📜 Can I leave everything I own in my will in Sweden?

With conditions

Quick answer

No — you cannot will away everything if you have children. Under the Inheritance Code, direct heirs always have a right to their reserved share (laglott), which is half the inheritance share, and it cannot be willed away. The rest you may distribute freely. A will must be written, signed and witnessed by two people present at the same time (not beneficiaries). If you are married, your spouse inherits first, but stepchildren (särkullbarn) can claim their share immediately. A surviving spouse is guaranteed at least four price base amounts (236,800 kr in 2026) via the base-amount rule. There is no inheritance tax in Sweden.

📋 The rules

Direct heirs' reserved share = half the inheritance, cannot be willed away
Will: written, signed, two witnesses present together
Spouse inherits first, but stepchildren can claim immediately
Base-amount rule: spouse guaranteed 4 price base amounts = 236,800 kr
No inheritance tax in Sweden

🔓 Exceptions

Stepchildren can take their share immediately on death
The base-amount rule overrides the reserved share in small estates
An emergency will (oral/handwritten) is valid but lapses if you live 3 months

⚠️ Penalties & fines

There is no penalty — an invalid will is simply without civil effect. To claim the reserved share the heir must contest the will within 6 months of being served, otherwise the right is lost.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Can I disinherit my children?

No. Children always have a right to their reserved share, which is half of what they would otherwise inherit.

How do I write a valid will?

It must be written, signed by you and witnessed by two people at the same time, who are not beneficiaries.

Does my spouse inherit before the children?

If you are married the spouse inherits first, but joint children inherit later. Stepchildren can claim immediately.

Is there inheritance tax in Sweden?

No. Inheritance and gift tax were abolished in 2004/2005.

What is the base-amount rule?

It guarantees a surviving spouse at least four price base amounts, 236,800 kr in 2026, from the estate.

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