Drone regulations in Sweden

Last update on 29.07.2021 | 16 Kommentare

In this article, we will explain the legal framework for the use of drones in Sweden.

The EU Drone Regulation has been in force in Sweden since December 31, 2020. This has largely harmonized the rules for remote pilots. You only have to register as an operator in one European country and your EU drone license is also recognized across countries.

If you want to register in Sweden, you can do so via this link.

Important: Although many rules in Europe are now standardized, the countries can retain their own rules. In Sweden, for example, there is still an obligation to obtain permission before publishing aerial photographs. We have written down more information on this below.

Overview of the European rules that apply in Sweden

In Sweden, the regulations of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) apply. The following is a summary of the key facts. For a complete overview, read our article on the new EU drone regulation.

National peculiarities in Sweden

Each country can define certain aspects of its drone regulations. For Sweden, the following requirements apply in addition to the European regulations.

Special rules in Sweden: Publication of aerial images

If you want to publish your aerial footage (including YouTube or Facebook), you’ll need permission from the Lantmäteriet. This authority is responsible for protecting geographical data. To obtain approval, you must complete a form and then upload your recordings so the agency can review them. You can find more information about the process here.

Safety distances and flight bans

There must be a distance of at least 5 kilometers to the runways of an airport. This rule applies to airports with a control zone. A distance of 1 kilometer must be maintained around heliports.

If you want to fly in controlled airspace near an airport, you have to ask air traffic control for permission and follow the rules they have given.

Safety distances must always be selected so that no other people, animals or objects are disturbed or endangered.

No Fly Zones can be checked on this map. Also, it is forbidden to use a drone during rescue operations.

Flights in nature conservation areas may require the consent of the nature conservation authority.

Good to know

No liability insurance for drones is required for the private use of drones up to a mass ascent of 20 kg. However, the Swedish Aviation Authority recommends taking out drone insurance. Insurance is mandatory for commercial use. It should comply with the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 785/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of April 21, 2004 .

If you want to fly within a controled zone, you do not need special permission as long as the drone does not fly faster than 90 km/h, not higher than 50 meters above the ground and at a minimum distance of 5 kilometers to the runway of the airport. Around the following military airports, your drone should not be flying higher than 10 meters: Karlsborg, Linköping / Malmen, Linköping / SAAB, Luleå / Kallax, Ronneby, Såtenäs, Uppsala, Vidsel, Visby, Hagschult, and Jokkmokk.

We have researched the drone rules for Sweden listed here to the best of our knowledge. Unfortunately, we can not guarantee the accuracy of the information. If you want to play it safe, contact the Swedish Aviation Authority. Alternatively, you can ask the Swedish Embassy in your country for more information on the regulations. Please leave a comment when you hear news or have your own experiences with your copter in Sweden!