Drone rules in Sweden

• Max 120 metres above the ground in the open category.
• Line of sight Always keep the drone where you can see it.
• No crowds Never fly over assemblies of people.
• 5 km from airports Closer needs permission from air traffic control.
• Licence from 250 g A criminal offence to fly without one since 1 January 2026.
• Operator ID From 250 g or if the drone has a camera. Mark the drone.
• Age 15 Minimum age to fly on your own.
• Green light at night A clearly visible flashing green light.

Almost all hobby flying happens in the open category, which is low risk and needs no authorisation. Higher-risk flights, such as beyond visual line of sight, belong to the specific category and need an authorisation or a declaration of a standard scenario. The certified category covers the highest-risk operations.

The open category has three subcategories:

• A1 – over people

  Drones: C0, C1 or under 250 g

  Never over assemblies of people. Avoid flying over uninvolved people.

• A2 – close to people

  Drones: C2 (under 4 kg)

  At least 30 m from uninvolved people, 5 m in low-speed mode. Requires A2.

• A3 – far from people

  Drones: C2, C3, C4 or unclassed under 25 kg

  At least 150 m from residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas.

Drones without a class label placed on the market before 1 January 2024 may only be flown in A1 (under 250 g) or A3 (under 25 kg).

A licence is required from 250 grams. You get A1/A3 by passing an online theory test with Transportstyrelsen; A2 is an extra test. Since 1 January 2026, flying without a licence can lead to 30–150 day-fines and, in the most serious cases, up to six months in prison. More about the drone licence.

The person responsible for the drone must register as an operator if it weighs at least 250 grams or has a camera or other sensor. You get an operator ID that must be marked on the drone. Registration costs SEK 190, then SEK 250 a year. How to register.

Extra rules apply near airports, in restricted areas and in some nature areas. Within 5 km of an airport’s runways you need permission from air traffic control, and in the rest of a control zone you may fly below 50 metres without permission. Always check LFV’s drone map before you fly. Where you can fly.

According to Transportstyrelsen, no insurance is required if you only fly drones under 20 kg for leisure, display or recreation. Other flights fall under the insurance requirements of Regulation (EC) No 785/2004.

To share, publish or sell aerial photos or video of Sweden, you need a dissemination permit (spridningstillstånd) from Lantmäteriet. Applying is free. Respect other people’s privacy when you film.