Inkeva

Tattoo regulations in Sweden

In Sweden, a studio offering tattooing must notify the municipality's environment and health office before opening, because the work carries a risk of blood-borne infection. The municipality inspects hygiene under environmental and health protection rules, with guidance from the Public Health Agency. Inks follow the EU REACH restriction and health answers fall under the GDPR.

Last checked September 25, 2026

Minimum age

Who you can tattoo, and with whose permission.

Minimum age

18 and over

Younger clients

Younger clients only with a parent's or guardian's consent

Tattooing someone under 18 requires the consent of their guardian. We are not certain of every detail of the current rule, so confirm with the municipality before tattooing a minor.

Client records

What to record and how long to keep it.

Keep for 5 years

Common practice, not set by law

  • Accounting records: 7 years

What to record

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Date of the procedure
  • Placement on the body
  • Artist
  • Ink brand, colour and manufacturer
  • Ink lot numbers
  • Health questionnaire answers
  • Client signature
  • Parent or guardian details

Ink

What can go into the skin and what you must record.

EU REACH ink restriction appliesYes
Ink labelling rulesRequired

Sterilization and waste

Cleaning, sterilizing and getting rid of sharps.

Autoclave cycle logsDepends on the local authority
Spore testingNo fixed schedule
Sharps and clinical waste disposalRequired

Licensing

What you need to open a studio and work in it.

Studio licence or registrationRequired
Artist licence or registrationNot required
Bloodborne pathogens or hygiene trainingDepends on the local authority

Guest artists

Hosting artists from somewhere else.

Permit or registration for guest artistsDepends on the local authority

Sources