If you have decided to move to Sweden from the UK, you need to complete various procedures. Discover below what each scenario implies and how our immigration lawyers can help you.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements for UK nationals | NO, for stays of maximum 6 months
|
Special conditions applicable (YES/NO) | Residence permits must be obtained by those who immigrate to Sweden from UK for more than 6 months |
Relocation options | Business, employment, and family reunification can be used to move to Sweden from UK |
| Temporary residence options | Student, business, temporary work permits and family reunion visas can be used to temporarily relocate to Sweden from UK |
| Permanent residence requirements | Living in Sweden without leaving to country for too long, contributing to the social security system, paying taxes in Sweden |
| Access to investor/citizenship by investment visa | YES, it is possible to immigrate to Sweden from UK under an investment visa |
| Timeframe for obtaining a residence permit (approx.) | It takes approx. 4 weeks to be issued a residence permit |
| Family reunification visa availability (YES/NO) | YES, UK citizens can obtain family reunion visas for Sweden |
| Investment visa requirements | The minimum investment is set at USD 100,000 |
| Permanent residence timeframe | Living in Sweden for 5 years |
| Citizenship requirements | Living in Sweden for 10 years |
| Possibility to acquire real estate (YES/NO) | YES, people who move to Sweden from UK can buy properties |
| Sweden-UK double tax treaty (YES/NO) | YES |
| Immigration services (YES/NO) | YES, our immigration lawyers in Sweden can help British citizens move here under various types of residence permits |
| Post-immigration support (YES/NO) | YES, we can offer support in registration with the local authorities, renewal of residency documents, applying for citizenship |
| Residence permit types | Various types available for different purposes such as work, study, family reunification, marriage, investment, or entrepreneurship. |
Time to obtain temporary residence permit card (approx.) | Typically, 4 weeks, depending on individual circumstances and workload at the migration office. |
Temporary residence permit validity | A residence permit in Sweden is initially valid for three years and can be extended for up to a maximum of five years. |
| Documents for obtaining temporary residence | – passport; – proof of income; – health insurance; – housing contract; – and purpose of stay justification, etc. |
| Stamp duty fee | No stamp duty applicable for residence permit applications. |
| Temporary residence permit fee | The fee depends on the type of permit: – for a work permit, it’s €200; – and for a study permit, it’s €150. |
| Dependents joining temporary permit holder | Yes, dependents can join under family reunification regulations. |
| Minimum temporary residence before applying for permanent residence | Typically, 5 years of continuous residence under a temporary permit. |
| Sponsorship requirement | May be needed for specific visa types, like; family reunification. |
| Naturalization requirements | – typically requires 5 years of legal residency; – must be of legal age (18 years); – knowledge of Swedish language; – and passing citizenship test. |
| Relocation steps | – apply for residence permit; – find accommodation; – register with tax authorities; – and integrate into society. |
| Special conditions for short-term residency | Compliance with Swedish laws, regulations, and social norms is essential. |
| Easiest ways to move to Sweden from UK | – through job opportunities; – education programs; – family ties; – or entrepreneurship avenues. |
| Special requirements for work contract | Job offers from a Swedish employer may be necessary for work-related permits before immigrating to Sweden from UK. |
| Special requirements for relocating to Sweden from UK as a dependent | May require sponsorship or family reunification visa, depending on circumstances, no criminal record. |
Table of Contents
Do I need an entry visa when I travel from the UK to Sweden?
Short-term stays enable you to spend a maximum of 3 months in Sweden without applying for an entry visa. In this case, you can travel based on your valid passport.
Do I have any advantages if I am a UK citizen and relocate to Sweden from an EU country?
If you are a citizen of the respective EU country, you can immigrate to Sweden in a simpler manner if you use the passport of the respective state, and not the British one.
How can I immigrate to Sweden from the UK directly?
You must follow the regular pathways applicable to non-EU/EEA citizens, namely:
- you can relocate here based on employment;
- you can also move with a family member who is an ordinary Swedish resident;
- you can immigrate as a businessperson and start your own business or work as a self-employed person;
- you can also move here to complete your studies.
NOTE: These pathways are a great option if you are interested in securing a long-term residence permit in Sweden.
If you have any other questions related to moving here from the UK, our immigration lawyer in Sweden can advise you.
Here is also an infographic on this subject:
What steps do I need to follow to relocate to Sweden from the UK?
Our immigration lawyers in Sweden will guide you in:
- drafting the necessary documents based on the reason for relocation;
- having documents translated into Swedish;
- registering with the Population Register – the local office in the city the person lives;
- applying for a person number, which means registration for taxation and social security;
- renting a property to live in which will be used as a residential address in Sweden;
- opening a bank account and exchanging the driver’s license (where applicable).
IMPORTANT: An additional step you must complete in the UK is submitting the documents to the Swedish Embassy in London.
How can I relocate to Sweden from the UK as an employee?
There are a few conditions for non-EU nationals, including British citizens after Brexit, who want to apply for work permits in Sweden. They must have received an offer to work for a Swedish company.
When requesting a work visa for Sweden, you must submit the following paperwork:
- a copy of the employment contract;
- a valid passport;
- a declaration from the union the employee intends to join.
The good news is that a Swedish residence permit will also be provided along with the work visa. More information on this subject is available with our immigration lawyers in Sweden.
Below, you can watch a video on this subject:
Can I move to Sweden from the UK and have my own business?
Yes, one way to immigrate to Sweden from the United Kingdom is entrepreneurship. You can either register a business the usual way or enter the residency by investment program that comes with specific requirements.
Through the investor visa, you can obtain Swedish residency, followed by citizenship.
What is the validity of a Swedish temporary residence permit?
It depends on the reason for which you move to Sweden. The minimum duration is 3 months, while the maximum is 3 years.
How long must I live in Sweden to qualify for permanent residency?
At least 4 years, after the 3 years based on a temporary residence permit.
If you plan to immigrate to Sweden from the UK and need assistance, please contact our specialized team of lawyers. They will also help clients apply for Swedish citizenship.



