Introduction
Hoodlum provides expert film fixer services in Sweden, ensuring seamless support for international production teams. With deep industry knowledge and strong local connections, we specialize in location scouting, permit acquisition, and sourcing top-tier crews to keep your project running smoothly from start to finish.
Sweden offers a stunning array of filming locations, from Stockholm’s historic architecture and modern cityscapes to forests, lakes, and the dramatic landscapes of Lapland. Whether you’re producing a commercial, feature film, TV series, or documentary, Hoodlum’s on-the-ground team is your trusted partner for efficient production logistics and services.
Planning to film in Sweden? Let Hoodlum handle all the details—from securing permits to finding the perfect locations. Contact us to discover how we can make your Sweden production a success.
Country Overview
Stockholm is Sweden’s creative powerhouse and a leading hub for advertising, attracting numerous multinational companies and international agencies. As the center of Sweden’s commercial landscape, Stockholm hosts the headquarters of major global corporations, making it a key destination for large-scale advertising productions. Gothenburg, on the other hand, serves as an industrial and innovation hub, with a strong focus on automotive and tech brands. While budgets in Gothenburg may be smaller, the volume of production remains high, particularly in corporate and commercial filmmaking.
Sweden’s advertising industry has been influenced by international creative talent, particularly from Europe and the U.S., while also fostering a strong local identity. Navigating the industry in Stockholm versus Gothenburg requires distinct approaches tailored to their unique market dynamics.
Beyond Stockholm and Gothenburg, Malmö is an emerging production center, offering cost-effective solutions and close proximity to Copenhagen, Denmark. With its strategic location and access to a diverse talent pool, Malmö is increasingly popular for international shoots, particularly in commercials and branded content.
Sweden Diverse Filming Locations:
Urban & Modern Settings
- Stockholm – The capital city, offering locations ranging from medieval streets in Gamla Stan to contemporary high-rises and waterfront districts.
- Gothenburg – Sweden’s second-largest city, known for its modern Scandinavian aesthetics.
- Malmö – A cosmopolitan city with cutting-edge architecture like the Turning Torso, canals, and a mix of old and new influences.
Historic & Cultural Locations
- Visby, Gotland – A UNESCO-listed medieval town with well-preserved city walls, cobblestone streets, and Gothic churches.
- Drottningholm Palace – A magnificent 17th-century royal residence with grand halls and lush gardens.
- Uppsala – Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, with classic architecture, old cathedrals, and charming streets.
Natural Landscapes
- Lapland & the Arctic Circle – Majestic snow-covered landscapes, frozen lakes, and the Northern Lights.
- High Coast (Höga Kusten) – Stunning coastal cliffs and rugged archipelagos offer dramatic scenery and unique Nordic beauty.
- Dalarna – A picture-perfect Swedish countryside with red-painted cottages, lakes, forests, and rolling hills.
- Småland’s Deep Forests – Endless woodlands, lakes, and fairytale-like settings.
Unique & Unconventional Locations
- Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi – A fully functional hotel made entirely of ice and snow, offering a one-of-a-kind setting.
- Göta Canal – A historic waterway with scenic locks, charming villages, and classic Swedish countryside views.
- Abandoned Military Sites – Sweden has several decommissioned bunkers and Cold War-era facilities.
Bordering Countries:
Sweden borders Norway to the west and Finland to the northeast. It is also connected to Denmark in the southwest via the Öresund Bridge. Additionally, Sweden shares maritime borders with Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Russia in the Baltic Sea, as well as Germany and Poland in the Kattegat Strait.
Main Cities:
Stockholm (the capital), Gothenburg, Malmö, Uppsala, Linköping, Västerås, Örebro, Helsingborg, Lund, and Umeå.
Local Languages:
The official language of Sweden is Swedish (Swedish: Svenska).
Local Currency:
The official currency of Sweden is the Swedish Krona (SEK).
Best time to film:
The ideal filming seasons in Sweden vary by desired scenery: June to August offers warm weather and extended daylight hours, September to October provides golden light and vibrant autumn colours, and January to February showcases snowy landscapes and winter scenery. The best filming conditions are typically found during midsummer (June 20-24) and the golden hour periods of early autumn (September-October).
Visa Requirements
General Requirement
To enter Sweden from outside the EU, a valid passport is required.
EU Visa Information
Required Documentation for Application
Valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity)
Processing Time
15-30 days
Cost
Visa fees may vary.
Visa Application Link
Apply for a Visa to Visit Sweden
General Film Permit
General film permit does not does not exist, filming is free.
Private Locations
General Process
A fixer is essential for securing private film locations. We negotiate with property owners, obtain the required permits, and handle logistics.
Drone Permitting
Drone regulations in Sweden are overseen by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Swedish Transport Agency. An EU license is required for drone operations in Sweden. Drones must be registered, and there are different categories for drone operations, including a specific category for commercial or high-risk flights. There are also various flight restrictions in place, including no-fly zones around airports, national parks, and military areas. For detailed information on these regulation categories, please refer to the following link: Drone Regulations in Sweden.
Drone Importation Regulations
When it comes to drone importation, registration is required for drones weighing over 250g. The minimum age for drone operators is 15 years old, and the maximum allowed altitude for drone flights is 120m. No special permit is needed when flying in open airspace.
Issuing Authority
The Swedish Civil Aviation Authority (Luftfartsverket) issues permits for drone operations.
Required Documentation for Local Drone Registration
To register a drone locally, you will need to submit an online registration form, provide proof of identity (such as an ID card or passport), and provide details about the drone, including its make, model, and weight. For online registration, you can visit the Swedish Transport Agency’s website at Swedish Drone Registration.
Required Documentation for Drone Importation from Outside the EU
For drones imported from outside the EU, no special permit is required, but a Carnet is necessary. Additional documentation required includes a Certificate of Origin (proof of the drone’s country of origin) and a Harmonized System (HS) Code for customs purposes.
Timings
The registration process typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks.
Cost
The cost for registration can range from EUR 100 to EUR 500.
Equipment Customs Clearance
Is it a Carnet country?
No, Sweden is not a Carnet country.
General process for non-Carnet country
A Carnet is required if entering Sweden from outside the EU.
Required information/documentation for equipment customs clearance
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin
- Export Declaration (from the exporting country)
- ATA Carnet (if applicable)
What organisation issues the clearance?
Swedish Customs (Tullverket)
Timings
Typically 1-2 minutes at airport customs for carnets from outside the EU.
Film Rebates and TAX Incentives
Sweden offers a film rebate, but unfortunately, it does not apply to reality TV shows. The Swedish production rebate provides a 25% cash rebate and is available for audio-visual works, including feature films, documentaries, drama series, and documentary series.
Safety and Security
Sweden is known for being a very safe country for film crews, with low crime rates and a strong focus on safety and security. It is a welcoming destination for foreign film production teams, providing a supportive environment for filming.
Type of Security Required
While Sweden is considered a safe country, basic security precautions are still advised.
Advance Reconnaissance and Risk Assessments
It’s recommended to conduct advance reconnaissance and risk assessments, along with coordinating with local authorities and emergency services.
