Foreign driving licences in Sweden (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: A valid licence from an EEA country is valid in Sweden, also for residents, until exchanged. A licence from outside the EEA is valid for up to one year of residence, except licences from the United Kingdom and the Faroe Islands. Only licences from the United Kingdom, the Faroe Islands, Switzerland and Japan can be exchanged.

RuleWhat applies
Licence from another EU/EEA state valid for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceYes [1]
EU/EEA licence after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceAn EEA licence is valid in Sweden if it is valid in the home country and has not been exchanged for a Swedish licence; this applies even when the holder is registered as resident in Sweden. Exchange for a Swedish licence is possible for permanent residents under certain conditions. [1]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceValid in Sweden if valid in the issuing country, not exchanged for a Swedish licence and the holder has not been registered as resident in Sweden for more than a year. A licence not issued in line with the Geneva or Vienna road traffic conventions and not in English, German or French needs a certified translation (English, German, French, Swedish, Danish or Norwegian). A licence without a photo is valid only with photo ID. [1]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceA licence from a country outside the EEA stops being valid in Sweden when the holder has been registered as resident in Sweden for more than one year (licences from the United Kingdom and the Faroe Islands excepted). Transportstyrelsen can grant an exception in some cases for a limited stay. Exchange is possible only for licences from the United Kingdom, the Faroe Islands, Switzerland or Japan. [1]
International Driving Permit needed with an EU/EEA licenceUsing a foreign driving licence⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • The rule covers all EEA countries, not only EU member states. Swedish rules still apply in Sweden, for example age limits and withdrawal of a licence.
  • Only licences from the United Kingdom, the Faroe Islands, Switzerland or Japan can be exchanged for a Swedish licence; licences from other non-EEA countries cannot.
  • The page on foreign licences does not mention an international driving permit for licences from EEA countries.

Sources

  1. Transportstyrelsen: Ha utländskt körkort i Sverige (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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