Migration questions Sweden

In Sweden, there are several types of residence permits, which vary depending on the purposes and circumstances of residence. 

Residence permit for work:

   - For employees: requires an employment contract with an employer in Sweden. This type of permit is usually issued for up to 2 years with the possibility of extension. As of 2024, the salary requirement for applying for a work visa is 28,480 Swedish kronor before tax.

   - For self-employed individuals: permit to start and run a business in Sweden. You must prove you have sufficient funds to run the business and for your living expenses.

   - For researchers and academic workers: permits for those invited to work in research institutes.

Residence permit for studies:

   Issued to students enrolled in full-time study programs at accredited universities. Students can also extend their permit if they continue their studies or are seeking employment after graduation. Education for non-EU citizens is paid.

Residence permit for family reunification:

   This permit is issued if you are moving to Sweden to reunite with family (e.g., spouse or children under 18 residing in Sweden). You must provide proof of cohabitation and family ties.

Residence permit for asylum seekers:

   Provided to those who need protection, such as refugees or individuals seeking political asylum. Such permits are often temporary but can be extended if necessary.

Permanent residence permit:

   Usually granted to those who have lived in Sweden for four years on the basis of other temporary residence permits. A permanent permit is granted under certain conditions, such as employment and absence of immigration rule violations.

Each type of residence permit has its own requirements and restrictions, so it is important to contact the Swedish Migration Agency for full information and precise instructions.

Processing time:

- Processing time depends on the type of permit: work visas may be processed faster, especially if your profession is on the shortage occupation list, while student and family permits may take several months.

- It is usually recommended to apply in advance, as the process may take several months, especially during peak demand periods for such services.

For more detailed information, it is recommended to visit the Swedish Migration Agency's website (https://www.migrationsverket.se).

To submit documents for obtaining a residence permit in Sweden, it is recommended to use the online service of the Swedish Migration Agency, as it is the fastest and most convenient way. Here is a step-by-step instruction:

1. Prepare the necessary documents

- Valid passport

- Financial evidence (e.g., bank statement or employment contract)

- Documents confirming the reason for residence (e.g., letter of enrolment in an educational institution, work contract, or evidence of kinship for family reunification).

Depending on the type of permit (study, work, family reunification, etc.), additional documents may be required.

2. Submit the application

Fill out the application online on the Swedish Migration Agency's website. You will also need to pay the application processing fee using a bank card. If you are applying simultaneously with family members, they can use the same online application.

If you cannot apply online, you may complete a paper form and submit it through a Swedish consulate or embassy.

3. Attend an interview and biometrics

After submitting the application, you will receive a letter inviting you to an interview at the embassy or consulate, where you must provide original documents, have your photograph taken, and give fingerprints for the production of your residence permit card.

4. Wait for the decision

The decision from the Migration Agency usually comes via email. If you are granted a permit, the residence permit card will be produced, and you can collect it at the embassy or within Sweden, depending on where you are when you submit your application.

5. Obtaining a Residence Card

If you need a visa to enter Sweden, the card will be ready within 4-8 weeks and sent to the embassy where you can collect it. If no visa is required, the card can be collected within Sweden.

This process can take several months, so it is recommended to submit the documents well in advance. For detailed information and access to electronic services, visit the Swedish Migration Agency website (https://www.migrationsverket.se).

Citizens of European Union countries and the European Economic Area have the right to stay and work in Sweden without the need to obtain a residence permit. This is known as the right of residence. Here are the main features to consider:

Right of residence:

EU/EEA citizens can stay in Sweden for more than three months if they meet one of the conditions:

- You are employed or self-employed.

- You are a student enrolled in an accredited educational institution.

- You have sufficient funds for self-support and comprehensive health insurance.

Registration in Sweden:

Although EU/EEA citizens do not need a residence permit, they must register with the Swedish Tax Agency and obtain a personal identification number to access public services. This number is required to open a bank account, access medical services, and deal with other administrative matters.

Work and business:

EU/EEA citizens can start working in Sweden immediately without needing a work permit. They can also start their own business.

Family:

If your family members are not citizens of the EU/EEA, they will need to obtain a residence card for legal residence in Sweden for more than three months. To do this, you need to prove your right of residence through work, study, or sufficient funds.

