Is Your Foreign Driving Licence Valid in Sweden?
Moving to Sweden with a driving licence from another country? This guide explains whether your licence is valid, how long you can drive, when you need a Swedish licence, and what applies to Turkish, Iranian, Iraqi, Syrian, Somali, Ukrainian, Chinese, Indian, British, Swiss, Japanese and EU driving licences in Sweden.
Quick Answer: Can You Drive in Sweden With a Foreign Licence?
The most important question is where your licence was issued. EU/EEA licences and non-EEA licences follow different rules.
EU/EEA driving licences
A driving licence issued in an EU/EEA country is normally valid in Sweden as long as it is valid in the country where it was issued.
Examples include France, Germany, Poland, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Spain, Italy, Romania and the Netherlands.
Most non-EEA driving licences
A driving licence from most countries outside the EEA is normally valid in Sweden for one year from the date you became registered as a resident.
This often applies to Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, China, India, Thailand, USA, Canada and Australia.
UK, Faroe Islands, Switzerland and Japan
A licence from the United Kingdom, the Faroe Islands, Switzerland or Japan may be exchanged for a Swedish licence under certain conditions.
Always check the official rules before you apply or continue driving long term.
Country-by-Country Answers
These are the questions many people search for before moving to Sweden or after becoming registered here. Choose your country below.
Is My Country’s Driving Licence Valid in Sweden?
Below you will find clear answers for the most relevant immigrant, expat and international driver groups in Sweden.
Turkish Driving Licence in Sweden
Yes. A valid Turkish driving licence is normally valid in Sweden for one year after you become registered as a resident. After that, most Turkish licence holders need to obtain a Swedish driving licence.
- Turkey is outside the EEA.
- Direct exchange is normally not possible for a category B licence.
- Turkish preparation: ehliyetsinavi.se
Iranian Driving Licence in Sweden
Yes. A valid Iranian driving licence is normally valid in Sweden for one year after Swedish residence registration. Translation or an International Driving Permit may be needed depending on the licence format and language.
- Iran is outside the EEA.
- Check translation and ID requirements before driving.
- Persian preparation: persiskakorkort.se
Iraqi Driving Licence in Sweden
Yes. A valid Iraqi driving licence can normally be used in Sweden for one year after you become registered as a resident. After one year, most drivers need to take the Swedish driving licence process.
- Iraq is outside the EEA.
- Translation or IDP may be needed.
- Arabic preparation: arabiskakorkort.se
Syrian Driving Licence in Sweden
A valid Syrian driving licence is normally valid in Sweden for one year from your Swedish residence registration date. After that, you usually need a Swedish driving licence.
- Syria is outside the EEA.
- Translation or IDP may be needed.
- Arabic preparation: arabiskakorkort.se
Somali Driving Licence in Sweden
A valid Somali driving licence is normally valid in Sweden for one year after Swedish residence registration. After one year, most drivers need a Swedish driving licence.
- Somalia is outside the EEA.
- Make sure the licence can be verified.
- Somali preparation: somaliskakorkort.se
Ukrainian Driving Licence in Sweden
A Ukrainian driving licence is normally valid for one year after you have been registered as a resident in Sweden. Because Ukraine has had special temporary-protection-related rules, always check the official page before driving.
- Usually valid for one year after registration.
- Special conditions may apply in some situations.
- Official Ukraine licence rules
Chinese Driving Licence in Sweden
A valid Chinese driving licence is normally valid in Sweden for one year after Swedish residence registration. Because of language and format, translation or an International Driving Permit may be important.
- China is outside the EEA.
- Translation or IDP may be needed.
- English preparation: theory questions
Indian Driving Licence in Sweden
Yes. A valid Indian driving licence is normally valid in Sweden for one year after Swedish residence registration. If the licence is in English and includes a photo, it may be easier to verify, but the one-year rule still applies.
- India is outside the EEA.
- Check photo, ID and translation requirements.
- English preparation: English theory book
Thai Driving Licence in Sweden
A valid Thai driving licence is normally valid in Sweden for one year after Swedish residence registration. Translation or an International Driving Permit may be needed depending on the licence format.
- Thailand is outside the EEA.
