Your Ultimate Guide to Drone Laws in Sweden (2024 Updated)

In Sweden, drones have become an increasingly popular form of technology. As the costs of this innovative equipment have significantly decreased, nearly anyone can purchase and use a drone in their everyday lives.

With improved image-capturing capabilities and radar detection functionality, drones are used for several applications, including commercial travel, search and rescue operations and other leisure activities.

With its wide range of benefits for private and public use, drones offer incredible utility for Sweden citizens and businesses. With increased drone usage came a greater need for regulation to ensure safe recreational flying.

Nowadays, politicians worldwide are at the forefront when drafting and implementing laws regulating drone operations locally or across nations. Understanding these laws is essential before operating your drone in any given country.

In this blog post, we’ll look at drone laws in Sweden, including how you can fly Responsibly within your airspace.

General Drone Laws in Sweden (2024)

Sweden drone operators must register all drones. After registration, it is a must that you observe the set of regulations that follow:

• Drone pilots can legally fly up to 50 meters (170 feet) above ground or sea level in the Open category. The STA may even permit them for flights of 120 meters (400 feet) within the Specific category. Exemptions can also be granted when requested by operators flying specific drones.
• To ensure a safe and successful drone flight, direct visual contact must be established at all times, and the operating distance should never exceed 500 meters.
• Steer clear of flying near homes or places with a lot of people.
• Establish a buffer zone of one kilometre surrounding residential zones to ensure safety.
• Maintaining 500 meters of distance from isolated buildings, people, vehicles, animals, and structures is imperative unless the owner/person grants permission.
• Always maintain a safe distance of at least eight kilometres from airports and three kilometres away from heliports while flying.
• Flying a drone at nighttime is strictly prohibited and should not be attempted under any circumstances.
• Drone operators must remain outside military, utility, and archaeological sites and all public or private facilities to protect them from unwarranted intrusion.

Also Read: All New Drone Laws in Croatia

European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

Established in 2002, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is a powerful governing body responsible for ensuring an elevated level of safety while simultaneously creating prospects for growth and airspace usage innovation. This agency works diligently to set and enforce aviation safety standards across the whole of the European Aviation Safety System.

EASA is primarily dedicated to ensuring the safety of aviation, yet it also enforces guidelines that should be followed by many drones – especially those utilized for commercial purposes such as aerial photography or goods delivery.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) plays a pivotal role in regulating the use of drones for commercial purposes due to its complex implications, such as privacy issues, airspace usage and national security. It is important that EASA produce rigorous standards since drones are now being used more frequently than ever before.

Operation Categories in European Union

The European Union has divided drones into three categories, each of which has its own distinct set of laws and regulations that must be strictly complied with.

Open category

Are you keen to soar in the sky without any hassle? Then get yourself an “open” category drone! As long as it adheres strictly to EASA safety regulations and doesn’t cross the 25 kg mark, special permission will not be needed. But don’t let this fool you into a carefree attitude; strict adherence to guidelines is paramount here.

The appetite for open-category drones in the European Union is at an all-time high, and it’s easy to understand why. These unmanned aerial vehicles are affordable and reliable and can also be used for various applications, from leisure activities to business operations.

Their versatility makes them suitable options; whether you want to have fun or kickstart your enterprise, these drones have you covered.

Drones are easier to control than other aerial vehicles, and they are sure to revolutionize the aviation industry. Although certain restrictions may impede their usage in Europe, it is clear that drones will be an integral part of our transport system moving forward.

Specific category

The specific category is commonly considered more restrictive than the open one, with not all business activities being unbounded. For instance, to shoot pictures or record footage of people with a drone, you must obtain explicit consent from those affected.

Avoiding any possible violations of regulations during operation is essential, so it’s strongly advised that an individual consults EASA prior to commencing work in this area. Doing so will provide them with invaluable knowledge regarding the various restrictions governing use.

If you are in the market for a commercial drone, Lowest Price Drones provides the perfect solution. Choose from their lightweight models ranging between 25kg-150kg and with an EASA permit required before takeoff – an easy-to-obtain authorization that ensures your company has dependable aerial accessibility.

