Foreign citizens who want to immigrate to Sweden from Lebanon must first obtain travel visas from the Swedish embassy in Amman, Jordan, in order to enter the country. Even when they have secured employment contracts or have other means for coming to Sweden.
Applications for work permits, residence permits for studies, or family reunification are processed by the Swedish Embassy in Amman, Jordan. An exception is stateless Palestinians living in Lebanon, whose applications are directed to the Swedish Embassy in Cairo or the Swedish Consulate General in Istanbul. The Swedish Embassy in Beirut no longer processes immigration cases, but people who have already submitted applications and are waiting for their residence permit card can contact it.
Our immigration lawyers in Sweden are at the service of Lebanese citizens who want to move here and can help them apply for any type of visa, including residence permits.
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Means to residency for those who move to Sweden from Lebanon
Persons who decide to immigrate to Sweden from Lebanon can live here temporarily under one of the following types of visa::
- Student visas that are issued for the duration of the studies here;
- The business visa, which can be obtained by entrepreneurs and self-employed persons;
- Specific visas issued for activities related to research and development;
- Employment visas are the most common way to relocate to Sweden from Lebanon;
- Family reunification visas are another way to move here, provided that the applicant has a close relative established in Sweden;
- Permits for people who carry out independent activities (including freelancers/own office), for whom similar rules to the residence permit for an entrepreneur/self-employed may apply, are known as digital nomad visas.
If you want to move here under any of these visas, you can rely on our immigration lawyer in Sweden, who is at your disposal to provide information on the steps to complete this process. If you plan to relocate here based on a work permit, you should note that it can take up to 3 months to obtain it.
We specialize in offering support in many types of immigration cases, however, the most requested is residency in Sweden. While the procedure itself is not complicated, it requires a lot of attention when compiling the necessary documents. So, feel free to use our services if you think you need assistance in moving here rapidly.
How to immigrate to Sweden from Lebanon based on employment
Persons who want to move to Sweden from Lebanon by applying for work permits must know that the procedure starts with the employer. This is why the process can take between 1 and 3 months, as there are several approvals to obtain, especially when hiring non-EU citizens.
There are various documents that need to be submitted in order to obtain a work visa for Sweden, among which:
- The valid passport.
- The employment contract.
- Proof that the position meets the required salary and working conditions.
If you want to immigrate to Sweden from Lebanon based on employment, it is possible to bring family members with you. Our law firm can offer the necessary details on how to relocate to Sweden with your family.
Our immigration lawyers can also help you apply for Swedish citizenship. We can advise on the documents to prepare and when the best time to file for a passport is. This usually coincides with the lowest immigration applications, so that you can obtain your papers as soon as possible. So, get in touch with us for guidance.
The right to permanent residence in Sweden
People looking to relocate to Sweden from Lebanon and aiming for permanent residence must know that such a permit is usually issued after 5 years of uninterrupted stay. Business and employment are the main pathways to permanent immigration; however, the residency by investment scheme is also an option.
The requirements of the program imply investing at least 100,000 Swedish Krona or the equivalent in euros or US dollars, and proof of managerial or business experience. This is one of the most advantageous ways to immigrate to Sweden from Lebanon.
Do not hesitate to get in touch with our specialists for tailored support in moving here, including from other countries.
What does a residence permit in Sweden NOT allow you to do?
Here are some common mistakes of non-EU applicants that are leading to most permit rejections or cancellations:
- You cannot start work before the permit is approved.
- You cannot change employers or fields without new approval (in the first 2 years).
- You cannot stay in Sweden if the permit expires and you have not applied for an extension.
- Not all types of permits automatically lead to permanent residence.
- “Remote” work for companies outside of Sweden can cause problems if not declared correctly.
If you are considering moving to Sweden from Lebanon, our legal specialists can help you obtain a residence permit.
What happens after the permit in Sweden is approved?
Obtaining a residence permit in Sweden does not mean completing all legal formalities. After arriving in the country from Lebanon, the permit holder must complete a series of essential administrative steps to live and work legally in the medium to long term. The first steps include:
- Registering with the Skatteverket (personal number – personnummer).
- Opening a bank account.
- Registering your home address.
- Accessing the healthcare system.
- The obligation to notify the authorities in case of a change in situation (job, address, family status).
Our immigration lawyer can advise you on the process of obtaining Swedish citizenship. With our guidance, the application process becomes more efficient, and your chances of approval are strengthened.
Cases in which the application may be rejected
Although many applicants assume that submitting all the required documents guarantees approval of the application, in practice, the Swedish authorities look at much more than just the existence of the documents. Below you can find some examples of situations:
- The salary does not meet the minimum level required by the authorities.
- The employer has tax or legal problems.
- The history of residence in the EU raises questions.
- Inconsistencies between the contract and the reality of the work.
- Incomplete or outdated information in the form.
A careful assessment of working conditions, employer status, and personal history can make the difference between an approved application and a rejected one.
To avoid such unpleasant situations, our immigration specialists in Sweden are at your disposal to facilitate this process and ensure that the application is successful.
Living in Sweden as a Lebanese citizen
If you plan to move to Sweden from Lebanon, there are various aspects you should consider, starting with finding a place to stay. According to data gathered by InterNations.org:
- Stockholm, Gothenburg Malmo, Uppsala, and Solna are the most sought-after cities to live in.
- Renting an apartment in Stockholm can cost between 900 USD (studio, one room and kitchen) and 2,400 USD (for a 3-room) per month.
- In Gothenburg, rentals are a little cheaper and start at 700 USD (studio, one room and kitchen) and 1700 USD (for a 3-room) per month.
- One should also consider that the rent may represent up to 25% – 35% of the salary.
If you want to immigrate to Sweden from Lebanon, contact our immigration lawyer, who will help you apply for any type of residence permit.
