Watching Swedish TV abroad – an overview for 2026
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Do you live abroad part of the year, work in another country or travel for long periods? Then you probably want to follow the news, watch Melodifestivalen or let the kids watch Bolibompa. Here is an honest overview of how the big Swedish services work abroad, what the EU rules mean and how to get Swedish TV on the big screen.
The key thing to understand: rights and IP addresses
Swedish streaming services know roughly where you are from your IP address. If it is foreign, they only show what they have the right to show in that country. It is not about making life difficult – programmes, films and sport are often bought with rights for Sweden only.
There is also an EU rule, the portability regulation, which says that paid services must work when you, as a resident of Sweden, are temporarily in another EU or EEA country. Free services and public service broadcasters are not covered. Outside the EU the rule does not apply at all.
How the big services work
SVT Play is available worldwide, but many programmes, all live channels and much of the sport are for Sweden only. The "Kan ses utomlands" filter on svtplay.se/program shows what you can watch. Read the full walkthrough in Watching SVT Play abroad.
TV4 Play has paid packages that, according to TV4's terms, can be used when you are temporarily in another EU or EEA country. The free package only works in Sweden, and TV4 does not allow VPNs or proxies. More in TV4 Play abroad – what are the rules?.
UR Play has a lot of educational content. As with SVT, availability abroad is decided per programme.
Swedish Radio (Sveriges Radio) and podcasts usually work well abroad, but individual broadcasts, for example some sport, may be restricted.
Paid services such as Netflix, Viaplay and Max must work inside the EU under the portability rules, but the catalogue can differ between countries, and outside the EU it usually follows the country you are in.
Step by step: getting started with Swedish TV abroad
- List what you want to watch. News and SVT's own programmes often work without anything extra. Sport and acquired series are harder.
- Check the service's own rules. Read what SVT, TV4 or the paid service says about watching abroad. Their terms are what count.
- Make sure your connection is good. HD streaming needs a stable connection. Hotel and apartment networks can be slow in the evening.
- Get a Swedish IP address if you need one. A VPN with a server in Sweden makes websites see a Swedish address. That is useful for Swedish news sites, e-services and services built for Sweden. Read what it involves in Swedish IP address abroad.
- Choose how to watch. Phones and tablets are simplest. For the TV, see the next section.
Swedish TV on the TV instead of the phone
There are three common ways:
- Apple TV: Install the Grip VPN app on your Apple TV and sign in with a code at gripvpn.com/aktivera.
- Casting from your phone: Often works, but not every app and TV supports it.
- VPN router: Smart TVs from brands like Samsung and LG and many IPTV boxes cannot run VPN apps. A VPN router solves this for every device in the home at once. Read A VPN router for Swedish TV in the whole home or see our VPN router.
Be realistic about expectations
A VPN gives you a Swedish IP address and an encrypted connection, but it does not change the services' terms or rights. Some services do not support VPNs and may block playback. We think it is better that you know this before you buy. Start with our shortest period on the pricing page, and if you change your mind you have a 14-day right of withdrawal.
Guides for different countries
The rules differ between the EU and the rest of the world. Read Swedish TV in Spain for an EU country and Swedish TV in Thailand for a country outside the EU.
Frequently asked questions
Can I watch Swedish TV abroad for free?
Yes, some of it. SVT Play and UR Play have many programmes that can be watched worldwide at no cost, and Swedish Radio usually works well. Live channels and much of the sport are for Sweden only.
Is it legal to use a VPN abroad?
In most countries VPNs are legal, but some countries restrict them. Check the rules in the country you are in. Also remember that every service has its own terms, and some do not allow VPNs.
Do I need a VPN in an EU country?
For paid services covered by the portability rules you usually do not. A Swedish IP address can still be handy for Swedish websites and for security on open Wi-Fi.
How many devices can I use with Grip VPN?
Up to five devices are included in every period, for example a phone, a tablet and an Apple TV. For smart TVs and IPTV boxes that cannot run apps, there is our VPN router, which comes with its own VPN time included.