one is relevant for you. In most company-related cases – especially for foreign-led Swedish companies – the answer is a särskild delgivningsmottagare.
Delgivningsmottagare
A person who receives legal documents on behalf of someone else – typically a company. The role is about being a reachable Swedish address for service of process. A särskild delgivningsmottagare is a specific version registered with Bolagsverket for companies whose board is based abroad.
Delgivningsman
A person appointed by a court or authority to physically deliver documents to an individual – for example a summons or a decision. The delgivningsman is the one doing the delivery; the recipient is whoever the documents are intended for.
Comparison
| Aspect | Delgivningsmottagare | Delgivningsman |
|---|---|---|
| What they do | Receive documents on behalf of a company | Physically deliver documents to a person |
| Who appoints them | The company (registered with Bolagsverket) | Court or authority |
| Who hires/needs them | Companies with a board residing abroad | Courts, the Enforcement Authority, public agencies |
| Typical cost | From 1 000 SEK/month | Paid by the authority – not by the recipient |
| Legal basis | Swedish Companies Act (Aktiebolagslagen) | Service of Process Act (Delgivningslagen) |
What is a särskild delgivningsmottagare?
A särskild delgivningsmottagare is a person resident in Sweden who is registered with Bolagsverket to receive legal documents on behalf of a Swedish company. The requirement applies when none of the board members, the CEO or an authorised signatory live in Sweden.
The role is purely a receiving role – the person does not represent the company, does not sign on its behalf and has no decision-making power. The job is to forward what arrives to the right person in the company within a reasonable time.
What is a delgivningsman?
A delgivningsman (sometimes called stämningsman) is appointed by a court or public authority and acts as the actual messenger – the person who locates an individual and hands over documents in a way the law accepts as valid service.
You don't hire a delgivningsman yourself – the authority sends one if regular service by mail fails. Their role is operational, not representative, and they have no connection to the company being served.
Which one do you actually need?
- Running a Swedish company with a board abroad? You need a särskild delgivningsmottagare.
- Are you a private individual being served by a court? Then a delgivningsman may come to you – you don't need to arrange anything.
- Looking for an accepted Swedish receiving address for company mail and legal documents? That's a delgivningsmottagare, not a delgivningsman.
Need a särskild delgivningsmottagare?
I act as a registered special service recipient from 1 000 SEK/month. Filed with Bolagsverket within one business day of paid invoice and personal handling of every document.
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Read more about Responsibilities of a Special Service RecipientOfficial Sources
For official regulations and requirements, please refer to these Swedish government agencies: