Sweden is one of the oldest European Union member states and also a member of the Schengen Area. Apart from these, Sweden is one of the most prolific economies among the North European states which makes it an ideal destination for those interested in moving here for living and work.
Immigration to Sweden is not complicated, no matter if you are an EU or a non-EU national, as the country has a very advanced immigration system. Doubled by the efforts of our immigration lawyers in Sweden, the procedure of relocating to this country will become simple and fast.
We are a team of immigration lawyers in Sweden dedicated to foreign citizens who want to move to this country and start a new life. With our help, all applicants for work and residence permits will benefit from support in preparing and filing the documents for obtaining their visas in the shortest period of time.
Below, you can read some useful information on how our lawyers can help you immigrate to Sweden by applying for various visas. We can also assist in applying for Swedish citizenship.
Quick Facts | |
---|---|
Entry visa requirement (from EU) |
No |
Entry visa requirement (outside EU) |
Yes |
Types of visas available |
Travel, student, work visas |
Time frame for obtaining work visa (approx.) |
1 – 3 months |
Validity of temporary residence permit | 2 years in most cases (special requirements may also apply) |
Time frame for obtaining permanent residence (approx.) |
5 years of consecutive living in Sweden |
Investor Visa Availability (YES/NO) |
Yes |
Sponsorship requirement (YES/NO) | No |
Time frame for obtaining citizenship | 10 years of living in Sweden |
Citizenship/Residency by investment scheme availability (YES/NO) | No, citizenship can be obtained through the Investor Visa |
Tax benefits for expats | Tax reliefs for Swedish income available |
Support in obtaining work permit (YES/NO) | Yes, we offer support in applying for work permits for non-EU citizens |
Assistance in applying for temporary residency (YES/NO) |
We can assist in applying for temporary residency in Sweden |
Visa renewal services (YES/NO) |
Our immigration lawyers in Sweden can help with visa renewal solutions |
Permanent residence-related services | We can help you apply for permanent residence permits in Sweden |
Support in gaining citizenship (YES/NO) |
We can help with citizenship: – by naturalization; – by marriage; – by ancestry. |
Assistance in registration with the local authorities |
Yes, we provide assistance in registering with the local authorities upon arrival |
Legalization services (YES/NO) |
Yes, we offer legalization services in Sweden |
Support in applying for EU Blue Cards (YES/NO) |
EU Blue Card applications and employee relocation enter the attention of our immigration lawyers in Sweden |
Assistance in family reunion matters |
Yes, we can assist in bringing family members to Sweden |
Other services |
– Support in obtaining business visas; – legal advice in case of visa refusal; – assistance in renewing stay documents |
Advantages of working with a law firm |
– Quick response; – tailored approach to the client’s needs; – post-immigration support. |
Anyone wishing to work, study, seek family reunification, or remain in Sweden for a period of time longer than three months must obtain a residence permit in Sweden. Only those who meet all the requirements may submit an application for a residence visa . Prior to entering Sweden, one must get a residency permission.
Immigrate to Sweden with the help of our dedicated lawyers
There are three ways a foreign citizen can immigrate to Sweden: by employment with a Swedish company, by self-employment, and by starting a business. It is also possible to relocate to Sweden if a family member is already living here. Foreign citizens in need of protection or seeking asylum can benefit from special mechanisms that enable them to move here.
All these situations can be explained by our immigration lawyer in Sweden and assistance can be offered to every case in particular.
Here are the main services our immigration lawyers can offer to those who want to immigrate to Sweden:
- guidance in applying for various types of visas based on the clients’ needs;
- assistance in obtaining temporary and long-term residence visas with the Swedish authorities;
- tailored assistance in applying for employment permits obtained as part of being hired by a Swedish company;
- guidance in obtaining a business visa by starting a company in Sweden;
- assistance in applying for citizenship in accordance with the conditions imposed by the Swedish immigration laws;
- assistance in preparing all the documents related to immigration to Sweden and representation in case of visa refusal.
If you are seeking a service you did not see listed above, we encourage you to reach out to our lawyers and ask them for a personalized consultation on various matters, including Swedish citizenship.
Types of visas available in Sweden
Foreign nationals interested in immigration to Sweden can apply for several types of visas. These are also available at the EU level which means that the holder of an EU visa can freely move and/or work in Sweden. They can also apply for a residence permit in Sweden which will enable them to obtain citizenship.
For those who want to move to Sweden, here are the main types of visas available:
- the employment visa which is issued based on a labor contract with a Swedish company;
- the student visa which is issued to foreign citizens enrolled with accredited educational institutions;
- the business visa which is issued to foreign entrepreneurs who are interested in starting a business in Sweden, but also to self-employed individuals.
- the family reunification visa which is issued to foreign citizens who have other family members living in Sweden;
- other visas are available for individuals who participate in scientific or academic research in the country.
There are various documents required for those who want to immigrate to Sweden, depending on the reason they have for moving. A particular situation is applicable to those who want to start a business in Sweden and who need to demonstrate they have the necessary experience to manage a company.
All the conditions related to moving here can be explained in detail by our immigration lawyer in Sweden. Here is also an infographic on our services:
As a general rule, in terms of documents that need to be presented for immigration purposes, a valid passport and insurance alongside proof of sufficient means to support oneself are necessary for any type of visa. In specific situations, other documents will be required.
If you don’t know the paperwork you need to submit in order to relocate to Sweden, you can always ask for information from our lawyers who can also help you prepare them. The residence permit in Sweden can be obtained with our help.
Assistance in obtaining a work permit in Sweden
One of the best and simplest ways to immigrate to Sweden is through employment and for this purpose, obtaining a work permit is mandatory.
There are several aspects to consider in terms of Swedish immigration through employment, among which the following should be carefully considered:
- certain occupations imply specific procedures,
- there are also special requirements for employees depending on their countries of residence,
- in some cases, the employment visa must be requested by the Swedish employer.
When seeking to move to Sweden through a work permit, it is necessary to ask for the support of an immigration lawyer who can provide not only information about the procedure but also adapt to the requirements applied to your conditions in order for you to benefit from a fast and simple immigration process.
In most cases, obtaining a work permit for moving to Sweden implies the following steps:
- the employer makes an offer and starts the immigration procedure,
- an email that contains the work contract is sent to the applicant,
- in return, the work permit candidate must prepare various documents and send them to the employer,
- the Swedish Migration Agency prepares the documents for issuing the work permit and sends them to the applicant.
Based on the work visa, the foreign citizen can then relocate to Sweden and start working for the local employer.
The immigration procedure based on employment is straightforward, however, the requirements are quite stringent, and all the steps must be completed in the exact order. This is one of the main reasons for which the assistance of an immigration lawyer in Sweden is essential.
When it comes to particular situations, these apply to certain occupations and asylum seekers. Among the specific cases in which various conditions apply in order to obtain work permits, the following are part of these categories:
- sportsmen and athletes,
- performers,
- au pair,
- researchers,
- persons who come to Sweden for seasonal work,
- trainees,
These can come based on their EU Blue Cards if they have such permits, or through holiday working visas Sweden has with other countries around the world. Also, where special bilateral agreements are in place, specific conditions will apply for work permit applicants.
In order to understand if you meet the criteria imposed under any of the categories presented above, you can send your inquiry to our immigration law firm in Sweden.
Assistance in applying for a residence permit in Sweden
The Swedish relaxed lifestyle is one of the most important incentives for citizens of Europe and other countries around the world to decide to move here. For this purpose, the residence permit is a mandatory requirement.
Our immigration lawyers in Sweden are at the service of all those people who want to relocate and start new lives here. In order to obtain Swedish residence permits, foreigners must prepare various documents, starting with their valid passports accompanied by various papers.
Depending on the reason to immigrate, our lawyers will offer the necessary details on the documents to be prepared and the waiting periods for the issuance of the residence permits. Our team of dedicated attorneys will keep you updated on the immigration application and will advise on how to prepare for moving here.
Considering that the entire procedure of issuance of the residence permit can take up to a few weeks, it is advisable to start the application process as soon as you decide and the steps to be completed should imply:
- asking for updated information on the visa procedure,
- preparing the immigration documents,
- filing the necessary papers with the Swedish Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
There are also a few special aspects to consider starting with 2021 and among these, we inform you that while for EU citizens the procedure can be completed online (our lawyers can provide assistance in filing residency via the internet), for British citizens new rules are in place as a consequence of Brexit. UK citizens who already have Swedish residence will continue enjoying the same conditions as before.
Should you need assistance or information on the formalities you will need to respect when registering with the local authorities, you can rely on our immigration services.
Also, if you want to bring close family members here, you can rely on our immigration lawyers in Sweden.
Our services also include residence permit renewal and obtaining Swedish citizenship if you are interested. Also, Sweden has a very interesting business investment program for those who want to migrate here.
Tailored support for citizens of different countries
When deciding to move to Sweden, a foreign citizen must consider various aspects. Even if the Swedish legislation is uniform and has clear regulations on immigration and types of residence permits that can be obtained, there are cases in which separate agreements have been signed by Sweden and their home countries and under which they can relocate here under more advantageous or stricter conditions.
