UC & Credit Reports
What does it mean?
Credit reports are a central part of the housing search in Sweden. The two largest credit reporting agencies are UC (Upplysningscentralen) and Creditsafe. When you search for housing, the landlord often requests that you present a credit report showing your financial history — income, debts, payment defaults, and any cases with the Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden).
A payment default (betalningsanmärkning) stays on record for three years and can severely hinder your housing search. Most landlords reject applicants with active payment defaults. As a newcomer, you often have a thin or nonexistent credit history in Sweden, which is not negative in itself but may require supplementary documentation such as employer certificates and pay slips.
Key Points
- UC and Creditsafe are the most common credit reporting agencies in Sweden
- Shows income, debts, payment defaults, and Enforcement Authority cases
- Payment defaults are visible for 3 years and significantly hinder housing search
- Newcomers often lack Swedish credit history — not negative but requires supplementation
- You can order your own credit report free once a year via minuc.se
Practical Tip
Order your credit report via minuc.se (free once a year) before you start searching for housing — then you know what the landlord sees. No Swedish credit history? Supplement with pay slips, employment certificate, and bank statements. On Bofrid, you can upload your UC report directly to your profile.
Based on content from Bofrid's Knowledge Bank