- Translation or IDP may be needed.
- Start preparing early if you need a Swedish licence.
Afghan Driving Licence in Sweden
A valid Afghan driving licence is normally treated as a non-EEA licence. It can usually be used for one year after Swedish residence registration, if the licence is valid and can be verified.
- Afghanistan is outside the EEA.
- Translation or IDP may be needed.
- Persian/Farsi preparation: persiskakorkort.se
Pakistani Driving Licence in Sweden
A valid Pakistani driving licence is normally valid in Sweden for one year after residence registration. After that, most drivers need to obtain a Swedish driving licence.
- Pakistan is outside the EEA.
- Check language, photo and ID requirements.
- English preparation: practice theory questions
Albanian Driving Licence in Sweden
A valid Albanian driving licence is normally valid in Sweden for one year after Swedish residence registration. Albania is outside the EEA, so most drivers need a Swedish licence after that period.
- Usually valid for one year.
- Normally not exchanged directly.
- Albanian preparation: albanskakorkort.se
Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro
Valid licences from many non-EEA Balkan countries are normally valid in Sweden for one year after Swedish residence registration. After one year, most drivers need a Swedish driving licence.
- Usually valid for one year.
- BKS is available as a theory test language.
- English preparation is available at engelskakorkort.se.
United Kingdom Driving Licence in Sweden
A UK driving licence may be exchanged for a Swedish licence under certain conditions. If you live in Sweden and have a UK licence, check the official Transportstyrelsen rules before driving long term or applying for exchange.
- Special exchange rules may apply.
- Do not assume the same rule as EU/EEA licences.
- Check official requirements before applying.
Swiss Driving Licence in Sweden
Switzerland is outside the EEA, but a Swiss driving licence may be exchanged for a Swedish licence under certain conditions. Apply early if you need to keep driving without interruption.
- Exchange may be possible.
- Permanent residence requirements may apply.
- Check official Transportstyrelsen rules.
Japanese Driving Licence in Sweden
A Japanese driving licence may be exchanged for a Swedish licence under certain conditions. If you plan to live in Sweden, check exchange requirements early.
- Exchange may be possible.
- Medical and residence requirements may apply.
- Apply before your situation becomes urgent.
USA, Canada and Australia
Valid driving licences from the USA, Canada and Australia are normally valid in Sweden for one year after Swedish residence registration. After that, most drivers need a Swedish licence.
- Usually valid for one year.
- An IDP may help when the licence format is unclear.
- Prepare for the Swedish test in English.
EU/EEA Driving Licences in Sweden
Yes. A driving licence from an EU/EEA country is normally valid in Sweden as long as it is valid in the issuing country. This includes France, Germany, Poland, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Spain, Italy, Romania and many others.
- Normally valid in Sweden.
- Can usually be exchanged if you are permanently resident.
- No need to focus too much on EU/EEA if the licence is still valid.
The Main Rules for Foreign Driving Licences in Sweden
This table gives a practical overview of the main Swedish rules. Always confirm your personal situation with the official authority.
| Licence type | Can you drive in Sweden? | Can you exchange it? | Examples | Recommended next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA licence | Normally yes, as long as the licence is valid in the issuing country. | Usually yes, if you are permanently resident in Sweden and meet the requirements. | France, Germany, Poland, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Spain, Italy, Romania | Keep your licence valid. Exchange only if needed or preferred. |
| Most non-EEA licences | Normally valid for one year from the date you became registered as a resident in Sweden. | Usually no direct exchange for a Swedish category B licence. | Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, China, India, Thailand, USA, Canada, Australia | Start preparing for the Swedish theory test before the one-year period ends. |
| UK, Faroe Islands, Switzerland and Japan | Special rules may apply. | Exchange may be possible under certain conditions. | United Kingdom, Faroe Islands, Switzerland, Japan | Check Transportstyrelsen before applying or driving long term. |
| Ukraine | Normally one year after registration, but special temporary-protection-related rules may apply. | Check official current information. | Ukraine | Use the official Ukraine information page before making decisions. |
Do You Need a Translation or International Driving Permit?