Thus, EU/EEA citizens enjoy significant advantages when relocating and working in Sweden due to the freedom of movement within the Union, which facilitates integration into Swedish society.

For citizens of countries not part of the European Union, living and working in Sweden requires meeting certain conditions. Here are the main features:

Obtaining a work permit:

To work in Sweden, citizens of non-EU countries must have a work permit, except for those with permanent resident status, student visas, or those working as researchers. It is important to note that the work permit must be obtained before entering Sweden.

Requirements for a work permit:

- Employment contract: You must have a contract with a Swedish employer, and the salary must meet industry standards (at least 28,480 SEK per month). Current information https://www.migrationsverket.se/Privatpersoner/Arbeta-i-Sverige/Anstalld/Krav-for-arbetstillstand/Forsorjningskrav-for-arbetstillstand.html

- Insurance: The employer must provide medical and social insurance.

- Professional compliance: During the first two years, the work permit is tied to a specific profession and employer. If you want to change employers, you need to apply for a new work visa.

Temporary and permanent residence permits:

- The initial work permit is usually issued for up to two years and can be extended. After four years of continuous work in Sweden, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

- If during these four years you change employers but remain in the same professional field, the permit remains valid.

Work for entrepreneurs:

Citizens of non-EU countries can also apply for a residence permit for self-employment if they intend to start a business in Sweden. You need to prove that you have business experience and the financial resources to support yourself and your family for up to two years.

Relocating with family:

If you want to bring your family to Sweden, your relatives also need to apply for a residence permit. For non-EU family members, this is a mandatory requirement for residing in Sweden.

Extending a residence permit in Sweden depends on the type of permit you have. It is important to apply for an extension before your current permit expires to avoid problems with staying in the country.

Basic requirements:

Application deadline: The application must be submitted before your current permit expires, whether it is for work, study, or family reunification. You have the right to stay in Sweden and work (if you had a work permit for more than 6 months) while your application is being processed.

Required documents:

   - Valid passport.

   - Documents confirming the reason for your stay (e.g., employment contract or academic transcript for students).

   - Financial evidence (if required), such as bank statements or employment documents.

   - In case of extension due to family circumstances, documents proving cohabitation with a partner may be required.

Application process:

   - Online application: You can apply for an extension via the Swedish Migration Agency website. Online applications are processed faster, and you will need to pay the corresponding fee using a bank card.

Specifics for students:

   - Students must confirm that their study program continues and that they have made sufficient academic progress. In some cases, additional certificates from the program director may be required.

Traveling outside Sweden:

   If your permit expires while you are abroad, it may complicate your return to Sweden. In such cases, you can apply for a national visa for entry.

Additional tips:

- Extending a work permit is related to confirming employment. If your workplace changes, you may need a new permit.

Public health insurance

Sweden offers a universal healthcare system that is available to all citizens and residents of the country. If you plan to live in Sweden for more than a year, you need to register with the Swedish Tax Agency to obtain a personal number. This number is key to accessing healthcare services and other social programs. You also need to register with the social insurance office to receive state health insurance.

For EU/EEA citizens

EU/EEA citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive medical care in Sweden under the same conditions as local residents. The EHIC covers emergency medical expenses and necessary treatment. It is important to obtain this card in your country before traveling to Sweden.

For non-EU citizens

Non-EU citizens will need to arrange private health insurance to obtain a visa and temporary residence permit. Private insurance may also be required for those who want additional coverage for treatment in private clinics or to avoid long waits for scheduled procedures.

Additional private insurance

While basic medical care in Sweden is available to all residents through the state system, many prefer to take out private health insurance for quicker access to specialist treatment and planned operations in private clinics. This insurance covers more services, including dental treatment and specialized procedures.

Cost and payment

Medical services within the public system are subject to fees, but the amount is capped at 1,400 kronor. For example, a doctor's visit costs on average 275 kronor, depending on the region, and a drug cost protection system is in place, capping maximum expenses on medications at 2,850 kronor per year. Healthcare for children under 18 is free.

For more detailed information, it is recommended to contact 1177.se, the social insurance office, or your insurance agent to select a suitable plan.

