A series of Sm3+ doped Y2MoO6 were prepared through high temperature solid state reaction technique. Their phase struc-tures, morphologies and luminescence properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence spectrometry. The most intense absorption of Y2MoO6 host occurred at 367 nm. Energy transfer from host lattice to Sm3+ ions could be observed, and the schematic diagram of energy transfer was constructed. The critical energy transfer dis-tance and energy transfer mechanism between Sm3+ ions were discussed in detail. Considering the high color purity and appropriate emission intensity, Sm3+ doped Y2MoO6 could be a promising phosphor under near ultraviolet light excitation.