Alcohol Serving License
A serving license (serveringstillstånd), often called an alcohol license (alkoholtillstånd) or serving permit (utskänkningstillstånd), is required to serve alcoholic beverages at restaurants, pubs, hotels and other establishments in Sweden. The license can be permanent or temporary, and is also required for private events, catering, tastings and transport services.
Your Serveringstillstånd, from knowledge test to approval
All 10 steps from Bolagsverket registration to floor plan and financing documents - with checklists for every stage of the application.
Get my guide →490 kr excl. VAT · Instant access
License requirements
- Age: The applicant must be at least 20 years old.
- Financial responsibility: The applicant must have paid taxes and fees on time and maintained proper bookkeeping.
- Personal suitability: The applicant must not be convicted of serious crimes.
- Knowledge test: A knowledge test on the Alcohol Act is required, except for those who already hold an equivalent license.
- Financing: The applicant must be able to account for the source of funding for the business.
- Premises: Right to use the premises (rental or purchase contract), suitable from a fire safety perspective, sufficient seating for food service, own kitchen in direct connection, varied selection of cooked food.
Application procedure
- Licensing authority: The application is sent to the municipality where the business will operate.
- Fees: Application fee and annual supervision fee after license is granted.
- Processing time: Maximum 4 months from when the application is complete.
- Assessment: The municipality assesses personal and financial suitability of the applicant and persons with significant influence (PBI). Premises suitability is assessed through consultation with police, environmental administration and rescue services.
- Notification obligation: All changes in operations or ownership must be reported. Reconstruction or change of company form requires a new application.
Special provisions
- Bankruptcy: In case of bankruptcy, the license ceases immediately. The bankruptcy estate must submit a new application to continue operating.
- Different types: Permanent licenses, temporary licenses, serving at private events, catering, tastings and transport services.
- Knowledge test: Conducted by the municipality, but not required if the applicant already holds an equivalent license and no knowledge gaps exist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get an alcohol license in Sweden?
You apply for a serving license (alkoholtillstånd/serveringstillstånd) at the municipality where the business will operate. The application requires a passed knowledge test on the Alcohol Act, demonstrated financial responsibility, and approved premises.
How much does a serving license cost?
Application fees vary between municipalities, typically between SEK 7,000 and 15,000. An annual supervision fee also applies. The knowledge test costs approx. SEK 1,000–2,000.
What are the requirements for an alcohol license?
You must be at least 20 years old, have financial responsibility (paid taxes and fees), have no serious criminal convictions, pass the knowledge test, be able to account for financing, and have suitable premises with own kitchen and varied food offerings.
How long does it take to get a serving license?
Maximum processing time is 4 months from when the application is complete. In practice it can be faster if all documents are correct from the start.
Ready to get started?
490 kr excl. VAT · One-time payment · Instant access