Moving Company Operating License – Everything You Need to Know
An open-top moving truck loaded with boxes, furniture, and moving blankets, parked on a residential street on a cloudy autumn day.
Moving Company Operating License – Everything You Need to Know
Are you interested in starting or running a moving company? If so, you’ll need a commercial transport license. A commercial transport permit for moving companies is a legal requirement—anyone who performs commercial freight transport on Swedish roads must have one. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what a commercial transport permit for a moving company entails, the requirements you must meet, what the application process looks like, and what happens if you drive without a permit.
What is a traffic permit?
A transport license, formally known as a commercial transport license, is a license issued by the Swedish Transport Agency that grants you the right to engage in commercial transport. It is regulated by the Commercial Transport Act (2012:210) and is based on EU Regulation 1071/2009 establishing common rules for the admission to the occupation of road transport operator.
For a moving company, this specifically concerns permits for the transport of goods, since the relocation of household goods and furnishings is classified as commercial freight transport. Without this permit, it is illegal to charge for transporting goods—whether it involves moving an entire house or a single sofa.
Who needs a traffic permit?
All companies that transport goods for a fee need a transport permit. It doesn't matter whether you:
- Runs a sole proprietorship with a single van
- I run a large moving company with a full fleet of vehicles
- Takes on assignments occasionally or full-time
- Uses its own vehicles or rented ones
As soon as you charge a fee for transporting someone else’s belongings by road, you need a permit. The only exception applies to vehicles with a gross weight of less than 3.5 tons in certain cases, but even here the rules have been tightened, and it is important to check what applies in your specific situation.
What types of permits are available?
In Sweden, there is a type of operating license that is relevant for moving companies:
Commercial transport permits for freight transport apply to all vehicles used for commercial freight transport, regardless of the vehicle’s size. Unlike some other EU countries, Sweden does not have separate permit categories based on the vehicle’s gross weight.
A Community License is issued automatically along with the commercial transport license and entitles you to carry out international transport within the EU/EEA. However, most moving companies operate solely within Sweden and rarely need the international license in practice.
The four requirements for obtaining a license to operate as a moving company
The Swedish Transport Agency evaluates four requirements when you apply for a commercial transport license. All of them must be met in order for your moving company to be granted a transport license.
1. Professional competence – demonstrated by passing an exam
The most extensive requirement concerns professional competence. You, or a designated traffic manager at your company, must pass a knowledge test administered by the Swedish Transport Administration.
The freight transport exam is divided into two sections:
Subtest 1 consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 24 correct answers to pass. The questions cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Civil law – contracts, the Domestic Road Transport Act (LIV), competition law, marketing law, and the Consumer Services Act
- Commercial Law – the Accounting Act, the Annual Accounts Act, the Companies Act, sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited partnerships, and bankruptcy
- Social Law – Labor Law, Driving and Rest Periods, the Occupational Safety and Health Act
- Tax Law – VAT, income tax, social security contributions, fringe benefits tax, excise taxes, vehicle tax, and congestion tax
Subtest 2 consists of case studies with 20 questions, and here too, a minimum score of 24 points is required. This section tests your ability to apply your knowledge in practical situations, for example:
- Commercial and Financial Management of a Transportation Company
- Market access and licensing regulations
- Technical standards and operating conditions
- Road Safety
The exam fee is 500 SEK per section during regular hours, and 615 SEK if you take the exam in the evenings (after 6:00 p.m.) or on weekends. The fees were reduced on November 1, 2024.
Good to know: There are no formal prerequisites for taking the test in Sweden—in other words, you don’t need a specific driver’s license or certificate of prior learning. However, thorough preparation is required to pass the test.
The exam applies to all types of freight transport, including moving services. There is therefore no separate exam specifically for moving services.
There are several training companies that offer preparatory courses, both in-person and online. Expect to have to put in a significant amount of study time—this is not an exam you can pass without preparation.
2. Financial resources – capital and reserves
You must be able to demonstrate that your company has sufficient financial resources to operate in a sound manner. This requirement is based on the EU regulation and is stated in euros.
The amounts required depend on the number of vehicles in your business:
For commercial freight permits:
- 9,000 euros (approx. 100,000–105,000 SEK) for the first vehicle
- 5,000 euros (approx. 55,000–58,000 SEK) for each additional vehicle
Here's how to strengthen your finances:
- Auditor's report showing equity and reserves
- A bank guarantee covering the required amount
For example, if you start a moving company with three vehicles, you will need to demonstrate capital and reserves of at least 9,000 + 5,000 + 5,000 = 19,000 euros (approx. 210,000–220,000 SEK).
