Can I get a tattoo, or tattoo my child, under 18 in Sweden?
There is no specific Swedish law setting an age limit for tattoos or piercings, but for anyone under 18 the guardian's consent is required. The National Board of Health and Welfare treats it as a decision within the guardian's authority under the Parental Code. The industry body requires the client to be 18, with an exception only if a parent has signed a consent form. Where there are two guardians, both generally must agree. Municipalities regulate hygiene and premises (notification to the environmental office), but not age. The legal position is partly unclear, so practice varies between studios.
📋 The rules
- No specific age limit in law
- For under-18s the guardian's consent is required
- The industry generally requires the client to be 18
- Where there are two guardians, both must agree
- The municipality regulates hygiene and premises, not age
🔓 Exceptions
- With written parental consent some studios will tattoo a minor
- Ear-lobe piercing of small children with parental consent is common
- Many reputable studios still will not tattoo anyone under 18
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There is no fixed fine for the age aspect. A studio breaching the municipality's hygiene and notification rules can face sanctions from the environmental board. Tattooing a child against a guardian's will can be assault or molestation.
📎 Official sources
- Parental Code (1949:381) · Riksdagen →
- National Board of Health · Tattooing and piercing →
- City of Stockholm · Hygiene premises notification →
❓ Frequently asked
How old must I be to get a tattoo?
There is no statutory age limit, but the industry generally requires 18, and under 18 needs parental consent.
Can my parents consent to a tattoo?
It is usually interpreted that way, as the decision is within the guardian's authority, but many studios still will not tattoo under 18.
Must both guardians consent?
Yes, where there are two guardians they generally must agree to a procedure on the child.
Does the municipality regulate tattoo studios?
Yes, but for hygiene and premises. The studio must notify the environmental office of its activity.
Is the legal position clear?
No. There is no specific age law, only interpretation and industry practice, so it can vary between studios.
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