If you have already worked as a taxi driver in Hungary, you do not necessarily have to start from scratch in Sweden. Based on your Hungarian taxi qualification and documented professional experience, you can ask the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen) to recognise your professional qualification.
Can you work in Sweden with a Hungarian taxi qualification?
Yes. Hungary is an EEA member state, so a Hungarian professional taxi qualification can be recognised in Sweden.
Keep in mind, however, that an ordinary driving licence and a professional taxi authorisation are two different things. To work as a taxi driver in Sweden, you need a taxiförarlegitimation (taxi driver licence).
Do you have to take the exams again?
Not necessarily.
If you already hold a taxi qualification and documented professional experience from Hungary, Transportstyrelsen takes these into account.
In our experience, in most cases where your taxi background in Hungary is properly documented and your qualification meets the Swedish requirements, the authority may accept it without any further professional exam.
If, however, it finds significant differences between the Hungarian and the Swedish requirements, it may require a supplementary test or an adaptation period.
Where do you start the process?
The application must be submitted to Transportstyrelsen.
The fee for the procedure is currently SEK 2,700. The authority compares your Hungarian qualification with the Swedish requirements.
What documents may be needed?
Among other things:
- your taxi qualification or professional licence,
- a certificate describing the content of your training and exams,
- proof of professional experience,
- documents from your employer or your own business,
- a copy of your driving licence,
- further official certificates where necessary.
A well-documented professional background can make a real difference in the assessment.
Other requirements
To be granted a taxiförarlegitimation, among other things:
- you must be at least 20 years old,
- you must meet the medical requirements,
- the authority reviews your background and suitability,
- as well as your driving licence.
If you have not lived exclusively in Sweden during the past five years, you may also be asked for a certificate of good conduct from another country.
Can you use your Hungarian driving licence?
Yes. As an EEA licence, a valid Hungarian driving licence can, as a general rule, also be used in Sweden.
For driving a taxi, however, this is not enough on its own: a separate taxiförarlegitimation is required.
Planning to start your own taxi business?
If you want to drive a taxi through your own business rather than as an employee, you will also need to start a business in addition to obtaining the taxi authorisation.
For a sole trader this is typically an enskild firma, and F-tax (F-skatt) registration is usually required as well. Running a taxi business may also require further permits.
Need help with starting a business in Sweden, F-tax or other administration? Get in touch with us.