Drone regulations in Sweden

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.

Is registration necessary? Registration is mandatory for all drone operators, unless the drone weighs less than 250 grams and is NOT equipped with sensors to collect personal data (e.g. camera, microphone). Drones that fall under the EU Toys Directive are also exempt. The registration is recognized in all countries that have also introduced the EU Drone Regulation.
LabelsAll drones must be visibly marked with the individual registration number (e-ID). If available, the number must also be loaded into the drones remote identification system. More info on drone badges
Drone licence:Depending on the category, pilots must take exams to obtain the EU drone licence. These are recognised in all countries that have also introduced the EU Drone Regulation.
Differentiation by category: Open Category (with three subcategories), Specific Category and Certified Category; no distinction between private and commercial pilots.
Maximum Altitude:120 Meter in uncontrolled airspace in Open Category.
Keep distance to airports
Respect the privacy of other people

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.

Is drone insurance mandatory? Yes, for commercial drone flights. Learn more about drone insurance here.
Minimum age for remote pilots15 years

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!

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About the author

Since January 2015, we travel around the world. In our backpack we carry a camera drone which we use to capture the best places from a bird’s perspective. First we travelled with a DJI Phantom 2. But now we use several drones like the DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ or the DJI Mini 3 Pro. On our blog we share the best tips for you about travelling with a drone. If you have questions about this article or new information, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment!

Discussions

  • Stefan Skare | 09.07.2017

    Hi!

    Please note that on June 20th, 2017, the Swedish Government removed the drone ban, effective Aug 1st, 2017. (https://www.riksdagen.se/sv/dokument-lagar/arende/betankande/kameraovervakningslagen-och-mojligheterna-att_H401JuU31)

  • Mikael Svelander | 06.11.2017

    Hi,

    you need to update regarding Sweden.
    There is now leagal to fly a drone with camera. New law take action from 1st of August 2017.

    There will be new rules from 1st of January 2018. You don’t need permission to start flying, but there will be regulations for which hight you flying on.

    https://transportstyrelsen.se/sv/luftfart/Luftfartyg-och-luftvardighet/Obemannade-luftfartyg-UAS/

    BR,
    Mikael

  • Rolf Rosenquist | 03.01.2018

    Update Sweden: From august 1st 2017 drones with camera is no longer prohibited. The earlier camera law is no longer applicable.

  • Francis Markert | 28.03.2018

    Hi guys,
    Thank you for your support. I updated the article.

  • Mattia | 06.06.2018

    Hello, thanks for your article, I’m a tourist and a YouTuber from Italy, could you confirm that I can fly in line of sight with a DJI Mavic Pro in Stockholm?
    I’ve read the regulation with a translation from Sweden, it seems to be ok… could you please tell me something about it?

  • Lukasz | 21.06.2018

    Hello,

    What about comercial use of drone? I would like to record work on field of my company. Im from Poland. I had insurance which cover Europe and permissions for VLOS and BVLOS operations.

  • Urs Pfister | 27.08.2018

    Does someone have experience with drone video approval in Sweden? I sent a file to Lantmäteriet for approval. How long does it take to get a descision? I actually wait over 10 days. Is this normal?

  • Parul | 15.10.2018

    This is great information, thanks for compiling. Is the permission also needed for uploading on Instagram? I just got a DJI Tello, lightweight so I think I’m well within the rules of the drone weight and height of flying. Just wondering about uploading. Thanks!

    • Francis Markert | 26.10.2018

      You’re welcome 🙂
      As far as I know, you don’t need permission for your Tello drone.

  • Emmett | 02.01.2019

    I have recently purchased a DJI Mavic Air. So from what I read so far I don’t need to get a permission to fly, BUT there is a drone fly zone chart that I have been informed by a friend here https://daim.lfv.se/echarts/dronechart/.
    The thing is in the chart it says for example for Umea region, I cannot fly any drone in a 5 km radius distance to the runway which unfortunately covers all the old and interesting part of the city in Umea, but if I may read the Swedish description properly it says drones with less than 90 km speed and no more than 50 m height can fly in the control zone only. Does this mean that there is no chance to fly any drone in a 5 km radius from a runway at all or there are some exceptions that may apply?

    Would be great to know about your comments.
    Best

  • Rhace | 04.04.2019

    Hey sir. Can i hand carry my DJI Phantom 3 proffesional? luleå to stockholm and stockholm to Peking?
    Thanks

  • Drone | 26.08.2019

    Your post is awesome this will be definitely help us, thanks

  • Jamie | 18.09.2020

    Does someone have experience with drone video approval in Sweden? I sent a file to Lantmäteriet for approval. How long does it take to get a decision? I actually wait over 10 days.

    • Drone Traveller Team | 30.09.2020

      Hi Jamie,
      We do not have any current experience, unfortunately. On its website, Lantmäteriet states that there is a longer processing time than usual due to a high volume of applications. Please keep us updated, as this can help other readers too.

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