This guide is informational. Always verify how the rules apply to your specific case.
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What is public action?
A public document is a document held by a public authority that is not exempted under the Act on Publicity and Secrecy. These can be emails, decisions, service notes, protocols, journal entries or audio and video stored by the authority.
Everyone has the right to request public documents. You don't normally have to explain why. Enter the document or case you are referring to, the desired format (usually PDF via email) and your contact details if they need to reach you
.Common searches related to: request for documents, request for public documents, request for public documents and public documents. It is the same basic rule: the principle of publicity in the Freedom of the Press Regulation.
When does an act become public?
Asa rule, a document is general when it is received or drawn up at the authority. Some drafts and working materials may be exempt. If the authority refuses, you must obtain a written decision with legal support so that you
can appeal.- General: decisions, emails to and from the authority, meeting notes kept in the diary, reports of concern received (sometimes masked).
- Often not general right away: clean work drafts that have not been dispatched, some internal memos before they become action.
- Confidentiality: parts can be covered up but should be tried; you should not get a general no without justification.
The principle of public disclosure in practice
Requests can be verbal but are almost always written to gain traceability. Save a copy, request a record number and ask for notification of any fee before handing over.
Update 2026: school, privacy and information sharing
Two changes are particularly important to be aware of when requesting government documents. Firstly, there is a proposal to introduce the principle of public access for individual principals in the school system from 1 January 2027. This may make it easier to request student handouts even at independent schools, with some easing
rules for smaller principals.Secondly, from 1 December 2025, there will be a new non-disclosure provision that will make it easier for authorities to share data with each other in order to prevent crime, improper payments, cheating and regulatory breaches. As data begins to circulate between agencies, it becomes even more important to request the evidence and verify the source of claims
.- School Board: Prop. 2025/26:191
Quick Checklist (60 seconds)
- Identify the case: record number, date, location, case officer.
- Request “all documents” + specify examples (notes, memos, decisions, attachments).
- Ask for a digital copy and ask for information about any fee before disclosure.
- Ask for a written decision if they deny in whole or in part (so you can have it tried).
- Log everything: date, channel, who you contacted, and responses.
Contents
- Police: incident report after check
- Social services: investigation and journal entries
- School: Pupil Act and Action Programme
- Försäkringskassan: decision basis
- Municipalities and councils: decisions and protocols
- Care and medical records
Formulate the request
- Identify the diary number, the meeting date or the title of the case.
- Request digital copy by email for fast delivery.
- For records of when and how you sent the request.
- Please ask for journal entries, meeting invitations and decision documents at the same time.
Manage privacy
The agency must conduct a confidentiality check. Request a written decision in case of refusal and appeal within the specified time (often three weeks). If the authority delays: remind in writing and ask for a formal decision
.Example: different authorities and what you can ask for
Below are examples of common situations in which private individuals want to receive documents. Always customize details (date, location, diary number) according to your own case
.Police: incident report after check
After a traffic check or other contact with the police, you can request an incident report, notes and other documentation.
- What: Event report, service notes, video material or audio if available.
- Who: Registrar of the police authority (via e-service or the authority's specified e-mail address).
- Tip: Enter the date, approximate time, location and, if possible, patrol number or car number.
Template to the police:
pre> Subject: Request for public documents, Event report To the Police Authority, On the basis of the Freedom of the Press Regulation, I would like to request the following public documents: - Event report and documentation relating to the event on [date] circa [time] in [location] where I was stopped by police patrol. - Any service notes, memos or other notes associated with the same event. I would like to receive the documents digitally via email. If parts are subject to confidentiality I would like to receive a written decision with reference to the relevant paragraph. Sincerely, [Name] [Social Security number, optional] [Contact details] /pre >Social services: investigation and journal entries
In the case of an ongoing or completed investigation, you can request journal entries, decision documents and meeting minutes.
- What: Journal notes, decision documents, documents from meetings, received reports of concern (possibly masked).
- Who: The registrar of the social services or the board responsible for the case.
- Tip: Enter the child's name, social security number and diary number if you have one.
