Yes, flying drones over private property in Sweden is permitted under strict conditions. The Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen) regulates drone operations, requiring compliance with EU 2019/947 and 2019/945 frameworks. Property owners retain privacy rights under GDPR and Swedish tort law, meaning unauthorized surveillance or disturbance may trigger legal action.
Key Regulations for Flying Drones Over Private Property in Sweden
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Privacy and Data Protection: Drones equipped with cameras must avoid capturing images of individuals without consent, per GDPR and Sweden’s Personuppgiftslagen. Flights over private gardens or windows are prohibited unless prior consent is obtained.
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Height and Distance Restrictions: Maximum altitude is 120 meters (EU-wide limit). Drones must maintain a horizontal distance of at least 50 meters from private residences unless the property owner consents or the operator holds a special permit.
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Operational Permits and Zoning: Commercial drone flights over private property require prior notification to the Swedish Transport Agency. Urban areas and protected zones (e.g., near airports) are subject to additional restrictions under Luftfartsförordningen (2023:1153).
Note: From 2026, Sweden will align with the EU’s upcoming Drone Regulation 2026/1, introducing stricter geofencing and remote identification requirements. Operators must monitor updates from Transportstyrelsen for compliance.