No, open carry of firearms is prohibited in Sweden under the Vapenlagen (Weapons Act) 1996:67. Exceptions exist only for law enforcement, military personnel, or under special permits from the Polismyndigheten (Swedish Police Authority). Private citizens may carry concealed firearms for self-defense with a jaktlicens (hunting license) or skyddslicens (protection license), but open display remains illegal. The 2026 amendment to the Weapons Act tightens storage requirements for licensed firearms, further restricting public exposure.
Key Regulations for Open Carry in Sweden
- Prohibition on Display: The Vapenlagen explicitly bans the open carrying of firearms in public spaces, including loaded or unloaded weapons. Violations may result in fines or imprisonment under Chapter 9, Section 1 of the Penal Code.
- Permit-Dependent Exceptions: Only holders of jaktlicens or skyddslicens may transport firearms, but these must be unloaded, cased, and secured in a vehicle or locked storage. Transport between home and hunting grounds requires prior notification to local police.
- Police and Military Privilege: Authorized personnel may open carry during active duty or under Rikspolisstyrelsens (National Police Board) directives, but civilian equivalents do not exist. The Försvarsmakten (Swedish Armed Forces) retains separate regulations for military-issued firearms.