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Do you have to answer police questions in Sweden?

Your rights as a suspect, your duties as a witness and what happens if you refuse to give your identity.

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Short answer

A suspect in Sweden has the right both to remain silent and to speak during police questioning, according to the EU's e-Justice portal. A witness summoned to a trial must testify, according to the Swedish Courts, unless they are closely related to the suspect.

Emergency numbers 112/1177 in Sweden Illustration of a shield with a check mark, a warning triangle and a police light for safety in Sweden

Why

  1. According to the European e-Justice Portal, a person questioned about a crime in Sweden has the right both to remain silent and to speak during questioning.
  2. According to the Swedish Courts, anyone summoned to a trial is by law obliged to come and testify, and a witness who does not come may have to pay a fine (vite) or be fetched by the police.
  3. According to the Police Act (section 14), an unknown person found by the police can be taken into custody for identification if they refuse to state their identity or the information seems false, but only if there is particular reason to think the person is wanted and must by law be deprived of liberty.

Details

The e-Justice portal also says you can request that a lawyer is appointed and present at the questioning if you are suspected of a crime for which you are entitled to one, and that you are entitled to an interpreter if you do not speak the language. According to the Swedish Police, you are obliged to testify in court if the prosecutor or the suspect and their defender consider it needed. For travel documents see whether you need a passport to go to Sweden.

Tip

If you are suspected of a crime, the e-Justice portal says you should normally wait until you have a lawyer present and an interpreter available before answering questions. This is general information, not legal advice; see also emergency numbers 112 and 1177 in Sweden.

What may differ

What applies depends on your role. A suspect may stay silent, while a witness summoned to court must testify, with exceptions such as close relatives of the suspect. The Swedish Police list further exceptions, for example children under 15 and people bound by a duty of confidentiality.

Common misconception

You must always answer when a police officer asks you questions.

What actually happens

According to the European e-Justice Portal, a suspect has the right both to remain silent and to speak during questioning; the duty to testify applies to witnesses summoned to a trial.

People also ask

  • Do you have to talk to the police in Sweden?
  • Can you refuse to answer police questions in Sweden?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check the Swedish Police before you travel.

Emergency numbers 112/1177 in Sweden
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