Please note that in Sweden, the permit applies to the entire business, not to individual vehicles. This means you only need one commercial vehicle permit regardless of how many vehicles you have—but the financial requirement increases with each vehicle.
3. Good reputation
The requirement of good standing means that neither you, as the applicant, nor the person responsible for traffic operations may have been convicted of serious crimes or committed repeated violations of regulations in areas such as:
- Traffic laws
- Occupational Safety and Health and Labor Law
- Driving and rest periods
- Tax and Fee Legislation
The Swedish Transport Agency checks the criminal record and the Swedish Enforcement Authority. If you have a clean record, there are generally no issues, but it’s worth noting that serious financial crimes, traffic violations, or labor law violations may result in your application being denied.
4. Permanent establishment – a place of business in Sweden
You must have a permanent establishment in Sweden. This means you must have a location where you keep your key business records—financial records, personnel files, documentation regarding driving and rest periods, and other documents that the Swedish Transport Agency may need to review.
It doesn't have to be a large office, but it must be a physical address where the business is managed. A c/o address without actual business operations is not sufficient.
How to apply – step by step
The application process itself is digital and is handled through the Swedish Transport Agency’s online service. Here’s how the process works:
Step 1: Pass the vocational skills test. Before you can apply, you (or your traffic manager) must have passed the test. Book the test through the Swedish Transport Administration’s website and prepare thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare your documents. You will need the following:
- Certificate of passing the vocational skills exam
- Financial standing (auditor's certificate, bank guarantee, or similar)
- Extract from the criminal record (automatically requested by the Swedish Transport Agency)
- Certificate of No Debt from the Swedish Enforcement Authority
- Information about the place of business
- Organizational Information and Business Registration
Step 3: Submit your application online. Go to the Swedish Transport Agency’s online service and fill out the application. Be thorough—missing documents will cause delays.
Step 4: Pay the application fee. The application fee for a commercial vehicle permit is 12,500 SEK (2025). Processing will not begin until payment has been received.
Step 5: Wait for processing. The processing time is normally 5–9 weeks from the date of payment. During this time, the Swedish Transport Agency will review all four requirements.
Step 6: Decision and permit certificate. If everything is in order, your permit will be granted and you will receive a permit certificate. The permit is valid indefinitely, but you must comply with the conditions throughout the entire period.
What is the total cost?
Here is a summary of the costs you can expect:
| Cost | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Exam fee (2 sections, standard time) | about 1,000 SEK | One-time cost |
| Any training/courses | $300–$1,000 | One-time cost |
| Application Fee: Swedish Transport Agency | 12,500 SEK | One-time cost |
| Annual inspection fee (operating permit) | 3,100 SEK | Ongoing, annually |
| Financial resources (1 vehicle) | approx. 100,000 SEK | Must be viewable |
In addition to the one-time costs, there is an annual inspection fee of 3,100 SEK for the operating permit itself, regardless of the number of vehicles.
Good to know: If your moving company uses vehicles with a gross weight exceeding 3.5 tons, a separate inspection fee for driving and rest periods of 500 SEK per vehicle per year will also apply. However, most moving companies use lighter vehicles (under 3.5 tons) and are not subject to this fee.
Stricter regulations and increased oversight – what this means for moving companies
In recent years, regulations governing commercial freight transport have been significantly tightened in Sweden. The Swedish Transport Agency has stepped up its oversight, and the police are conducting more checks on freight transport on the roads.
For many moving companies, especially those that previously operated in a legal gray area, this means that it is now more important than ever to ensure their permits are in order.
What is checked during a roadside inspection?
During a roadside check, the police may verify that you have a valid operating permit, that the driver has the proper qualifications, that the vehicle is in safe operating condition, and that driving and rest period regulations are being followed, if applicable.
If you do not have a transport permit, you risk a fine or imprisonment for up to one year. The transport may be stopped on the spot, and the goods may not be transported any further.
Why the stricter rules are good for reputable businesses
If you run a reputable moving company with the proper licenses, the stricter regulations are a positive development. They level the playing field and make it harder for unscrupulous operators to compete with lower prices by flouting the rules.
Traffic Manager – Who Needs One?
Every company with a transport license must have at least one person designated as the transport manager. This person must have passed a professional competency exam and is responsible for ensuring that operations are conducted in accordance with the regulations.
If you run the business as a sole proprietorship, it is natural that you yourself are the person responsible for traffic safety. In a corporation, this role may be filled by a board member, the CEO, or another person with actual influence in the company.
