Sweden is a popular destination for anyone seeking excellent public services, a high quality of life, and a strong sense of community. It attracts the attention of the world with clean cities, picturesque landscapes, progressive attitudes, and a welcoming approach towards foreigners who immigrate to Sweden.
Whether you're relocating for work, education, or to be with family, understanding the immigration process is an essential first step. You'll need to know which permits apply to your situation, what documents to prepare, and how to meet the requirements set by Swedish authorities. This guide covers all the important information you need to know to immigrate to Sweden smoothly and confidently.
EU/EEA Citizens Moving to Sweden
Thanks to Sweden's EU membership, relocating is simple for people of EU/EEA nations. If you plan to remain longer than three months, you must provide proof of income and register with the tax authorities. For stays longer than a few days, you must obtain a Swedish national ID number.
This is necessary for all practical tasks, such as opening a bank account, purchasing or renting a home, and even signing up for a fitness centre. Since Brexit, British people have no longer been able to benefit from this expedited process. Any British citizen wishing to relocate to Sweden must follow the requirements for foreign nationals.
Non-EU/EEA Citizens Moving to Sweden
Since there are several categories and exceptions in the complicated field of immigration, it is impossible to address every situation. If you are from a foreign country, you need to apply for a residence permit to live in Sweden. However, to have the right to remain in Sweden, most individuals from non-EU/EEA nations will typically need a work permit.
Different Ways to Immigrate to Sweden
Here are the different ways for all foreign nationals to move to Sweden:
1. Moving to Sweden for Family Reunification
In Sweden, family reunion allows a divided family to request permission to live together. The family may be allowed to join the family member who has received a residence permit. If your family wants to move to Sweden, you can apply for residency permits if you:
- Have been issued a permanent residence permit
- Have received a temporary residency permit as a refugee or as a recipient of subsidiary protection status, and you seem to have a strong prospect of receiving a permanent residency permit.
- Own a temporary residency permit because of a barrier to enforcement, which prevents a judgment of expulsion or rejection from being carried out, and you seem to have a strong probability of being given a permanent residency visa.
- Have received a temporary residency permit because of extremely upsetting circumstances, and you seem to have a high probability of obtaining a permanent residency permit.
The only people who can move to Sweden to live with you are your immediate family. This includes your children under the age of eighteen as well as your spouse, partner, or cohabitant. You must prove to the Migration Agency that you make enough money to sustain your family before they can relocate to Sweden. We refer to this as a maintenance obligation. Additionally, you must have a house big enough for your entire family.
2. Moving to Sweden to Work
You can immigrate to Sweden for work purposes. To work in Sweden, you will often require a permit if you're a citizen of a nation outside the EU or EEA. A signed employment contract serving as proof of employment is necessary for obtaining a work permit. The work must pay at least 27,360 Swedish kronor ($2,630) monthly, or more if it satisfies typical industry rates or Swedish collective agreements.
After that, the employer will commence the visa application procedure on the expat's behalf by submitting an online application on the website of the Swedish government. Expats can obtain various visas based on whether their occupation requires a high level of ability, and the cost of each visa is often the same. Any time an expat changes occupations in Sweden before obtaining permanent residency, they must update their visa. Learn more about the Swedish work visa application process here.
Regardless of your skills or experience, getting a job offer before moving to Sweden is a major concern. Naturally, many businesses are reluctant to employ someone who will need to expend significant mental energy acclimating to a new way of life. You can get your Swedish work visa for the following categories of jobs:
- Au Pairs
- Seasonal workers
- Volunteer work
- Berry picker
- Working holiday
- Traineeship/internships
- Self-employed
- Temporary work contract
Moving to Sweden to Study
Any foreign national can immigrate to Sweden to further their studies. You will need to make certain preparations before traveling to Sweden. Before you can begin, you must first get admitted to the university of your choice and have made your first tuition payment installment.
Also, you must apply for a residence permit. Depending on your situation, the residence permit application process may take many months to handle and give a decision. Start working as soon as you've paid your first tuition. Use the Swedish Migration Agency's website to apply for your residency permit.
Documents Required for Application
Here is a general list of documents you'll need if you plan to immigrate to Sweden:
- A valid passport
- Passport-sized photographs
- Visa application form
- Proof of outbound travel
- Health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of employment
- Marriage and birth certificates
- Financial records
- Educational certificates
- Proof of a clean criminal record
Documents can require authentication and translation into Swedish. Additionally, some documents may need to be attested by the Swedish embassy and the appropriate authorities in your native country.
