Exchange Foreign Driving Licence in Sweden
Can you exchange your foreign driving licence for a Swedish one? This detailed guide explains which countries qualify, the stricter rules introduced on 1 May 2026, the documents and fees you may need, how to apply to Transportstyrelsen, and what to do if your licence cannot be exchanged directly.
Can I Exchange My Foreign Driving Licence in Sweden?
The answer depends mainly on the issuing country, where the licence originally came from and whether you are permanently resident in Sweden.
Sweden normally allows an exchange of a valid driving licence issued by another EEA country. It may also allow an exchange of a licence issued by the United Kingdom, the Faroe Islands, Switzerland or Japan under special conditions. Driving licences issued directly by other non-EEA countries—such as Turkey, the United States, Canada, Australia, India, China, Iran, Iraq, Syria or Albania—cannot normally be exchanged directly for a Swedish licence.
Licence issued in an EEA country
You generally need a valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. The 2026 origin rules are important if the EEA licence was obtained by exchanging a licence from outside the EEA.
Read the EU/EEA licence guideUK, Faroe Islands, Switzerland or Japan
An exchange may be possible if you are permanently resident in Sweden, the licence is valid and you meet Swedish personal and medical requirements.
See the special-country documentsOther non-EEA countries
There is normally no direct exchange. You usually need to obtain a Swedish licence through the ordinary learner’s permit, risk training, theory test and driving test route.
Read the non-EU licence guideImportant 2026 Rule: An EEA Licence May Still Be Refused
From 1 May 2026, Sweden introduced stricter checks for EEA licences that originally came from a non-EEA country.
Having an EEA card is no longer always enough
Suppose your original licence was issued in a non-EEA country and was later exchanged for a Romanian, Polish, German, Spanish or other EEA licence. Transportstyrelsen may refuse the Swedish exchange unless at least one of the official conditions below is satisfied.
Country Checker: Can Your Driving Licence Be Exchanged?
Search by country name. The table covers every foreign EEA country, the four special exchange countries and many of the most common non-EEA licences used in Sweden.
| Country | Licence group | Direct exchange? | Main condition | Recommended next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Belgium | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Bulgaria | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Croatia | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Cyprus | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Czechia (Czech Republic) | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Denmark | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Estonia | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Finland | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| France | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Germany | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Greece | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Hungary | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Iceland | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Ireland | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Italy | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Latvia | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Liechtenstein | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Lithuania | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Luxembourg | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Malta | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Netherlands | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Norway | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Poland | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Portugal | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Romania | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Slovakia | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Slovenia | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| Spain | EEA | Usually yes | Valid licence and permanent residence in Sweden. If the EEA licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the stricter rules effective 1 May 2026 must also be met. | Use form TS8079 and send the original licence to Transportstyrelsen. |
| United Kingdom | Special non-EEA | Possible | UK or Faroe licences are not subject to the standard one-year residence limit, but exchange requirements still apply. You must also meet Swedish personal, medical and permanent-residence requirements. | Prepare the exchange form, medical/eyesight documents and proof that the foreign licence is valid. |
| Faroe Islands | Special non-EEA | Possible | UK or Faroe licences are not subject to the standard one-year residence limit, but exchange requirements still apply. You must also meet Swedish personal, medical and permanent-residence requirements. | Prepare the exchange form, medical/eyesight documents and proof that the foreign licence is valid. |
| Switzerland | Special non-EEA | Possible | Apply within one year of Swedish population registration if you need to avoid an interruption in your right to drive. You must also meet Swedish personal, medical and permanent-residence requirements. | Prepare the exchange form, medical/eyesight documents and proof that the foreign licence is valid. |
| Japan | Special non-EEA | Possible | Apply within one year of Swedish population registration if you need to avoid an interruption in your right to drive. You must also meet Swedish personal, medical and permanent-residence requirements. | Prepare the exchange form, medical/eyesight documents and proof that the foreign licence is valid. |
| Turkey | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | Usually no direct exchange. A valid licence is normally usable for one year after Swedish population registration. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| United States | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | Usually no direct exchange. A valid licence is normally usable for one year after Swedish population registration. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Canada | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | Usually no direct exchange. A valid licence is normally usable for one year after Swedish population registration. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Australia | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | Usually no direct exchange. A valid licence is normally usable for one year after Swedish population registration. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| New Zealand | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | Usually no direct exchange. A valid licence is normally usable for one year after Swedish population registration. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| India | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | Usually no direct exchange. A valid licence is normally usable for one year after Swedish population registration. