Sweden offers an investor visa scheme tailored to accommodate foreign businesspersons originating from non-EU nations. This option offers a structured framework conducive to the realization of their entrepreneurial aspirations within the Swedish business landscape. For those starting businesses and aiming for Swedish citizenship through investment, for now, there is no such specific program, but there are other routes available.
If you are seeking a way of obtaining citizenship by investment in this country, our immigration lawyer in Sweden is at your disposal with tailored assistance for relocation. They can offer you comprehensive information along with practical legal guidance in this regard.
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The investor visa in Sweden in 2024
Non-EU citizens can apply for residency which can lead to Sweden citizenship by investment in 2024 through the investor visa. This type of residence permit enables investors to move and have their own businesses in Sweden. The main conditions to comply with in order to obtain this visa are:
- the investor must be at least 18 years old at the time the application is submitted;
- a clean criminal record and proof of good morals are mandatory requirements;
- experience in running a business and good knowledge of English, at least, is also mandatory;
As an investor, it is imperative that you possess a minimum of 200,000 SEK (Swedish Krona) allocated for yourself, along with an additional 100,000 SEK designated for your spouse or partner, and 50,000 SEK set aside for each accompanying child. To illustrate, if you intend to relocate to Sweden accompanied by your spouse and two children, it is requisite to furnish evidence of possessing 400,000 SEK to adequately cover the living expenses of your family. Furthermore, aside from meeting the financial criteria, investors are obligated to demonstrate their proficiency in managing a business and must hold a minimum ownership stake of 50% in the said enterprise.
Compared to other European countries which have specific residence and citizenship by investment schemes, Sweden provides for one of the lowest amounts of money necessary to start a business.
If you are looking to immigrate to Sweden and obtain citizenship on investment, you can rely on our lawyers for complete information on how to obtain business visas. Before that, we can help you apply for a residence permit in Sweden.
Impact of the Sweden investment visa program on the economy
Sweden is one of the most advanced European countries from an economic point of view. As such, it attracts people from all over the world who come to work or start businesses here. While there are many ways to move here, the citizenship by investment program has become more appealing, as the country’s economy is recovering after the Covid-19 pandemic. If for 2022, the Gross Domestic Product is projected to grow by 3.4%, further expectations imply a 1.6% increase for 2023, according to the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development.
Quick Facts | |
---|---|
Nationalities accepted (EU/Non-EU) |
EU and non-EU citizens |
Business investment option (YES/NO) |
YES, minimum amount to be invested EUR 100,000 |
Real estate investment option (YES/NO) |
NO |
Other investment options (if available) |
NO
|
Living requirement in Sweden (YES/NO) | YES, the applicant must live in Sweden |
Residence or direct citizenship option |
Permanent residence must be first obtained |
Direct immigration with family members (YES/NO) |
YES, family members can apply for residence permits |
Family members allowed to join the program | Spouse, children, other family members can obtain family reunion visas |
Residence visa/citizenship processing time (approx.) | Approx. 3 weeks for a residence permit |
Additional financial requirements for family members (YES/NO) | NO |
Timeframe for obtaining citizenship/residency by investment | 5 years of permanently living here |
Dual citizenship permitted (YES/NO) | YES, former citizenship can be retained |
Reasons to choose Sweden | Possibility to acquire real estate after obtaining permanent residency, the possibility to have a business, access to exceptional healthcare and educational services |
Personal income tax rate | 0% for income of SEK 540,700 per year, 20% for income above SEK 540,700 |
Visa free travel to other countries (approx. number of countries) | Approx. 190 countries |
The Sweden investment visa scheme which implies business creation and higher consumption among the population’s ranks are expected to be the main contributors to the economy in the next years. Moving to Sweden under this program has specific benefits, among which access to permanent residency and citizenship.
Our immigration lawyers can help you apply for a Swedish investor visa in 2024. By making investments that advance the country’s development, you can be granted residency in Sweden. Foreign citizens who want to move to Sweden have several residence permits they can apply for depending on their relocation reasons. Most of the time, people come to Sweden based on employment and self-employment residence permits, the latter allowing them to have their own small businesses. Wealthy individuals who have the necessary cash can apply for a Golden visa and instantly receive a residence permit. Consult our immigration lawyers in Sweden for details on the requirements for this program. If you need to obtain citizenship in another country, such as Italy, we can put you in touch with our local partners.
Who can apply for Swedish citizenship by investment?