How to Apply for Your Residency Permit/Visa
If you're a foreign national, remember you must get your residence permit first, and your visa will also be issued during the process. The Swedish government has made this easy, so you can apply online here, and it gets sent to the Swedish migration board. However, if you intend to join a family member in Sweden, follow these steps:
1. Prepare your documents
Verify the personal information and documents you need. The Swedish Migration Board gives completed applications precedence, and you will receive a decision sooner.
2. Apply
To apply online, follow the guidelines provided by the Swedish Migration Board. You use a VISA or MasterCard to pay the application fee and attach your supporting documentation electronically.
3. Family member input
Your family member must complete a questionnaire. After submitting your application, an email containing instructions will automatically be sent to him or her. The family member has two weeks to respond to the inquiries.
4. Visit the embassy/consulate
Wait for an email inviting you to schedule an appointment with the embassy. The Swedish Migration Board will only transfer your case to the embassy after reviewing both your application and the responses of your family members. To make an appointment, send a request to [email protected]. Please indicate the purpose of the meeting.
Bring along the originals of any documents you linked to your online application. The Swedish Migration Board's email may have also requested that you bring extra documents. If given a resident permit, you might have to provide your fingerprints and a photo for the residence permit card. It's the same with kids. Following the interview, the Swedish Migration Board receives your case again. Your application may be denied, even if you did not attend the interview or contact the embassy.
5. Wait for a decision.
You will receive an email when the Swedish Migration Board has made a decision. The final judgment will be given to your family member in Sweden, provided you have authorized them to represent you. If you are awarded a residence permit, you will receive a residence permit card.
6. Get your visa
If you need a visa for entry into the country, it'll be automatically ordered as soon as you submit your photographs and fingerprints. Creating the residency permit card and its delivery to the embassy may take up to four weeks. The embassy will notify you when the card has arrived. If a residence permit has been issued and a visa is not needed, you go to Sweden and get the card there.
Validity and Renewal
Swedish residence permits are valid for either one or two years. Although the renewal procedure is typically simple, it does require current documents and ongoing eligibility. For foreigners and digital nomads who want to settle in Sweden, obtaining a residence card is essential because it grants them access to local services, legal status, and work authorization.
Visa Fees
The Swedish visa application fee for adults is typically SEK 1500 ($91). Children aged 6-12 pay SEK 750 ($45). Children under 6 are exempt from paying this visa fee. VFS Global also charges a service fee, and there may be a courier fee for some applicants.
Residence permits for family reunions range between 1000 SEK ($104) and 2000 SEK ($208), while residence permits for work range between 750 SEK ($78) and 2200 SEK ($230).
Benefits of Moving to Sweden
Here are the different reasons why you should immigrate to Sweden:
1. High Quality Education
Sweden makes significant financial investments in education. Nearly all universities have well-equipped labs, libraries, and study spaces. Education is thought to be essential to a nation's health. Sweden promotes lifelong learning, so many people keep learning as they mature.
Swedish universities prepare students for the challenges of contemporary work contexts by emphasizing practical, real-world applications of knowledge. They include lectures given by subject-matter experts, many group projects that foster a collaborative approach, and insightful conversations.
2. Gender Equality and Inclusivity
Living in a nation that cherishes equality is one of the major advantages of relocating to Sweden. Treating everyone with respect, regardless of their identity or origins, is highly valued, demonstrating how multicultural and global everything feels.
People gather in classes from all over the world to share their passion for the subjects being studied and their personal experiences. It's not just about working or learning; it's also about the little things, like understanding that you are included and your voice counts, regardless of your identity or history.
3. Job Opportunities
Sweden's economy is powerful and includes expanding healthcare, green energy, and technology industries. It is frequently referred to as the US of Europe in terms of entrepreneurship and innovation. Some of the largest brands in the world, including Spotify, IKEA, H&M, and Volvo, are based there. It’s one of the reasons why most people immigrate to Sweden.
Sweden provides many employment prospects in its quickly expanding business and technology sectors, with a strong emphasis on innovation. With Sweden's university partnerships and company incubators, you may easily become the next big thing's founder if you have a brilliant concept. It is the ideal spot to begin your journey since, as a student, you are directly in the center of this vibrant environment.
Conclusion
Immigrating to Sweden can be a great experience with the right preparation. By understanding the requirements, gathering the necessary documents, and planning your move carefully, you'll be well on your way to starting a new life in one of Europe's most welcoming and well-organized countries.
