Sweden reviews gun rules for hunters without a Swedish exam

Sweden has opened an inquiry into whether firearm rules can be simplified for certain hunters who do not hold a Swedish hunting exam. The review could affect people who qualified abroad, but no law has changed.

The government directive was published on Sunday. The inquiry must report the part concerning hunters without a Swedish exam by 8 February 2027.

Under current Police guidance, applicants normally need to have passed Sweden's hunting exam to receive a licence for hunting firearms.

The directive does not specify which hunters would qualify for simpler rules or promise automatic recognition of credentials earned in another country. Any change would first have to be proposed and then approved through the legislative process.

The same inquiry will also examine firearm exchanges and how criminal provisions should be divided between the Weapons Act and the new Weapons Registration Act. Those remaining tasks are due by 7 March 2028.

Guest hunters can continue to follow the Police's existing temporary-import rules. Unless and until new rules take effect, the current licensing system remains in place.

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