Age of majority in Sweden (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: In Sweden adulthood begins at 18, which is also the voting age for the Riksdag and the minimum age to marry. No penalty may be imposed for offences committed before 15, with a narrow exception at 14. A change in the criminal law text takes effect on 10 September 2031.

RuleWhat applies
Age of majorityLegal adulthoodA person under 18 (a "underårig") is a minor ("omyndig"). Adulthood therefore begins at 18. [1]
Voting age (national elections)Legal adulthoodEvery Swedish citizen who is or has been resident in Sweden and has turned 18 may vote in Riksdag elections. [2]
Minimum age to marryLegal adulthoodA person under 18 may not marry. [3]
Age of criminal responsibilityLegal adulthoodNo penalty may be imposed for an offence committed before the age of 15. For an offence committed at 14, a penalty may still be imposed if the offence carries a sentence of at least four years' imprisonment, or if it is an attempt, preparation or conspiracy to commit such an offence. [4]

Notes

  • The text read has a version that ceases to apply on 10 September 2031 (with the exception for 14-year-olds) and a version that takes effect on that date (Lag 2026:1555) with only the rule for under 15.

Sources

  1. Riksdagen (Svensk författningssamling): Föräldrabalk (1949:381) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. Riksdagen (Svensk författningssamling): Kungörelse (1974:152) om beslutad ny regeringsform (Regeringsformen) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  3. Riksdagen (Svensk författningssamling): Äktenskapsbalk (1987:230) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  4. Riksdagen (Svensk författningssamling): Brottsbalk (1962:700) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.