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Pakistan | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | Usually no direct exchange. A valid licence is normally usable for one year after Swedish population registration. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| China | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | Usually no direct exchange. Translation or an IDP may also be needed depending on the licence format. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Hong Kong | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct Swedish exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Taiwan | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct Swedish exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| South Korea | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct Swedish exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Singapore | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct Swedish exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Malaysia | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct Swedish exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Indonesia | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct Swedish exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Philippines | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct Swedish exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Thailand | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct Swedish exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Vietnam | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct Swedish exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Iran | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange. Translation or an IDP may be needed depending on format and language. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Iraq | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Syria | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Afghanistan | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Lebanon | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Jordan | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Israel | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Palestine | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Saudi Arabia | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| United Arab Emirates | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Qatar | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Kuwait | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Oman | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Bahrain | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Albania | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange. A valid licence is normally usable for one year after Swedish population registration. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Serbia | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Kosovo | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| North Macedonia | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Montenegro | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Moldova | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Ukraine | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No standard direct exchange. Separate temporary-protection rules may extend how long a valid Ukrainian licence can be used. | Check the current official Ukraine page and your protection status before relying on the licence. |
| Russia | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Belarus | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Georgia | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Armenia | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Azerbaijan | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Kazakhstan | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Uzbekistan | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Morocco | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Algeria | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Tunisia | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Egypt | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Libya | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Somalia | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Ethiopia | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Eritrea | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Sudan | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| South Africa | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Nigeria | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Ghana | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Kenya | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Brazil | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Mexico | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Argentina | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Chile | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Colombia | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
| Peru | Other non-EEA | No direct exchange | No direct exchange under the ordinary non-EEA rules. | Follow the Swedish category B licence process if you need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid. |
Common Country Questions
These answers cover some of the most frequently searched licence-exchange situations.
Turkey
Normally no. A Turkish category B licence is not one of the non-EEA licences that Sweden exchanges directly. Most holders must obtain a Swedish licence through the ordinary test process.
- The Turkish licence is normally subject to the one-year resident rule.
- Start preparing before the year ends.
- Theory preparation in Turkish
USA, Canada and Australia
Normally no. These licences may be valid temporarily in Sweden, but they are not included in Sweden’s standard direct-exchange list.
- Do not confuse temporary validity with exchange eligibility.
- A Swedish theory and driving test route is normally required.
- See the Swedish licence process
India, Pakistan and China
Normally no. Translation or an International Driving Permit may help prove temporary driving entitlement, but it does not create a right to exchange the licence.
- Check the licence language and format.
- An IDP does not extend the one-year rule.
- Practise Swedish theory questions in English
Albania, Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro
Normally no. These countries are outside the EEA and are not part of Sweden’s special direct-exchange group.
- Most licences are normally subject to the one-year rule.
- An EEA-converted licence is assessed under the stricter 2026 origin rules.
- Theory preparation in Albanian
Ukraine
There is no standard direct exchange route. However, people covered by the EU Temporary Protection Directive may use a valid Ukrainian licence under special validity rules while that protection applies.
- Special validity is not the same as exchange.
- Check your residence permit and current official guidance.
- Official Ukrainian licence information
EU/EEA Countries
Usually yes, if the licence is valid and you are permanently resident in Sweden. If the licence originated from a non-EEA exchange, the 2026 conditions must also be satisfied.
- You normally do not need to exchange a still-valid EEA licence simply to drive in Sweden.
- The original is sent back to the issuing authority after exchange.