To obtain Swedish citizenship, you must meet certain conditions that depend on your situation and length of residence in the country. The main paths to citizenship include naturalization and citizenship by descent.

Main requirements for naturalization:

Age: The applicant must be at least 18 years old.

Documents: You must provide proof of your identity (passport or another identity document).

Permanent residence: You must have permanent residency or the right to reside (for EU/EEA citizens).

Residency period: For most foreigners, the minimum period of continuous residence in Sweden is 5 years. For some categories, such as spouses of Swedish citizens, the period may be reduced to 3 years.

No legal issues: You must comply with the laws, have no unpaid debts, or criminal record. If you have been convicted, you must wait a certain period after serving your sentence.

Children of EU citizens born in Sweden can obtain citizenship after residing in the country for 3 years based on their parent's documents.

Application process:

The citizenship application is submitted through the Swedish Migration Agency. The application can be submitted online or through the consulate. A fee must be paid, and all necessary documents must be provided, including proof of your residence in Sweden.

The process of obtaining citizenship can take from several months to several years, depending on your case and the number of applications received by the agency.

Currently, Sweden does not require proof of language proficiency or passing a Swedish language exam for citizenship. However, starting from 2025, Sweden plans to introduce a language test and a social knowledge test for citizenship applicants.

As for the interview, it may be required if the Swedish Migration Agency decides to clarify additional details about your application. It is not compulsory for all applicants, but in some cases, the agency may request a personal interview.

A citizenship oath is not required in Sweden. However, some municipalities hold ceremonial events for new citizens, where they can symbolically reaffirm their commitment to Swedish laws and values, but this is not a mandatory requirement.

Yes, with a temporary residence permit in Sweden, you can leave the country and return if your residence permit and residence card remain valid at the time of entry.

A temporary residence permit allows you to freely leave and return to Sweden as long as your permit has not expired. You must carry a valid passport and a residence card.

If you have a temporary residence permit, you can also visit other Schengen countries without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

It is important to remember that if your temporary residence permit expires while you are outside Sweden, returning to the country may be difficult, and you will need to wait for the permit renewal abroad.

If you are planning long-term trips or changes in your residency status, it is recommended to clarify details in advance with the Swedish Migration Agency.

If you are denied a residence permit in Sweden, you can proceed as follows:

Appeal the decision

You have the right to appeal the decision of the Swedish Migration Agency. Typically, you have three weeks to appeal from the time you receive the notification. The appeal is submitted to the court but first sent to the Migration Agency, which reviews its decision. If the agency does not change its decision, it will forward the case to the Migration Court, which will make the final decision. Your appeal must contain the reasons for your disagreement with the decision and evidence supporting your arguments.

Temporary stay in Sweden

If you have appealed the decision, you have the right to remain in Sweden until the court makes a decision. However, it is advisable to prepare for a possible return to the country of origin in case the appeal is rejected.

Departure deadlines

If you decide not to appeal or if your appeal is rejected, you must leave Sweden within four weeks after the decision becomes legally binding. Otherwise, you may be banned from re-entering the country.

Assistance with Return

The Migration Agency can help you arrange your return to your country of origin. If you do not leave voluntarily, the responsibility for your deportation may transfer to the police.

If you disagree with the decision, it is important to seek legal assistance to assess your chances of a successful appeal.

Interpreters and translation of official documents may be required for migration procedures in Sweden. This is especially important if your native language is not Swedish and documents must be translated for submission to government authorities, including the Migration Agency.

When are interpreters and document translations needed?

Interpreters and translations may be necessary in the following situations:

- Official documents: If you have documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, or other official papers, they must be translated into Swedish for submission to the Migration Agency. Translations must be performed by certified translators.

- Oral translation at interviews: In case of interviews with representatives of the migration service, if you do not have sufficient proficiency in Swedish or English, you may require an interpreter.

How to find a certified translator?

In Sweden, certified translators and interpreters are registered with the Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency of Sweden. They take exams and can provide translations that are recognized by official authorities. You can find a list of authorized translators on the Kammarkollegiet website or through specialized agencies that provide translation services.

There is also the association of Swedish Professional Translators and Authorized Interpreters, which unites professionals and provides access to a database of translators, where you can choose the right specialist for your case.