23. Weapons and international radio communication

23.1 Licence to import or possess a weapon

The right to possess weapons, even for protection purposes, is strictly limited in Sweden.

A weapon licence is required to import and/or possess any type of weapon, including firearms, tear gas pistols or other tear gas or pepper spray devices, and weapons must be kept exclusively on the premises of a mission. The licence holder must have the weapon licence with them when carrying the weapon.

Weapon licence applications must be submitted to the Police well in advance of the purchase or import of the weapon. The application form and more information about the application process can be found on the Swedish Police's website.

Swedish Police: Weapon licence and processing times - external website,

All weapons, including essential parts and ammunition, must be stored in secure cabinets tested and approved in accordance with the applicable Swedish standard.

All licence holders are obliged to observe Swedish weapons laws and regulations concerning. Dispatching weapons in a diplomatic bag is not permitted.

If the licence holder intends to take a weapon with them when leaving Sweden, they must submit an application to the Police well in advance. The application form and more information about the application process can be found on the Swedish Police's website. The weapon must also be declared at Swedish Customs upon export.

Swedish Police: Temporary import of firearms to Sweden - external website,

If the licence holder does not intend to take the weapon with them, the weapon must be sold or transferred to a licenced weapons dealer or another person who is authorised to possess the weapon.

For further questions relating to weapons, please contact the Swedish Police.

Licence for hunting or target shooting

Hunting licence applicants must pass a hunters training course. Information on how to apply for a hunting licence can be found on the Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife website. 

Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife: Hunting permits  - external website,

Active membership in a shooting club and a certificate verifying that the applicant is an experienced target shooter are required for a target-shooting licence.

23.2 International radio communication and satellite earth station transmitting licences

A licence is normally required for use of a radio transmitter in accordance with the provisions of the Electronic Communications Act (2022:482). However, certain radio transmitters are exempted from the license obligation. These transmitters are identified in the Regulations (2022:19) on exemptions from the license requirement for certain radio transmitters. Examples include 27 MHz CB radio,  mobile telephones and certain mobile satellite terminals together with small VSAT terminals. No authorisation is required for the use of radio receivers.

The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority is the agency mandated by the Government as the competent authority to issue licences and establish regulations on exemptions from the licence obligation for certain radio transmitters. Application forms can be downloaded from the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority website. 

Swedish Post and Telecom Authority  - external website,

The application form and any subsequent correspondence should be addressed to:
Swedish Post and Telecom Authority
Box 6101
102 32 Stockholm
or via email: [email protected] - opens your email client,.

In case of modification or termination of the use of radio equipment, the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority must be notified. A licence may be revoked in cases of serious misuse or on other objective grounds.