Your Guide to moving to Sweden. How to get Swedish residency, citizenship and more

Why move to Sweden?

For years, Scandinavia has taken the lead in creating the most pleasurable work environment for employees and living standards for all its inhabitants. And Sweden is definitely no exception; this country is a world leader in many ways.

It appears in the top 5 of many ‘best places to’-lists including best country to live in, to grow old, to travel to and to have children. It’s clean, has a relatively small population so there is plenty of space and is home to dazzling nature where you can truly experience all four seasons in a year.

Employees in Sweden have many rights. Equality is deeply valued, discrimination not tolerated, innovation highly encouraged and health care, childcare and education very affordable. On top of that the country is also a very family friendly place where new parents get up to 480 days of paid leave and receive a monthly allowance from the government to support their children.

And work culture? Everybody takes holidays and breaks regularly because people in Sweden believe that you are more productive when you balance work with a good dose of relaxation. Doesn’t that sound like a place you’d want to live and work?

Safest places to live in the world: For a life free from worry.

Imagine a life free from worry. Does it seem like an impossible goal? While we’ll never be completely free from worry, many people don’t l

March 3, 2020 | Leye Fayese

Sweden Visas and Permits

Nordic citizens, that is, citizens of Finland, Norway, Iceland and Denmark are free to enter, reside, study and work in Sweden They do not need a visa, residence or work permit.

Other citizens from the European Economic Area (EEA) can also work and live in Sweden. For others, here are a few options for you:

Startup or Self Employed Visa

A residency visa is required for those who are planning to run their own business or become part owner in a business in Sweden. To be eligible for this visa, you need to show that you have significant experience in your field and in the running of your own business as well as sufficient funds to support yourself and your family for the first 2 years (equivalent to SEK 200,000 for you, SEK 100,000 for your spouse and SEK 50,000 for each accompanying child)

Youth Mobility Visa

If you are an Australian, New Zealand, Canadian or South Korean citizen between the ages of 18-30, you may be eligible under the Working Holiday programme.

Student Visa

There are many types of student visas available to study at schools and universities.

Sweden Family Visas

If your spouse is a citizen or permanent resident of Sweden, you are probably eligible for residency. Please note that your status of spouse needs to be legally recognised in this country.
See the citizenship section below for more information on residency or citizenship based on descent.

Short Term Visitor Visas to Sweden.

To find out if you need a tourist visa to visit Sweden, please use the VisaHQ tool to the right ->>

Man looking at a globe to decide on residency

Easiest Countries To Move To In 2022: Your full guide

What are the easiest countries to move to? Well, it’s not as simple as it sounds because everyone’s circumstances are different. Although

March 3, 2020 | Alastair Johnson

Get EU Residency >> 18 awesome ways you may not know about

Europe is a place of wonder. The incredible diversity and endless opportunities have attracted people for centuries. But, what are the easiest ways to

March 3, 2020 | Alison Johnson

Student visa: expand your horizons by studying abroad

Why study abroad on a student visa? Applying for a student visa could be the best personal, academic and professional decision you can ever make. Chal

March 3, 2020 | Alastair Johnson

Sweden Citizenship

Citizenship through your family

If your mother was a citizen of Sweden when you were born, you are also a citizen of Sweden.
If your father was a citizen of Sweden when you were born in Sweden, you are probably also a citizen of Sweden.
If your father was a citizen of Sweden when you were born and you were born outside of Sweden before 1 April 2015, you are a citizen of Sweden only if your father was married to your mother.
If your spouse is a citizen, you can apply for citizenship after being resident in Sweden for a period of 3 years. Please note that your status of spouse needs to be legally recognised in this country.