Add organization

When are you allowed to set off fireworks in Stockholm?

Age limit, police permits, local rules and the Public Order Act.

Answered at: Checked at:

Short answer

You must be 18 to use fireworks in Sweden, and you need a police permit to fire them where many people move or near buildings. Many municipalities also set local rules on when and where fireworks may be fired. Using them at a time or place that is not allowed breaks the Public Order Act.

Fireworks and safety on New Year's Eve Illustration of a shield with a check mark, a warning triangle and a police light for safety in Sweden

Why

  1. The Swedish Police say the age limit for buying, possessing and using pyrotechnic goods is 18.
  2. According to the Swedish Police, a permit is needed in a place or at a time where there is a risk of harm to people, animals or property, for example near houses and other buildings.
  3. The Swedish Police say that using fireworks at a place and time that is not allowed is an offence under the Public Order Act, and that careless handling can give a fine or up to one year in prison.

Details

Polisen says many municipalities have local rules on when and where fireworks may be fired. In a 2023 reply, the City of Stockholm's Östermalm district administration stated that Stockholms stad had no local rules on the use of fireworks, so check the city's current rules. Under-18s who use fireworks face a fine even at an allowed place and time. See fireworks and safety on New Year's Eve and how New Year is celebrated in Stockholm.

Tip

Apply for a permit early if you need one: Polisen says the fee is SEK 990 and is not refunded if the application is rejected. For the weather around New Year, see the weather in Stockholm in December.

What may differ

Whether you need a permit depends on the place and time. Polisen says tomtebloss and party poppers meant for indoor use need no permit, and that smällare may only be used by people with the right training and a special permit from the municipality.

Common misconception

On New Year's Eve everyone may set off fireworks anywhere in Sweden.

What actually happens

The Swedish Police say you must apply for a permit if you plan to fire fireworks where many people move or near buildings, and that using them at a time or place that is not allowed breaks the Public Order Act.

People also ask

  • When can you set off fireworks in Stockholm?
  • Are fireworks allowed in Stockholm on New Year's Eve?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check the Swedish Police and Stockholms stad before New Year's Eve.

Fireworks and safety on New Year's Eve
Help