⚖️ Am I allowed to buy or sell sex in Sweden?

With conditions

Quick answer

Selling sex is legal in Sweden, but buying it is a crime — the so-called Swedish model. Under the Penal Code ch. 6 §11 ("purchase of a sexual act") it is an offence to obtain a sexual act against payment. The person who sells is never punished. The penalty for buying is up to 1 year prison, and fines were removed from the scale on 1 August 2022. Since 1 July 2025 the offence also covers remote purchase, for example paying for sexual acts via video or livestream. Procuring (pimping) is a separate offence with up to 4 years prison, gross 2–10 years.

📋 The rules

Selling sex is legal; buying is a crime
Penalty for buying: up to 1 year prison
Fines were removed from the scale on 1 August 2022
Since 1 July 2025: also covers remote purchase (webcam)
The person who sells is never punished

🔓 Exceptions

Attempting to buy sex is also punishable
The remote offence does not apply retroactively before 1 July 2025
Buying a sexual act from someone under 18 is a separate, more serious offence

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Purchase of a sexual act: up to 1 year prison, no fine option since 2022. Procuring: up to 4 years, gross procuring 2–10 years. Buying a sexual act from a child (under 18) is a more serious offence.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Is it legal to sell sex in Sweden?

Yes. Selling sex is legal, but buying it is a crime, and the person who sells is never punished.

What is the penalty for buying sex?

Up to 1 year prison. Fines were removed from the scale on 1 August 2022.

Does the law also cover webcam purchases?

Yes, since 1 July 2025 the offence also covers remote purchase of sexual acts, for example via livestream.

What is the penalty for procuring?

Procuring brings up to 4 years prison, and gross procuring 2–10 years.

Is the person who sells sex punished?

No. Someone who sells their own sexual services is never punished under the law.

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