In most European countries, citizenship by investment programs are created to attract high-net-worth individuals who can make important contributions to the economy. However, in Sweden, the scheme is open to entrepreneurs who want and can rise up to the high living standards of this country. Moreover, the government is keen on attracting entrepreneurs and persons willing to commit to long-term investments, which is why expedited citizenship cannot be obtained.
Another important aspect to consider about citizenship by investment in Sweden is that this program is a pathway for relocation to this country and not a scheme through which foreign citizens can enjoy special benefits.
Another benefit of this scheme is that it is open to investors from every corner of the world, as long as they prove they have experience and the minimum amount of money to start a business. The downsides of this program compared to those developed by other countries could be the restricted options and the fact that immigration through real estate acquisition is not possible.
If you are interested in moving to Sweden through this scheme, our immigration lawyers are at your service with detailed information on its advantages.
An essential condition to obtain citizenship in Sweden is to have conducted yourself well during your time in Sweden. The Swedish Migration Agency considers both how you have behaved in the past when accepting candidates for Swedish passports. Even if this is a rather peculiar condition, it must still be respected. The Agency investigates whether you have any unpaid Swedish debts, have committed any crimes, or pose any security risks.
Business incorporation requisites for Sweden citizenship by investment
Considering that the main requirement for obtaining the investor visa in 2024 is to register a company, the foreign applicant must consider a few important aspects. Among these, he or she will need a solid business plan in which the entrepreneur will prove how the services or goods will be supplied, respectively sold to Swedish customers. Also, the applicant must prove to the immigration authorities that he or she owns at least half of the business. Additionally, the candidate must demonstrate that he or she will manage the company by living in Sweden.
Another requirement is for the applicant to be able to support him or herself for the first 2 years of living here.
If you are considering immigration to Sweden in order to obtain citizenship by investment, you can rely on our services. You can also count on us for obtaining Swedish citizenship based on permanent residency.
Self-employed persons, workers, and investors in Sweden
One of the main advantages of immigrating to Sweden through the citizenship by investment scheme or outside it is that self-employed individuals, workers, and investors benefit from the same requirements in terms of documents. Therefore, there is no distinction between their status. However, only those who have managerial experience or expertise in running a business and 100,000 EUR can act like business owners.
They must also apply for residence permits if they want to stay in the country for more than 3 months.
These requirements must be completed by the following:
- applicants must have sufficient funds to support themselves, apart from the minimum investment requirement;
- they must have good command of English or Swedish;
- they must prove they are the managers/directors of the company (employment contracts can be used in this sense, but also extracts from the Trade Register);
- the businesses they create must manufactured or sold in Sweden;
- the companies must have sufficient funds to develop their activities.
Our immigration lawyers in Sweden are at your service if you want to move to this country by starting a business. The procedure is fairly simple, and our specialists can offer tailored advice on the documents to be drafted.
Sectors recommended for investment under this program
Most foreign citizens who decide to immigrate to Sweden under the citizenship by investment program decide on business creation. While most companies succeed, there are certain recommended industries that can significantly increase the chances of success. Among these:
- tourism;
- restaurants and catering;
- IT;
- shipping;
- green energy
- oil and gas
- seafood;
- trading.
Sweden is known for being one of the most advanced countries in the world when it comes to green energy, which is why setting up a business in this sector can be quite attractive. So, if you plan on entering the Sweden investment visa program, you can rely on our specialists for detailed information on the legislation on energy for creating a business in this sector.
Social benefits of the investor visa in Sweden
Obtaining an investment visa for Sweden comes with many advantages. Among these, there is no need for the holder of the visa and his dependents to live here. Also, Sweden enables foreign citizens who obtain citizenship here to retain their former passports. The country is known for having one of the best educational and healthcare systems in the world, and permanent residency grants free access to them after 4 years of living here. A Swedish passport also comes with visa-free travel to 180 countries all over the world.
The startup visa in Sweden
Self-employment through the startup visa is one of the main ways of entering the Sweden investment visa program. The main advantage of this type of residence permit is that it can be obtained after 2 years, and it does not require a minimum investment. The main condition to enter it is to have experience in running a business.
Other conditions imply owning at last half of the business, so you don’t need to invest the entire amount of money in the company. Proof to support yourself is also required. In order to have an idea about the minimum income here is around 700 USD or EUR, while the average is around 4,500 USD or EUR.
If you decide to enter the Sweden investment visa, you can rely on our immigration lawyers who can guide you in choosing a suitable pathway depending on your plans.
