Sweden: permits, calibres and seasons
Sweden is one of the easiest countries in Europe to hunt in as a visitor. You do not need the Swedish hunting exam. You pay the state hunting fee, arrange the hunting right with a landowner, and declare your firearms to customs at the border. EU residents travel on the European Firearms Pass.
At a glance
State hunting fee SEK 400 · customs declaration
What you need
Steps for a visiting hunter. Some depend on where you live. The Trip Planner filters them to your situation and adds deadlines.
Before you leave home
5 steps- Proof of your right to huntConfirm with authority
Your hunting licence from home and proof that you passed the hunting exam. Many destinations base their guest licence on it.
- Firearms licence from your home countryConfirm with authority
Carry the licence for every firearm you take, issued in your own name.
- European Firearms PassOfficial source
Residents of other EU countries bring their firearms on the European Firearms Pass, for hunting stays of up to three months. Carry the pass and proof of the hunt.
- Temporary import permit for your firearmsCheck before travel
Residents outside the EU/EEA cannot use the European Firearms Pass. Apply to the Swedish Police Authority for permission to bring your firearms in temporarily, well before you travel.
- Invitation or hunting agreementConfirm with authority
Written proof of the hunt from your host, outfitter or landowner. Border and police checks ask why you are carrying firearms.
Permits at the destination
3 steps- Pay the Swedish state hunting feeOfficial source
Foreign hunters pay SEK 400 to the hunting registry at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. Visitors do not need to pass the Swedish hunting exam.
- Hunting right from landowner or lease holderOfficial source
Arrange the hunt with whoever holds the hunting right. The right of public access (allemansrätten) does not cover hunting.
- Borrowing a firearm in SwedenCheck before travel
Ask your host how the loan will be arranged and confirm the rules with the Swedish police before you travel.
At the border
1 step- Declare your firearms to Swedish CustomsOfficial source
Notify Swedish Customs when you enter Sweden with firearms, and carry the documents for each firearm.
Ammunition by animal
Source: Sweden · NFS 2023:8, Naturvårdsverket's rules on weapons for hunting (from 1 Aug 2023)
| Animal | Rifle | Shotgun |
|---|---|---|
 | Class 1: expanding bullet, and either ≥ 9 g with E100 ≥ 2 700 J, ≥ 10 g with E100 ≥ 2 000 J, or lead-free ≥ 7.7 g with E100 ≥ 2 000 J. | Shot No Slug No |
 | Class 1: expanding bullet, and either ≥ 9 g with E100 ≥ 2 700 J, ≥ 10 g with E100 ≥ 2 000 J, or lead-free ≥ 7.7 g with E100 ≥ 2 000 J. | Shot No Slug No |
Fallow deerDåhjort | Class 1: expanding bullet, and either ≥ 9 g with E100 ≥ 2 700 J, ≥ 10 g with E100 ≥ 2 000 J, or lead-free ≥ 7.7 g with E100 ≥ 2 000 J. | Shot No Slug YesSlug only from a single-barrel 12, 16 or 20 gauge, by a hunter qualified for class 1 rifle. |
 | Class 1: expanding bullet, and either ≥ 9 g with E100 ≥ 2 700 J, ≥ 10 g with E100 ≥ 2 000 J, or lead-free ≥ 7.7 g with E100 ≥ 2 000 J. | Shot No Slug YesSlug only from a single-barrel 12, 16 or 20 gauge, by a hunter qualified for class 1 rifle. |
MouflonMufflon | Class 1: expanding bullet, and either ≥ 9 g with E100 ≥ 2 700 J, ≥ 10 g with E100 ≥ 2 000 J, or lead-free ≥ 7.7 g with E100 ≥ 2 000 J. | Shot No Slug Yes |
Brown bearBjørn | Class 1: expanding bullet, and either ≥ 9 g with E100 ≥ 2 700 J, ≥ 10 g with E100 ≥ 2 000 J, or lead-free ≥ 7.7 g with E100 ≥ 2 000 J. | Shot No Slug No |
 | Class 2: expanding bullet, at least 3.2 g and E100 at least 800 J. | Shot Yes Slug YesShot no larger than 4.1 mm (US no. 1). |
Eurasian lynxGaupe | Class 2: expanding bullet, at least 3.2 g and E100 at least 800 J. | Shot Yes Slug No |
WolverineJerv | Class 2: expanding bullet, at least 3.2 g and E100 at least 800 J. | Shot No Slug No |
Eurasian beaverBever | Class 2: expanding bullet, at least 3.2 g and E100 at least 800 J. | Shot No Slug No |
Red foxRødrev | Class 3: any bullet type, at least 2.5 g and E100 at least 200 J. | Shot Yes Slug No |
HareHare | Class 3: any bullet type, at least 2.5 g and E100 at least 200 J. | Shot Yes Slug No |
CapercaillieStorfugl | Class 3: any bullet type, at least 2.5 g and E100 at least 200 J. | Shot Yes Slug No |
Black grouseOrrfugl | Class 3: any bullet type, at least 2.5 g and E100 at least 200 J. | Shot Yes Slug No |
Willow ptarmiganLirype | Class 3: any bullet type, at least 2.5 g and E100 at least 200 J. | Shot Yes Slug No |
Gauges smaller than 20 (24, 28, 32, .410) may only be used on small animals and birds such as rabbit, ducks and pigeons.
Seasons
See the year wheel →Check before travel Jaktförordning (1987:905), annex 1 and 2
| Animal | General season |
|---|---|
| Moose | General season: 8 Oct – 31 Jan Earlier start in parts of some counties: 1 Sep – 31 Jan |
| Red deer | Calves (outside management areas): 16 Aug – 31 Jan |
| Fallow deer | All animals: 1 Oct – 20 Oct, 16 Nov – 28 Feb Antlered and calves, stalking only: 1 Sep – 30 Sep |
| Roe deer | Antlered, stalking only: 1 May – 15 Jun, 16 Aug – 30 Sep All other: 1 Oct – 31 Jan |
| Wild boar | Adults (not sows with small piglets): 1 Apr – 31 Jan Young of the year: All year |
| Red fox | Most of the country: 1 Aug – 15 Mar |
| Hare | Mountain hare, most of the country: 1 Sep – 28 Feb |
| Capercaillie | Most of the country: 25 Aug – 15 Nov |
| Black grouse | Most of the country: 25 Aug – 15 Nov |
| Willow ptarmigan | Jämtland and Älvdalen: 25 Aug – 28 Feb |
Sweden is revising its seasons for 2026–2032. Dates differ by county; check the current annex before you book.
Known costs
| Swedish state hunting fee | SEK 400 |
Official fees we have confirmed. The hunt itself, trophy fees, travel and insurance come on top.
Questions
Do I need the Swedish hunting exam to hunt in Sweden?
No. Visitors pay the state hunting fee of SEK 400 but do not need the Swedish exam.
How do I bring my rifle to Sweden?
EU residents use the European Firearms Pass and declare the firearm at customs. Residents outside the EU need a permit from the Swedish police.
How far ahead should I start planning a hunt in Sweden?
The longest step takes about 42 days. Start at least that far ahead of your first hunting day, and earlier for popular seasons.