Bringing Pets to Sweden — Rules and Requirements
EU pet passport, rabies vaccination, microchip, and Jordbruksverket rules for bringing dogs and cats to Sweden as an expat.
2 min read · Written in English for expats in Sweden
Sweden allows dogs, cats, and ferrets from EU countries with relatively straightforward rules. From non-EU countries, requirements are stricter. Plan at least 3–4 months before travel if coming from outside the EU.
EU/EEA pets (dogs, cats, ferrets)
Your pet needs:
- Microchip (ISO 11784/11785) — before rabies vaccination.
- Valid rabies vaccination — at least 21 days before entry (first vaccine).
- EU pet passport — issued by an authorised vet in your home country.
- Tapeworm treatment (dogs only) — 1–5 days before entry if from certain countries (e.g. UK, Ireland, Finland).
No quarantine for standard EU moves if documents are correct.
Non-EU pets
Requirements vary by country. Typically:
- Rabies antibody test (titration) — blood test 30 days after vaccination, then wait 3 months.
- Import permit from Jordbruksverket (Swedish Board of Agriculture).
- Registered entry through designated border posts in some cases.
Check jordbruksverket.se for your origin country — rules change.
Other animals
Birds, rabbits, reptiles, and horses have separate rules. Some species require CITES permits. Do not assume cat/dog rules apply.
Renting with pets in Sweden
Swedish rental law is pet-friendly by default — landlords cannot ban pets without specific lease clauses. In practice:
- Second-hand contracts sometimes restrict pets.
- Hemförsäkring (home insurance) should cover pet liability.
- Mention pets early when viewing apartments.
See our apartment guide for housing tips.
Practical arrival checklist
- [ ] Book pet-friendly housing before arrival
- [ ] Register with a local vet within the first weeks
- [ ] Update microchip registry with your Swedish address
- [ ] Buy a hundmärke (dog tag) if required by your municipality
Costs to budget
- Vet visits and vaccinations before travel — 1 000 – 3 000 SEK
- Airline pet fee (in cabin or cargo) — varies widely
- Pet deposit on rental — sometimes one extra month
Moving with a pet adds paperwork, but Sweden is one of the easier EU destinations if you prepare early.
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