Some foreign licences are only accepted if Swedish authorities can understand and verify them. This is especially important if the licence is not written in a commonly accepted language or does not have a clear photo.
When a translation may be needed
You may need an authorised translation if the licence language or format is not accepted. Translation can help Swedish authorities understand the licence categories, validity dates and holder information.
- Check the licence language and format.
- Use an authorised translator when required.
- If the licence has no photograph, carry valid photo ID.
An IDP does not replace Swedish rules
An International Driving Permit may help explain your foreign licence, but it does not normally extend the one-year validity period for most non-EEA licences in Sweden.
- IDP supports your foreign licence.
- It does not replace a Swedish licence.
- It does not remove the one-year rule.
What Should You Do Before the One-Year Period Ends?
If your licence is from a non-EEA country, do not wait until the last month. Start preparing early so you can continue driving legally in Sweden.
The one-year period normally starts from the date you became registered as a resident in Sweden.
Make sure your licence can be verified and understood by Swedish authorities.
Learn Swedish traffic rules, signs, safety, risk awareness and environmental driving.
Apply for the required permits and prepare for the theory and driving tests.
Prepare for the Swedish Theory Test in Your Language
If you need a Swedish driving licence, you can prepare in the language that feels easiest for you. We offer study support in several languages through our dedicated websites.
Start in English
Many learners choose English because terms are easier to compare with official information.
View MembershipOfficial Swedish Links You May Need
For rules, applications and official information, always use Swedish authority websites.
Foreign driving licence rules
Official information from Transportstyrelsen about foreign driving licences in Sweden.
Transportstyrelsen: I have a driving licenceNon-EEA exemption
Official information about applying for an exemption from the one-year rule in limited situations.
Transportstyrelsen: non-EEA exemptionUkrainian driving licences
Official information about Ukrainian driving licences in Sweden.
Transportstyrelsen: Ukrainian driving licencesGetting a Swedish licence
Official Trafikverket guide about obtaining a passenger car driving licence in Sweden.
Trafikverket: getting a driving licenceFrequently Asked Questions
Short answers to common Google and AI search questions about foreign driving licences in Sweden.
Can I drive in Sweden with a foreign driving licence?
Yes, but it depends on where the licence was issued. EU/EEA licences are normally valid as long as they are valid in the issuing country. Most non-EEA licences are normally valid for one year after Swedish residence registration.
Is a non-EU driving licence valid in Sweden?
Usually yes, but normally only temporarily. Most non-EEA licences are valid for one year from the date you became registered as a resident in Sweden.
Is a Turkish driving licence valid in Sweden?
Yes. A valid Turkish driving licence is normally valid for one year after you become registered as a resident in Sweden.
Is an Iranian driving licence valid in Sweden?
Yes. A valid Iranian driving licence is normally valid in Sweden for one year after residence registration. Translation or an International Driving Permit may be needed depending on format and language.
Is a Chinese driving licence valid in Sweden?
Yes. A valid Chinese driving licence is normally valid in Sweden for one year after residence registration. Translation or an International Driving Permit may be important.
Can I exchange my foreign driving licence for a Swedish one?
EU/EEA licences can usually be exchanged if you are permanently resident in Sweden and meet the requirements. For non-EEA licences, exchange is generally limited to licences from the United Kingdom, the Faroe Islands, Switzerland and Japan.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Sweden?
You may need an International Driving Permit or authorised translation if your licence language or format is not accepted. However, an IDP does not normally extend the one-year validity period.
When does the one-year period start?
The one-year period normally starts from the date you become registered as a resident in Sweden.
Can I drive while waiting for a Swedish theory test?
Only if your foreign licence is still valid in Sweden and you meet all requirements. Waiting for a test appointment does not normally give you the right to continue driving after the one-year period.
Can I take the Swedish theory test in English?
Yes. The category B theory test can be booked in English. You can prepare with English theory lessons, road signs and practice questions at engelskakorkort.se.
Your Foreign Licence May Be Temporary — Start Preparing Early
If your foreign driving licence is only valid for one year in Sweden, the safest plan is to start preparing for the Swedish theory test before your time runs out. Practise in English with clear explanations, Swedish road signs and realistic theory questions.