- EU/EEA licence guide
Which EEA Countries Qualify?
A foreign licence issued by one of the countries below is generally within the EEA exchange route, subject to validity, residence and the 2026 licence-origin rules.
How to Exchange a Foreign Driving Licence in Sweden
This is the standard application flow. Your exact document requirements depend on whether the licence is from the EEA or from one of the four special non-EEA countries.
Check the issuing country, original licence history, validity and whether Sweden is your permanent residence.
Download or order Ansökan om utbyte av utländskt körkort from Transportstyrelsen.
Prepare your original licence and any required validity certificate, health declaration, eyesight certificate or medical certificate.
Mail the completed application and required original documents to Transportstyrelsen, 701 97 Örebro.
Transportstyrelsen may verify the licence with the issuing authority or request additional evidence.
After approval, visit a Trafikverket driver test office with approved valid identification.
Pay the Transportstyrelsen production fee and the separate Trafikverket photography fee.
The new licence is normally sent by registered post and must be collected in person with valid ID.
Documents You May Need
Do not send the same document package for every country. The special non-EEA route normally requires more evidence than an ordinary EEA exchange.
EEA licence exchange
- Completed form TS8079.
- Your foreign EEA driving licence in original.
- Valid and acceptable identification for the photo/signature stage.
- Evidence about the licence’s original source if it was converted from a non-EEA licence.
- Medical documents may be requested for higher categories such as C or D.
UK, Faroe Islands, Switzerland or Japan
- Completed form TS8079 and the original foreign licence.
- A certificate proving that the foreign licence is valid.
- For AM, A1, A2, A, B or BE: health declaration and eyesight certificate.
- For higher categories: the relevant medical certificate.
- Japan: request the validity certificate through the Japanese Embassy in Stockholm.
- UK, Faroe Islands or Switzerland: obtain the certificate from the authority that issued the licence.
What Does “Permanent Resident in Sweden” Mean?
Permanent residence for driving-licence purposes is not simply the same as holding a particular immigration permit.
Your normal place of residence
Transportstyrelsen generally considers you permanently resident in the country where you live for at least 185 days each calendar year because of personal or professional ties.
Your situation may need individual assessment
Studying in another country or completing a time-limited assignment does not automatically change permanent residence. Check the official definition if your ties are divided between countries.
How Much Does It Cost to Exchange a Driving Licence?
The two standard authority charges below were shown on official pages when this guide was reviewed in July 2026. Always check again before paying.
| Cost | Amount | Paid to | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swedish licence production fee | 375 SEK | Transportstyrelsen | After approval, using the payment information sent with the decision. |
| Photo for foreign licence exchange | 200 SEK | Trafikverket | When your photo and signature are taken at a driver test office. |
| Health, eyesight or medical certificate | Varies | Optician or healthcare provider | When required for your country route or licence category. |
| Validity certificate, translation and postage | Varies | Issuing authority, translator or postal provider | Depending on your licence and supporting documents. |
Can You Drive While the Exchange Application Is Being Processed?
This is one of the most important practical problems because the application normally requires your original foreign licence.
A copy is not a driving licence
Swedish rules require a driver to carry the driving licence when driving a vehicle that requires one. Once you mail the original to Transportstyrelsen, you may be unable to present it during a police check.
Transportstyrelsen recommends keeping a copy and valid ID if you nevertheless drive during an EEA exchange, but the police decide how the situation is handled. A copy does not guarantee that you may drive or that you will avoid a fine.
- Plan the application for a period when you can manage without driving.
- Never assume that a pending application extends an expired one-year period.
- For Switzerland or Japan, make sure Transportstyrelsen receives the application within the first year if uninterrupted driving is essential.
- UK and Faroe licences have a special exception to the standard one-year resident limit, but the licence must still be valid.
What Happens to Your Original Foreign Licence?
You do not normally keep both the Swedish licence and the exchanged foreign licence.
EEA, UK, Faroe Islands and Switzerland
After the Swedish licence is issued, the foreign licence is normally returned to the authority that issued it. It is not normally returned to you for continued use.