Certified category

To legally operate a certified-category drone, it is necessary to reach out to the European Union’s aviation regulator (EASA). The weight of your unmanned aircraft must exceed 150kg for you to be approved.

After obtaining authorization from EASA, these drones can pursue commercial activities while following all safety requirements set by EASA that ensure protection for everyone involved.

Also Read: Drone Laws in Estonia

No Drone Zones in Sweden

In Sweden, no drone zones refer to specific areas and spaces where people are prohibited from operating drones. These spaces are typically classified as either ‘forbidden areas’ or ‘restricted areas’ depending on the military-strategic and security risks posed by allowing drone flight there.

In general, forbidden areas have a strict no-fly policy, while restricted areas may be able to support some drone operations with permission from the appropriate authorities.

Flying a drone in an unauthorized no-drone zone is highly illegal in Sweden and can often result in hefty fines or common-law penalties. Operating drones in these areas are considered unsafe due to potential danger to persons, property, and national security.

Knowing About No Drone Zones

No drone zones can be determined using the map and information provided by the Sweden government. This map is available online and provides details on approximate boundaries of no-fly areas and guidelines to observe while operating drones in any area.

Additionally, users should check with local authorities for specific restrictions before engaging in flight operations in any region.

Finally, drone users must always adhere to rules set forth by their country’s aviation authority regarding airspace regulations and safety procedures. Failure to do so can result in serious legal ramifications, such as fines or even jail time, depending on the severity of the violation committed.

Also Read: Drone Laws In Spain: All you Need To Know

Swedish Transport Agency (STA)

The Swedish Transport Agency (STA) is a Swedish government organization that aims to provide mobility services for the nation. It does so by overseeing and managing the various modes of transport used to traverse through Sweden, including drones. STA is also in charge of aerial drones, ensuring their usage is done responsibly and safely.

They monitor drones when they’re in use, analyzing risk factors, and when drones are idle on the ground to oversee their safety and security measures. STA provides detailed guidelines for operators who wish to fly drones in Sweden’s airspace, offering up-to-date information on the latest standards to practice any time drones take off into the air.

Drone Pilot Registration

Under EU Regulation 2019/947, UAS Operators must be registered before embarking on any flight. The Remote Pilot in charge is expected to honour all directions from their Operator and take full responsibility for any operation conducted by them.

For solo flights in the OPEN category, usually, one person carries both roles to guarantee a secure experience for all passengers. With these guidelines, everyone can feel comfortable and confident before takeoff.

• If you’re eligible for the OPEN category, registering as an unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operator is mandatory. You must satisfy the following criteria: UAS weight greater than 250g, the operational speed at or above 90km/h, and a camera or microphone attached.
• Without exception, all operators are required to register in the SPECIFIC category.
• It is critical to remember that legal entities must register their operations in the nation where they mostly operate, and registration should occur within only one Member State.

The online process to become a UAS operator is straightforward. Once you’ve completed the registration, your number will be valid for one year before needing to renew annually unless you decide not to continue the registration altogether.

To ensure your current number remains active, stay current with the system’s status.

Commercial Drone Laws in Sweden

Here are vital guidelines to remember while operating Commercial Drone Services in Sweden to ensure a successful venture.

• In Sweden, businesses must legally acquire a permit to operate drones for commercial purposes.
• To operate a drone legally, applicants must demonstrate mastery of the necessary skill sets through theory and practical exams.
• To be successful on the theoretical exam, you must answer no less than 75% of questions correctly in each subject.
• Specific additional requirements may apply depending on the type of operation you plan to carry out.

FAQs

Conclusion

The Sweden Transport Agency oversees the use of drones in Sweden. They provide detailed guidelines to operators and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

UAS operators must register their operations and demonstrate mastery of skill sets through exams before flying drones commercially in Sweden.

In conclusion, drones are an innovative and easy-to-use tool that can be used for a variety of purposes. However, it is important to remember that operating a drone in Sweden requires complete compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

We hope this article was useful to you. Please feel free to leave a comment below if you have any inquiries or suggestions.