Many European countries have enabled or are making progress in creating digital or remote worker visas for those who can perform their activities from a distance. While in Sweden, a digital nomad visa program is not in place yet, the country is a magnet for foreign citizens who choose de move here.
As Norway, another Northern European state has already implemented such a program, it is expected for other countries to follow. Until then, there are other ways through which foreign citizens can stay and work remotely from Sweden. Below, our immigration lawyers in Sweden invite you to discover your options.
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Options for the digital nomad visa in Sweden
A foreign citizen who wants to move to Sweden under a digital nomad visa has several possibilities, however, the most important thing to consider is his/her nationality. From a citizenship point of view, one has the following options:
- as a citizen of an EU or EEA country, you don’t need a visa or residence permit if you want to work remotely from Sweden;
- the same principle applies if you are citizen of a Schengen area country, as Sweden is also a member of this special zone;
- as a non-EU/ non-EEA, non-Schengen country you can apply for a tourist visa with a duration of 3 months;
- you can also apply for a multiple-entry visa that will enable you to stay for 90 days within a period of 180 days per year.
As a digital nomad in Sweden, you can:
- work for a company/employer in your home country;
- be self-employed and provide your services in another country;
- be a business owner with operations outside Sweden.
If you are interested in temporary relocation to Sweden based on a digital nomad visa, you can rely on our immigration specialists to find the most suitable option. Swedish residency is one of our most requested services. With numerous opportunities offered by companies in terms of employment, many foreigners choose this pathway to move here. For this purpose, you can address our specialists and obtain the necessary information on how to relocate to Sweden.
If you have tried to find some tips on how to immigrate to Sweden but have never found anything conclusive, you can ask our lawyers. They can offer legal solutions that enable you to move to Sweden as soon as possible.
Work-friendly cities in Sweden for digital nomads
The ideal city for digital nomads seeking to move to Sweden and work remotely, this country offers a blend of modern amenities, vibrant cultural scenes, and excellent infrastructure. Cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmo emerge as top contenders for digital nomads due to their robust internet connectivity, coworking spaces, and diverse communities.
Stockholm, as the capital city, boasts a thriving tech scene and numerous coworking hubs, making it an attractive destination for remote work. Gothenburg, known for its innovative spirit and laid-back atmosphere, offers a plethora of cafes and coworking spaces conducive to productivity. Similarly, Malmo, with its progressive mindset and entrepreneurial ecosystem, provides ample opportunities for networking and collaboration. Additionally, smaller cities like Uppsala and Lund offer a quieter yet equally supportive environment for digital nomads, with a balance of modern amenities and scenic surroundings.
Ultimately, the best city for a digital nomad in Sweden depends on individual preferences regarding lifestyle, work environment, and access to resources. If you need help choosing a suitable city for your needs, our Swedish immigration lawyers can help you select. You can immigrate to Sweden with the help of our lawyers without unnecessary delays.
Working spaces in Sweden for digital nomads
Sweden stands out for its globally renowned high-speed internet, averaging an impressive 20.6Mbps across the country, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads. Wi-Fi hotspots are plentiful, ranging from free to paid options, ensuring seamless internet access in various locales including coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants. Moreover, Sweden’s cities offer a plethora of coworking spaces tailored to the needs of remote workers. These spaces provide not only ample workspace but also high-speed internet connections, and networking opportunities.
Whether you prefer the bustling urban atmosphere of Stockholm or the laid-back charm of Gothenburg, Sweden offers a range of options to suit the preferences and needs of digital nomads seeking a productive work environment.
Also, note that Swedish citizenship offers a gateway to numerous benefits within Sweden and the European Union. To become a Swedish citizen, one typically needs to fulfill certain criteria, including legal residency in Sweden for a specified period. After Sweden immigration, if you want to apply for citizenship, our lawyers can assist you.
The advantage of not having a digital nomad visa in Sweden
As you might have read, a digital nomad visa implies living in the country of your choosing for a specific period (most European countries allow for 1-year validity remote working visas). Additionally, these require proof of specific income, as minimum earnings must be proved. Some other countries, only allow for remote workers to complete their work from specific areas only. This is the case of Norway, which has enabled its program for the Svalbard islands.
Even if you will not be required to submit proof of a minimum income, if you want to move to Sweden under a digital nomad visa, there are other requirements to meet. For example, you still need to have ensured a specific amount of money for daily living costs for the period intended to stay. In 2024, the after-tax minimum wage in Sweden stands at roughly €1,600 per month, while the after-tax average salary in the same year amounts to approximately €2,680 per month.
Our immigration law firm in Sweden is at the service of foreign citizens who want to move here, including those who are interested in permanent residency or citizenship.
Cost of living in Sweden city-by-city
While relocating to Sweden under a digital nomad visa is not possible yet, you still need to consider the living costs of this country, which are higher compared to other European countries. Here is a city-by-city breakdown of prices:
Stockholm:
– Cost of living index: 69.3;
– Rent index: 35.0;
– Cost of living plus rent index: 53.1;
– Groceries index: 66.6;
– Restaurant price index: 62.3;
– Local purchasing power index: 99.4.
Malmo:
– Cost of living index: 64.3;
– Rent index: 21.3;
– Cost of living plus rent index: 44.0;
– Groceries index: 66.1;
– Restaurant price index: 54.4;
– Local purchasing power index: 103.5.
Uppsala:
– Cost of living index: 63.8;
– Rent index: 21.1;
– Cost of living plus rent index: 43.6;
– Groceries index: 63.4;
– Restaurant price index: 54.5;
– Local purchasing power index: 87.9.
Gothenburg:
– Cost of living index: 62.8;
– Rent index: 24.3;
– Cost of living plus rent index: 44.6;
– Groceries index: 62.1;
– Restaurant price index: 53.7;
– Local purchasing power index: 103.8.
The data provided offers a concise snapshot of several key cities in Sweden, delineating their respective cost of living indices, rent indices, and local purchasing power indices. Stockholm emerges as a beacon of stability, boasting a commendable local purchasing power index of 99.4 alongside a balanced cost of living index. Malmo, with its magnetic allure, showcases a notable local purchasing power index of 103.5, underscoring its appeal for those seeking both affordability and quality living standards. Uppsala, steeped in history and tradition, offers a comfortable living environment with a modest cost of living index and local purchasing power index. Meanwhile, Gothenburg presents a compelling blend of cosmopolitan vibrancy and financial prosperity, evident in its robust local purchasing power index of 103.8.
Together, these indices provide valuable insights into the diverse urban landscapes of Sweden, each city offering a distinct yet compelling proposition for residents and visitors alike. If you want to relocate to Sweden and need more information about the cost of living, our lawyers can offer you help.
Moreover, obtaining a residence permit in Sweden is a formal process governed by regulations set forth by the Swedish Migration Agency. Applicants must fulfill specific criteria and provide the necessary documentation to be considered for a residence permit. Once granted, a residence permit allows individuals to legally reside in this country for the specified duration and purpose outlined in their permit. Should you decide to move based on a digital nomad visa, contact our local immigration lawyers in Sweden for information and guidance.