Social Services Template:
pre> Subject: Request for public action, Case concerning [name of child] To [name of municipality] social services, On the basis of the Freedom of the Press Ordinance, I would like to request all documentation in the case relating to [child's name, social security number] in the period [from] to [to], including: - Journal entries and decision documents. - Compilations and internal memos. - Received a statement of concern and any comments from the school or other stakeholders. I would like to receive the documents digitally via email. If parts are subject to confidentiality I would like a written decision with reference to the relevant paragraph. Sincerely, [Name] [Relation to the child] [Contact details] /pre >School: student act, action programme and notes
As a guardian, you can request the student's report to see how the school has documented concerns, actions and contacts.
- What: Pupil act, notes from meetings, action plans, action plans, e-mail relating to the student.
- Who: Principal of the school or registrar of the principal.
Template for school:
pre> Subject: Request for public documents, elevakt for [learner's name] To [school name/principal], On the basis of the Freedom of the Press Regulation, I would like to request a student ID and documentation relating to [student's name, social security number], including: - Notes from meetings with guardians. - Action programmes, action plans and investigations. - Internal notes and emails relating to the student's situation. The documents are requested in digital form via e-mail. In case of any confidentiality, please submit a written decision with legal support. Sincerely, [Name] [Contact details] /pre >Försäkringskassan: decision basis
When considering a review or appeal, it is important to see what basis Försäkringskassan has used.
- What: Service notes, internal assessments, doctors' opinions received, decision memos.
- Who: Försäkringskassan via their e-service or registrar.
Template for Försäkringskassan:
pre> Subject: Request for public documents, dossier [entry number] To the Insurance Agency, On the basis of the Freedom of the Press Regulation, I would like to request all documents which: is the basis for decisions in the case [record number], including: - Service notes and internal assessments. - Received medical documents and any supplements. - Decision memos and compilations. The documents are requested in digital form via e-mail. In case of privacy request, I wish a written decision with reference to the applicable law. Sincerely, [Name] [Social Security Number] [Contact details] /pre >Municipalities and councils: decisions and protocols
Municipal decisions, council minutes and official opinions are generally public.
- What: Minutes, decision documents, staff opinions, delegation decisions.
- Who: The registrar of the municipality or the office of the council.
Care and medical records
Patient records are normally requested through the health care provider, but are also general practice in many regions.
- What: Journal entries, sample responses, referrals, care plans.
- Who: Caregiver's medical record service, region's e-service or registrar.
FAQ
What is the difference between public action and public action?
In everyday language, the concepts are used interchangeably. In the text of the law, “public act” is the central concept of extradition
Can I be anonymous?
Yes, as long as you don't require physical mail that requires a name and address.
Does the authority get to charge?
Yes, but only after ten pages in many cases. Request cost notification before you accept
What do I do in case of delay?
Remind in writing, request formal decision and read when the authority does not respond. In the event of a prolonged delay, the JO notification may be up to date
Practical strategies
- Request diary list or diary number first if you do not know what is available.
- Combine “all documents in Case X” with a bulleted list of known documents.
- In case of partial no: appeal the specific confidentiality, not the entire request at once.
For those who read under stress
The guide is meant as support when you already have a lot around your head. You don't have to read everything at once: start with the section that matches where you stand today and come back when the next step becomes relevant
.Affairs with authorities are rarely made better by the fact that you carry everything alone. Ask for help from a support person, lawyer or family member if you can — especially before decisions that
have a long impact.Common mistakes that make the case more difficult
- Trust only verbal promises without brief written acknowledgement or follow-up emails.
- Wait to request documents until the conflict is already locked -- then it will be heavier to show what was said.
- Write so long and emotionally driven that the authority stops answering the factual question.
- Miss deadlines for reconsideration or appeal because the decision was not read verbatim.
Mini-checklist before leaving the guide
- Do I have the date, diary/case number and name of the person handling the case (if you know)?
- Do I know what the next step is: reply, request out, recall, appeal or report?
- Have I saved emails and attachments in a place where I can find them in a week?
Bonus (updated 2026): Privacy and rights against government agencies 2026: what has changed?