Immigrating to Sweden with family by applying for an investor visa
Foreign citizens who want to enter the citizenship by investment scheme in Sweden can relocate with their families, however, the amount of money invested is slightly different. Even if the Sweden investment visa scheme allows family immigration, it is also possible to bring family members after the main applicant has settled here. Obtaining a visa for Sweden takes around 2 weeks, which is why you can also choose this option. You can rely on our immigration law firm for guidance during the entire relocation process.
Among the aspects to consider when migrating with family is that you can bring the spouse and children below the age of 21. Minor children can be enrolled with a Swedish school. The educational system here is one of the most advanced in the world. Family members can qualify for permanent residency after 2 years. A special condition refers to the fact that the main applicant must have sufficient funds to support his/her relatives.
Documents for moving to Sweden and obtaining citizenship by investment in 2024
The documentation related to immigrating to Sweden for the purpose of obtaining citizenship by investment is not extensive, however, the following documents need to be considered:
- a valid passport;
- bank statement indicating the means to support oneself;
- lease or rental agreement as proof of living arrangements in Sweden;
- copies of educational certificates, proof of past employment, and other information confirming the experience of the applicant.
It is possible for a candidate for Sweden citizenship by investment in 2024 to purchase a local company, case in which the sale-purchase contract, copies of agreements with clients, or suppliers are also recommended as proof.
If the applicant plans to move an existing company to Sweden, its certificate of registration can be used as proof.
Sweden is very friendly to foreign enterprises, and if you want to relocate here in order to obtain citizenship by investment, our immigration lawyers can assist you throughout the entire procedure.
If you have any questions about the residence permit in Sweden, please reach out.
How long does it take to obtain citizenship in Sweden?
Non-EU citizens moving here based on the investor visa will first obtain permanent residency which can be acquired after 5 years, and after he or she will have access to Sweden citizenship by investment in 2024. The passport can be obtained after 10 years of legally living in Sweden.
In order to become an ordinary resident of Sweden and to be eligible for citizenship, a foreign citizen must enroll with various authorities here, among which the Tax Agency and the Social Insurance Agency.
Our immigration lawyer in Sweden can explain the steps to complete and the authorities you need to register with when relocating here. We also invite you to watch a video created by our specialists:
Why immigrate to Sweden
Sweden is a very appealing country for those who want to obtain citizenship by investment. From an economic point of view:
- the GDP for the fourth quarter of 2023 amounted to $146,838 million;
- Sweden is a member of the European Union since 1995 which has helped it build a steady economy;
- the Swedish population represents 1.9% of EU’s population;
- in 2022, Sweden’s GDP per capita reached $56,188, marking an increase of $5,015 compared to the previous year.
Non-EU/EEA nationals who have held valid residence permits for four years are eligible to apply for permanent residence status, which allows them to live and work in Sweden permanently without having to renew their work permits. The necessary time frame may be either shorter or longer if you have previously held a different kind of permission. Non-Europeans who want to retire in Sweden will often need to work there for at least 4 years prior to retirement in order to receive a permanent residence permit.
We can also offer support for people who want to relocate to Sweden from USA.
Benefits of obtaining Swedish citizenship by investment
Sweden is an excellent country to live in Europe. With high living standards matching the income levels, Sweden is a great alternative to more expensive European states, such as Switzerland or Liechtenstein, which is why it is often preferred by many investors.
Starting a business in Sweden, which is what the citizenship by investment scheme implies is easy and takes a few days. Apart from this, it is worth noting that Sweden does not impose any sponsorship requirements.
Another benefit of this program is that it addresses citizens and investors alike, while the requirements are not stringent at all.
Those who want to acquire properties here are not bound by any minimum value imposed on the property, however, one must consider that real estate prices in Sweden are quite high, especially in large cities like the capital, Stockholm, and other developed areas like Gothenburg and Malmo.
If you are interested in relocating to Sweden and need guidance, our immigration law firm is at your disposal with various services, including family reunification.
FAQ on immigration to Sweden
Here are some of the most asked questions on relocation to Sweden and their answers:
- Is it easy to obtain citizenship in Sweden?
The procedure of obtaining citizenship is not difficult in Sweden, however, you must consider the way you want to apply for it. The easiest way is by naturalization.
- How long does it take to obtain citizenship in Sweden?
You must live in Sweden for at least 10 years to obtain citizenship. The same timeframe is available for citizenship by naturalization and investment.
- Does Sweden allow dual citizenship?
Yes, if you have obtained Swedish citizenship, you can keep your former one too.
- How hard is it to bring family members to Sweden?
It is not difficult to bring family members to Sweden, however, there are a few aspects you need to consider. Among these, financial stability is one of the most important.
For assistance in moving and Sweden obtaining citizenship by investment, please contact us.