Japan
A Japanese licence exchanged in Sweden is sent to the Japanese Embassy in Stockholm according to the official special-country procedure.
What If Your Foreign Licence Cannot Be Exchanged?
You normally need to obtain a Swedish category B licence through the ordinary process. Previous driving experience can still make your practical training easier, but it does not replace Swedish legal requirements.
Submit the Group 1 application and complete the required eyesight check.
Learn Swedish traffic rules, signs, safety, risk awareness and environmental driving.
Both parts of the compulsory risk training are required for category B.
Pass the category B theory test and driving test through Trafikverket.
Related Guides on Engelskakorkort.se
Use these pages to understand foreign licence validity and prepare for a Swedish licence if direct exchange is not possible.
Official Swedish Sources
Use the official authority pages below before sending original documents, paying fees or relying on a right to drive.
Exchange Foreign Driving Licence in Sweden: FAQ
Direct answers to high-intent Google and AI search questions.
Which foreign driving licences can be exchanged in Sweden?
Sweden normally exchanges valid licences from other EEA countries. Under special conditions, licences issued by the United Kingdom, the Faroe Islands, Switzerland or Japan may also be exchanged. Other licences issued directly outside the EEA cannot normally be exchanged.
Can I exchange a Turkish driving licence in Sweden?
Normally no. Turkey is outside the EEA and is not one of Sweden’s four special non-EEA exchange countries. Most Turkish licence holders who need to continue driving after the foreign licence stops being valid must obtain a Swedish licence through the ordinary process.
Can I exchange a US, Canadian or Australian licence in Sweden?
Normally no. These licences can generally be used only temporarily under the non-EEA validity rules and are not included in Sweden’s direct exchange list.
Do I have to exchange a valid EU/EEA licence?
Usually not simply to keep driving. A valid EEA licence normally remains valid in Sweden while it remains valid in the issuing country. Exchange may become useful or necessary when the licence expires, is lost, damaged or needs to be administered in your country of permanent residence.
What changed on 1 May 2026?
Sweden introduced stricter rules for EEA licences that originated from an exchange of a non-EEA licence. The holder must satisfy at least one of three conditions involving five years of EEA licence history, an original licence from one of Sweden’s special exchange countries, or passing approved tests in an EEA state.
Can I exchange an expired foreign driving licence?
Transportstyrelsen’s FAQ says you may still submit an exchange application for an expired licence. In some cases, you may need to supplement the application with a learner’s permit so expired categories can be assessed. Do not assume approval is automatic.
Do I need a Swedish theory test or driving test for an eligible exchange?
The ordinary exchange route is normally administrative and does not normally require a new Swedish theory or driving test. If your licence is not eligible for exchange, you generally need to follow the Swedish licensing process and pass the required tests.
How much does a foreign driving licence exchange cost?
When reviewed in July 2026, the official production fee was 375 SEK and Trafikverket listed a 200 SEK photography fee for exchanging a foreign licence. Medical certificates, eyesight checks, translations, validity certificates and postage can add extra costs.
Can I drive while Transportstyrelsen has my original licence?
You are required to carry your driving licence when driving. A copy and valid ID may be useful, but a copy is not the original licence and does not guarantee that you may drive without consequences. The police decide how an individual roadside check is handled.
What happens to my old foreign licence?
It is normally returned to the issuing authority after the Swedish licence is produced. A Japanese licence is sent to the Japanese Embassy in Stockholm under the official special-country process.
How long does the exchange process take?
There is no single reliable processing time for every case. Verification with a foreign authority, missing documents, medical requirements or questions about the licence’s origin can make the process longer. Apply early and avoid relying on an estimated completion date.
Where do I send the application?
The official exchange application and required original documents are sent to Transportstyrelsen, 701 97 Örebro, Sweden. Always verify the address on the current form before posting.
Cannot Exchange Your Licence? Prepare for the Swedish Test in English
If your country is not eligible for direct exchange, start before your foreign licence expires in Sweden. Study the full theory book, learn Swedish road signs and practise explained questions in English.
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