For example, one of the most employed visas associated with immigration is the work permit. Many countries have signed special agreements for work and travel or holiday work visas which cover certain categories of persons who can move to another country for a limited time and complete various activities. This is also the case of Sweden whose citizens can obtain such visas and enjoy various benefits. Since such agreements are based on reciprocity, Sweden also welcomes citizens of Australia, Argentina, Chile, Hong Kong, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Uruguay under the working holiday visa. The program, however only targets people aged 18 to 30 who can stay in Sweden for a maximum period of one year.
It is always best to consult with an immigration lawyer in Sweden in this sense, as the agreements with Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay have been suspended because of the pandemic. Similar restrictions can also be imposed on other countries.
If you want to relocate to Sweden from any country of the world, we suggest you ask for updated information from our specialists who can offer valuable details on the current immigration requirements.
We are also at your service if you want to immigrate here from South Africa, for example.
Your tailored guide on obtaining citizenship in Sweden
Citizenship in Sweden can be acquired in a variety of ways, including through birth, adoption, declaration, application, or recovering it. The information you need regarding the conditions you must meet and what you must do in each circumstance to become a Swedish citizen can be provided by our immigration specialists.
Living in Sweden for a sufficient number of years can lead to a foreign person becoming a Swedish citizen. There are several ways through which citizenship can be acquired.
These are:
- citizenship by naturalization – the main option for most foreigners moving to Sweden;
- citizenship by birth and descent, which is available for persons with Swedish origins;
- citizenship by investment, which can be done by investing in Sweden.
No matter the path you choose, you will have one of our immigration lawyers by your side to guide and help you.
There are various aspects to consider when applying for Swedish citizenship. For example, when choosing to apply for a Swedish passport by naturalization, a foreign citizen must have lived here for 5 years based on a regular settlement permit. The main particularity of Sweden compared to other countries, however, is that the time spent here must not be interrupted by leaving and entering the country.
Also, Swedish people are accustomed to living a quiet and orderly life, which is why this is one of the main requirements imposed when seeking to obtain citizenship. Apart from that, special conditions apply to children and Nordic people applying for citizenship.
Our immigration lawyer in Sweden who specializes in citizenship matters can provide more information on how to obtain a passport by naturalization.
When it comes to citizenship by descent, the following categories of persons can qualify for it:
- people whose mothers and/fathers are Swedish citizens (in the case of fatherhood, the child must be born in Sweden);
- people born from Swedish fathers and foreign mothers;
- people born in Sweden from Swedish fathers who have died in the meantime and foreign mothers;
- people whose mothers are Swedish citizens born after July 1979.
Applying for citizenship by descent implies filing proof of Swedish origins, which is why in the case of foreign citizens who need to search for documents proving their kinship with Swedish persons the help of our immigration law firm can be valuable.
In the past few years, a new trend has emerged in European countries which have enabled golden visa programs under which foreign citizens from non-EU countries can move through investment. In Sweden, this program entails a minimum investment of 100,000 euros (or its equal in Swedish krona) and experience in managing a business.
With such simple requirements, Sweden is considered a great destination for citizenship by investment that can be acquired after 5 years. The country’s economic stability also contributes to the decision of many businessmen to move here.
If you want to migrate to Sweden and need support in applying for residency, business visa, or employment permit, we offer tailored support based on your needs.
Our immigration lawyer in Sweden is also the service of those who need assistance in prolonging their stay here and renewing residence permits.
You can also watch our video on how to immigrate to Sweden:
Why immigrate to Sweden with the help of our lawyers?
In the case of Sweden, size is one of the main characteristics to attract foreign citizens willing to relocate. With the help of our immigration lawyer moving to Sweden becomes easy and simple, as we have the knowledge and experience to help each individual in accordance with his/her circumstances. We are dedicated to offering suitable solutions that match clients’ requests in a fast and reliable manner. Those who want to apply for a residence permit in Sweden can also benefit from specialized assistance.
Sweden is one of the few European countries to register a positive migration rate since World War II. This means, that the number of foreign citizens moving here exceeds that of those permanently leaving the country.
According to Statistics Sweden:
- around 1.7 million people living in Sweden at the level of 2016 were born in other countries;
- in the same year, Syrians represented the largest community of foreigners in Sweden with a number of 22.327;
- in 2016, 9.297, 7.236, 5.717 citizens were from Afghanistan, Iraq, respectively India;
- from Europe, Polish citizens represent the largest community of foreigners with 4.405 citizens living in Sweden at the level of 2016.
For personalized immigration services, please contact our immigration lawyers in Sweden. We can also advise on how to obtain Swedish citizenship.