You also have the option of hiring an external traffic manager consultant if you are unable or unwilling to take the exam yourself. However, an external consultant may only serve as traffic manager for a limited number of companies, and the individual must have a genuine connection to the business.
Consequences of driving without a driver's license
Operating a commercial freight transport business without a license is a crime known as unlawful commercial transport. The consequences can be serious—for both the moving company and its customers.
For the moving company
- Criminal liability: A fine or imprisonment for up to one year
- Administrative fines: The Swedish Transport Agency may impose financial penalties
- Halting of transport: The police may halt the transport and require the goods to be reloaded, which means that the goods may not be transported any further
- Insurance Issues: Without a valid permit, insurance companies may deny coverage for damages
- Revocation: In the event of repeated violations, the Swedish Transport Agency may revoke existing permits and make it more difficult to obtain future permits
For the customer – the client’s responsibility
Since 2018, expanded client liability has been in effect in Sweden. This means that even the person who orders a transport service can be convicted if it turns out that the carrier did not have a valid operating license. The penalty is the same: a fine or imprisonment for up to one year. As the person who ordered the transport, you can be convicted if you knew that the permit was missing, or if you failed to verify the permit in a manner that could reasonably be expected.
In practice, this means that both individuals and businesses purchasing moving services should verify that the moving company has a valid operating license. This can be easily done through the Swedish Transport Agency’s online service by entering the company’s corporate ID number.
The industry's reputation and credibility
In recent years, several investigations have revealed that an alarmingly large number of moving companies lack the necessary operating permits. Among others, Hem & Hyra and SVT Nyheter have reported on the issue. This damages the reputation of the entire industry and makes it harder for reputable companies to compete. Having proper permits is therefore not just a legal matter—it’s a competitive advantage that signals professionalism and reliability to your customers.
Tips for applicants
Based on common mistakes and questions, here are some practical tips:
Start with the exam. Your application won’t mean anything without a passing score, so take that step first. Many people underestimate how difficult the exam is—start studying well in advance.
Choose the right business structure early on. Limited liability companies generally find it easier to meet the financial requirement because the company’s equity can be included in the calculation. As a sole proprietor, you may need a bank guarantee or other external certification.
Keep your finances in order. Make sure your financial situation is clearly documented before you submit your application. Unclear documentation is a common cause of delays.
Keep in mind that the permit applies to the entire operation. In Sweden, you only need one operating permit regardless of the number of vehicles, but the financial requirement increases with each vehicle you add.
Take the processing time into account. Plan your business launch with a 5–9-week buffer for processing. You may not begin operations until the permit has been granted.
Keep your license active. A traffic license is not permanent in the sense that it never needs to be reviewed again. The Swedish Transport Agency conducts ongoing oversight, and you must continue to meet the requirements. Changes in financial status, ownership structure, or the person of good standing must be reported.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic Permits for Moving Companies
Do I need a commercial transport permit if I only have a small van?
Yes. It is not the size of the vehicle that matters, but whether you charge for transporting goods. Commercial transport of goods always requires a permit, regardless of the vehicle’s size.
Can I use someone else’s permit?
No. The traffic permit is tied to the legal entity (your company). You cannot “borrow” another company’s permit.
What happens if I change my company’s legal form?
You’ll need to apply for a new license for the new legal entity. The license does not automatically transfer.
How long is the permit valid?
The permit is valid until further notice, but the Swedish Transport Agency conducts ongoing inspections. If you no longer meet the requirements, the permit may be revoked.
Can I apply for a permit specifically for moving services?
No, there is no separate "moving permit." You must apply for a commercial transport permit for freight transport, which covers all types of freight transport, including moving services.
What is the difference between a professional transport license and a Community license?
A professional transport license entitles you to carry out freight transport in Sweden. A Community license is issued in conjunction with the professional transport license and also entitles you to carry out international transport within the EU/EEA.
Summary
A moving company license is a prerequisite for legally operating a moving company in Sweden. The process requires preparation—from passing the professional knowledge exam to demonstrating financial resources and meeting the requirements for good standing and a permanent establishment. But with the right planning, it is entirely manageable, and the result is that you can run your business with confidence and credibility.
In an industry where, unfortunately, unscrupulous operators still exist, a commercial driver’s license serves as an important mark of quality. Your customers can trust that you run your business professionally, and you avoid the risk of fines, penalties, and insurance issues.
Want to streamline your moving company’s operations beyond just permits? Movex is the leading business management system for moving companies—from quote management to invoicing, all in one web-based tool tailored to your industry.
