Can I keep something I found in Sweden?
Not directly — you must first report what you found to the police. Under the Lost Property Act you must, without unreasonable delay, hand the item to the police or the known owner. If the owner is not found within three months the item becomes yours. Even if the owner is found, the item passes to you if the owner does not collect it within a month of being notified. You have a right to a reasonable reward, usually around 10% of the value. Not reporting is a finding offence, and keeping it deliberately can be unlawful disposal with up to 2 years prison. Items left on public transport are handled by the operator.
📋 The rules
- You must report found property to the police without delay
- Owner not found within 3 months: the item becomes yours
- Owner does not collect within 1 month of notice: it becomes yours
- A right to a reasonable reward, often around 10%
- Not reporting is a finding offence
🔓 Exceptions
- Items left on public transport are handled by the operator, not the Lost Property Act
- Cash must also be reported and passes to the finder after 3 months
- Accident sites and specially regulated areas follow their own rules
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Not reporting found property is a finding offence with fines. Keeping or selling the item with intent is unlawful disposal: fines or up to 2 years prison, gross offence 6 months–4 years.
📎 Official sources
- Lost Property Act (1938:121) · Riksdagen →
- Swedish Police · Lost property →
- Penal Code (1962:700) ch. 10 · Riksdagen →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I keep a wallet I found?
Not directly. You must report it to the police. If the owner is not found within three months it becomes yours.
How long must I wait before the item becomes mine?
Three months if the owner is not found, or one month if the owner is found but does not collect it.
Do I have a right to a reward?
Yes, you have a right to a reasonable reward, usually around 10% of the value.
What happens if I don't report it?
It is a finding offence with fines, and keeping the item deliberately can be unlawful disposal.
What about items I left on the bus?
They are handled by the operator under its own rules, not the Lost Property Act.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I keep what I found sweden”
- “report lost property police”
- “lost property 3 months”
- “finders reward 10 percent”
- “left on the bus lost property”
- “unlawful disposal found item”