🪙 Am I allowed to beg in Sweden?

With conditions

Quick answer

There is no national ban on begging, and in Stockholm passive begging is allowed. However, a municipality may, under the Public Order Act, adopt local bans on "passive collection of money" in specifically designated, geographically limited areas. The Supreme Administrative Court upheld such a ban in the Vellinge case (HFD 2018:75). About 16–19 municipalities have local bans, but the City of Stockholm has no begging ban. Stockholm does require a permit for active money collection with a tin. If you breach a local ban you can get a fixed fine.

📋 The rules

No national ban on begging
In Stockholm passive begging is allowed
Municipalities can adopt local bans in designated areas
Upheld by the Supreme Administrative Court (Vellinge, HFD 2018:75)
Active collection with a tin needs a police permit

🔓 Exceptions

Active money collection with a tin needs a police permit even where begging is allowed
Local bans apply only within the specifically designated zones
A national ban was rejected by an inquiry in 2025

⚠️ Penalties & fines

In a municipality with a local ban, a breach brings a fixed fine (usually 200–4,000 kr). In Stockholm and most of Sweden, passive begging is no offence. Aggressive behaviour can be molestation.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Is begging illegal in Sweden?

No, there is no national ban. In Stockholm passive begging is allowed.

Can a municipality ban begging?

Yes, in specifically designated areas under the Public Order Act. The Supreme Administrative Court upheld it in the Vellinge case.

Does Stockholm have a begging ban?

No. The City of Stockholm has no begging ban, but requires a permit for active collection with a tin.

What happens if I breach a local ban?

You can get a fixed fine, usually in the range 200–4,000 kr, in a municipality that has adopted a ban.

Do I need a permit to collect money?

For active collection with a tin a police permit is required, even where passive begging is allowed.

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