📺 Can I watch SVT without a TV licence in Sweden?

Yes

Quick answer

Yes — the old TV licence (Radiotjänst) was abolished on 1 January 2019. Instead, everyone with taxable earned income pays a public service fee automatically through the tax system. The fee is 1% of income up to a cap: max 1,184 kr per person in 2026 (at an income of 118,428 kr or more). It is a per-person fee, not per household, so a couple pays two fees. Anyone under 18 or without earned income pays nothing. So you need no separate licence to watch SVT.

📋 The rules

The TV licence was abolished in 2019 — no separate licence needed
The fee is 1% of earned income via tax
Cap: 1,184 kr per person in 2026 (income ≥ 118,428 kr)
Fee is per person, not per household
Under 18 or without income pays nothing

🔓 Exceptions

No taxable earned income (e.g. only student aid) = no fee
People under 18 are exempt
Capital income is not counted in the base

⚠️ Penalties & fines

The fee is collected as ordinary tax. If unpaid it becomes a tax debt with the Tax Agency that can be passed to the Enforcement Authority, like any other unpaid tax.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Does the TV licence still exist?

No. It was abolished in 2019 and replaced by a public service fee collected via tax.

How much do I pay in 2026?

1% of your earned income, but no more than 1,184 kr per person per year.

Does the whole household pay one fee?

No, the fee is individual. Two people with income pay two fees.

Do students have to pay?

Only if they have taxable earned income. Student aid (CSN) alone gives no fee.

Do I need a licence to watch SVT Play?

No. There is no separate licence any more — the fee goes via tax.

🔎 Common searches

What people search to land here:

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