Sweden
Sweden combines a world-class social safety net with a thriving tech sector, high English proficiency, and a structured immigration system for skilled workers.
For information only. This guide provides general information only and does not constitute immigration, legal, or financial advice. Visa rules, salary thresholds, and qualification requirements change frequently. Always verify critical decisions with official government sources and a qualified professional. Full disclaimer ↗
For information only. Visa rules, processing times, and eligibility criteria change frequently. All information on this page is sourced from official government websites and verified as of the date shown. Always confirm your specific situation with the relevant embassy or a licensed immigration lawyer before applying. Full disclaimer ↗
Visa & Immigration Guide for Sweden
This guide covers all main visa routes for non-EU professionals moving to Sweden, including eligibility requirements, processing times, fees, and step-by-step application instructions.
Applying from your home country:
Not a degree holder? You're still welcome.
Sweden has dedicated visa routes for trade workers, care workers, seasonal workers, and apprentices — no university degree required. The visa types table below includes the EU Blue Card, Work Permit for Shortage Occupations, standard Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd), and more — expand each row for steps and official links. Further down you’ll find a shortage-occupation guide and the Self-Employment Permit section.
Visa Types at a Glance
| Visa type | Who it's for | Processing | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU Blue Card | University graduates (≥180 credits) or workers with at least five years of relevant professional experience in a highly qualified role. Higher salary bar than the standard work permit; EU mobility rules apply if you hold a Blue Card elsewhere. | 1–3 weeks | 2 000 SEK |
| Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd) | Main route for non-EU workers. Employer must advertise the role in the EU for 10 days and offer terms matching Swedish collective agreements or industry standard. | 4–8 weeks | 2 200 SEK |
| Work Permit for Shortage Occupations | Non-EU workers with a confirmed job offer in a Swedish shortage occupation. No university degree required when qualifications and experience match the role. | 4–8 weeks | 2 200 SEK |
| ICT Permit (Intra-Company Transfer) | For employees transferred within a multinational company to a Swedish branch or subsidiary. Maximum duration is 3 years. | 4–8 weeks | 2 000 SEK |
| Self-Employment Permit | For launching a sole trader business (enskild firma) or limited company (AB) in Sweden. Must demonstrate a viable business plan and financial sustainability. | 12–20 weeks | 2 000 SEK |
| Family Reunification | Spouses, cohabitants, and children under 18 of Swedish residents can join them. No language requirement at entry — Swedish classes (SFI) are provided free after arrival. | 12–48 weeks | 1 500 SEK |
Detailed visa guides
Min. salary
SEK 52,000
Processing time
1–3 weeks
Application fee
2 000 SEK
Step-by-step process
- 1 Valid passport
- 2 Signed employment contract (minimum six months) with salary at or above the EU Blue Card threshold
- 3 Degree certificate or employer certificates proving five years of relevant experience
- 4 Comprehensive health insurance valid for your stay in Sweden
- 5 Employer starts the application; you may need to present your passport at a Swedish embassy
Min. salary
SEK 33,390
Processing time
4–8 weeks
Application fee
2 200 SEK
Step-by-step process
- 1 Valid passport
- 2 Employment offer stating salary and working conditions
- 3 Employer's union notification (if applicable)
- 4 Health insurance until Swedish personnummer obtained
Processing time
4–8 weeks
Application fee
2 200 SEK
Step-by-step process
- 1 Valid passport
- 2 Employment offer in a listed shortage occupation
- 3 Proof the salary meets collective agreement level
- 4 Employer's evidence of EU/EEA recruitment period (10 days)
- 5 Health insurance until Swedish personnummer obtained
Min. salary
SEK 33,390
Processing time
4–8 weeks
Application fee
2 000 SEK
Step-by-step process
- 1 Valid passport
- 2 Employer transfer letter
- 3 Proof of employment at parent company (12+ months)
- 4 Contract for the Swedish posting
Min. salary
SEK 33,390
Processing time
12–20 weeks
Application fee
2 000 SEK
Step-by-step process
- 1 Valid passport
- 2 Business plan with financial projections
- 3 Proof of relevant qualifications or experience
- 4 Evidence of start-up capital or signed client agreements
Min. salary
SEK 17,000
Processing time
12–48 weeks
Application fee
1 500 SEK
Step-by-step process
- 1 Valid passport
- 2 Proof of relationship (marriage/cohabitation certificate)
- 3 Sponsor's Swedish personnummer or residence permit
- 4 Proof of shared or adequate accommodation
General document requirements
- ✓ Valid passport
- ✓ Signed employment contract (minimum six months) with salary at or above the EU Blue Card threshold
- ✓ Degree certificate or employer certificates proving five years of relevant experience
- ✓ Comprehensive health insurance valid for your stay in Sweden
- ✓ Employer starts the application; you may need to present your passport at a Swedish embassy
- ✓ Employment offer stating salary and working conditions
- ✓ Employer's union notification (if applicable)
- ✓ Health insurance until Swedish personnummer obtained
- ✓ Employment offer in a listed shortage occupation
- ✓ Proof the salary meets collective agreement level
- ✓ Employer's evidence of EU/EEA recruitment period (10 days)
- ✓ Employer transfer letter
- ✓ Proof of employment at parent company (12+ months)
- ✓ Contract for the Swedish posting
- ✓ Business plan with financial projections
- ✓ Proof of relevant qualifications or experience
- ✓ Evidence of start-up capital or signed client agreements
- ✓ Proof of relationship (marriage/cohabitation certificate)
- ✓ Sponsor's Swedish personnummer or residence permit
- ✓ Proof of shared or adequate accommodation
Essential Worker & Trade Visas
Sweden has a growing demand for skilled tradespeople and essential workers across construction, hospitality, logistics, and agriculture. These visas are available for workers without university degrees.
Work Permit for Shortage Occupations
Sweden allows non-EU workers in shortage sectors (construction, care, hospitality, transport) to apply for a work permit if they have a confirmed job offer that meets collective agreement salary levels.
- Job offer from a Swedish employer
- Salary must meet or exceed collective agreement level for the sector
- Employer must advertise the role in the EU/EEA for 10 days first
- No minimum language requirement for the permit itself
Investor & Entrepreneur Visas
For information only. Investment visa rules, minimum thresholds, and eligibility conditions change frequently and vary significantly by individual circumstances. The information on this page is sourced from official government portals. Always verify current requirements with the relevant embassy or a licensed immigration lawyer before taking any action. Full disclaimer ↗
Self-Employment Permit
Sweden offers a residence permit for self-employed individuals who can demonstrate a viable business with sufficient income to support themselves (at least SEK 200,000/year in revenue). No dedicated investor visa program exists — see the EU Blue Card row in the table above for highly qualified employment.
⚠️ Investor visa rules change frequently. The figures above are based on official sources as of 2026. Always verify current requirements directly with the embassy or a licensed immigration lawyer.
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