Driving License in Sweden as a Foreigner — What You Need to Know

You can drive in Sweden with many foreign licenses — but only temporarily. Eventually you must exchange or retake the test depending on where your license was issued.

EU/EEA licenses

• Valid in Sweden indefinitely while you are a tourist or short visitor.
• Once folkbokförd (registered) in Sweden, you should exchange at Transportstyrelsen — usually straightforward, no new test.
• Apply within 12 months of becoming registered to avoid complications.

Non-EU licenses

Rules depend on your home country:

| Category | Typical rule | |----------|--------------| | Recognised countries (e.g. Japan, South Korea, some US states) | Exchange without test | | Other countries | Must pass Swedish theory + practical test | | All non-EU | Exchange within 1 year of registration or license becomes invalid |

Check Transportstyrelsen's current list — it is updated periodically.

How to exchange your license

1. Book appointment at Transportstyrelsen or apply online.
2. Bring passport, personnummer, current license, and photo.
3. Pay the fee (approximately 600 SEK).
4. Receive Swedish license by post.

Taking the Swedish driving test

If you must test:

• Riskutbildning (risk education) — mandatory for new drivers.
• Theory test — available in multiple languages at some centres.
• Practical test — driving exam with Trafikverket examiner.
• Budget 15 000 – 30 000 SEK for driving school if you need lessons.

Winter driving reality

Even experienced drivers underestimate Swedish winters:

• Winter tires are legally required December–March (studded or friction).
• Black ice on rural roads is common.
• Many expats take a winter driving course — worth it.

Car ownership costs

• Insurance — mandatory; expensive for new residents (no bonus history).
• Vehicle tax — based on emissions.
• Parking — costly in city centres; permit queues in Stockholm.

Get your personnummer first — you need it for license exchange and insurance registration.