Do you have a driving licence from a non EEA country and plan to stay in Sweden for a limited period but more than one year?

If you have a driving licence from a non-EEA country, the driving licence will cease to be valid in Sweden when you have been a registered resident here for more than one year. The Swedish Transport Agency can grant an exemption from this rule, in which case your driving licence will continue to be valid. But we can only grant an exemption if you plan to stay in Sweden for a limited period of time and if the exemption does not involve any risks to road safety.

Find out below

in what situations we can grant an exemption
how to apply for an exemption.

I have a coordination number – what should I do?

If you have a coordination number you are not yet a registered resident. This means that you may still use your foreign driving licence in Sweden.

In what situations can we grant an exemption?

We may grant an exemption from this rule if, for example, you study here temporarily or if you have a time-limited job.

Please note:

Even if you have a residence permit or a work permit, we cannot guarantee that you will be granted an exemption. It is the purpose of your residence in Sweden and how long you are going to stay, that will determine if we can grant you an exemption or not.
We cannot grant you an exemption on the basis of the Swedish COVID-19 situation or because you have difficulties getting an appointment to do the driving test or similar.

When can I apply for an exemption?

You can apply for an exemption any time, but we recommend that you do it a few months before the end of your first year as a registered resident in Sweden.

How do I apply for an exemption and what do I need to include in my application?

Personal identity number, name, address and contact details.
A description of the purpose of your residence in Sweden and information about how long you are planning to stay.
A copy of the foreign driving licence. If the driving licence is not in English, German, French, Swedish, Norwegian or Danish, you need to send in a certified translation of the driving licence, or an international driving permit (IDP).
A certificate showing that you are currently studying and the total period of time you are going to study in Sweden. Please note that a record showing the courses you are registered on doesn’t count as a certificate in this particular situation.
A copy of your Swedish residence permit.

I work in Sweden – what do I need to include in my application?

Personal identity number, name, address and contact details.
A description of the purpose of your residence in Sweden and information about how long you are planning to stay.
A copy of the foreign driving licence. If the driving licence is not in English, German, French, Swedish, Norwegian or Danish, you need to send in a certified translation of the driving licence, or an international driving permit (IDP).

A certificate of employment or a copy of the employment agreement, showing the total period of time you are going to work in Sweden.

A copy of your Swedish residence permit.

I am accompanying someone who is studying or working temporarily in Sweden – what do I need to include in my application?

Your personal identity number, name, address and contact details.
Information about the person you have accompanied to Sweden.
A description of the purpose of your residence in Sweden, and information about how long the two of you are planning to stay.
A copy of the foreign driving licence. If the driving licence is not in English, German, French, Swedish, Norwegian or Danish, you need to send in a certified translation of the driving licence, or an international driving permit (IDP).
A certificate showing that the person you are accompanying is currently working or studying and the total period of time he or she is going to work or study in Sweden. Please note that a record showing the courses he or she is registered on doesn’t count as a certificate in this particular situation.
A copy of your own Swedish residence permit, and a copy of the residence permit of the person you are accompanying.

Do I need a Swedish learner’s permit (a permit to practice driving) to apply for an exemption?

No, you don’t.

How long will it take before I get a response to my application?

It will normally take somewhere between 8 and 12 weeks before you get a response. During certain periods of the year, for example May to August, it may take longer.

Are you satisfied with the information on this page?

Thank you for giving us feedback!