If you’re planning to live in Sweden for more than 90 days, you’ll need a residence permit (unless you’re a citizen from the EU/EEA). The thing is that there are several types you can apply for based on your reason for staying, which can be a bit confusing. Luckily, in this article we’ll go through all available residence permits in Sweden to hopefully clear things up.

Who Needs a Residence Permit in Sweden

As I explained before, if you want to stay for more than 90 days in Sweden legally, you usually need a residence permit.

But let’s clear a few things before moving on, like the difference between a tourist visa and a residence permit (which often confuses people).

A tourist permit (or visa) is for short visits up to 90 days, just enough time to explore the country. Not all citizens need a tourist visa to enter Sweden but, sadly, some of them do.

On the other hand, a residence permit is for longer stays, for those who want to study or work in Sweden for longer than 90 days.

Who needs a residence permit in Sweden?

• EU/EEA Citizens: No residence permit needed. You have the right to live and work in Sweden, but you should register with the Swedish Tax Agency to officially establish your residency and gain access to public services
• Non-EU/EEA Citizens: If you’re not an EU citizen (e.g. Americans) you’ll need a residence permit to stay for more than 90 days. This includes people who want to work, study, start a business, or join family members in Sweden.

The process of getting a residence permit in Sweden as a non-EU/EEA citizen involves applying through the Swedish Migration Agency and providing details about your reason for staying, whether it’s for work, studies, or family reasons, along with other required documents (more on that later).

Types of Residence Permits in Sweden

For those wondering what types of residence permits available in Sweden, here are most of them:

For Work

• Work Visa: The standard option from the Swedish government to provide a residence permit to those with a job offer from a Swedish employer (You might be interested: How to Get a Work Visa in Sweden)
• EU Blue Card: Created by the EU and aimed at highly qualified non-EU nationals, the EU blue card offers a path to get a residence permit to work and live in Sweden (You might be interested: How to Get a Blue Card in Sweden)
• Working Holiday Visa: It gives young people (18 to 30 year olds) from certain countries a Swedish residence permit, allowing them work and travel in Sweden for up to one year.

For Job Seeking

• Job Seeker Visa: This permit gives individuals from outside the EU a residence permit to stay in Sweden for a limited period to look for a job or start a business (You might be interested: How to Get a Job Seeking Visa in Sweden)

For Starting a Business

• Self-Employed Visa (Freelancer Visa): It gives a residence permit to those planning to start their own business in Sweden, proving their venture’s viability is essential. (You might be interested: How to Get a Self Employed Visa in Sweden – Freelancing in Sweden as a Foreigner)

For Studies

• Study Visa: It gives a residence permit to international students accepted into a Swedish educational institution for full-time studies.

For Particular Circumstances

• Researcher Permit: It provides a residence permit for scientific research to certain individuals, allowing them you to engage with Swedish institutions.
• Au Pair Visa: Designed for providing a residence permit to young adults wanting to learn Swedish culture and language while living with a host family.
• Volunteer Visa: This visa category offers a residence permit for individuals intending to engage in volunteer work within Sweden, typically with non-profit organizations or charities (You might be interested in: Volunteering in Stockholm)

For Seeking Refuge

• Refugee Visa: Provides residence permits for individuals fleeing persecution, offering a safe haven.
• Subsidiary Protection Status: Residence permits for those not qualifying as refugees but facing serious risks in their home country.
• Temporary Protection: Grants residence permits in mass influx situations where returning home poses a danger.

For Family Reunification

• Family Reunification Visa: Allows family members of those already residing in Sweden to join them by providing them with residence permits, strengthening family bonds.

Permanent Residence

After living in Sweden under certain types of permits for a specified period, you might be eligible for Permanent Residence.

Permanent residency means you can stay in Sweden indefinitely and access most social benefits, just like Swedish citizens. Meaning you don’t have to fear being kicked out of the country anymore.

To qualify, you typically need:

• to have lived in Sweden for at least four years on a valid permit
• show proof of your ability to support yourself
• have a clean criminal record

How to Get a Residence Permit to Stay in Sweden

There are two ways to apply for a residence permit: from your home country or in Sweden:

Getting Swedish Residence Permit from Your Home Country

• Apply for the suitable visa: As we explained before, there are multiple visas to get a residence permit in Sweden (to work, to look for work, to study, to seek refuge, to reunite with your family, to start a business, etc…). In short, this process consists in visiting the Swedish Migration Agency’s website and selecting the appropriate visa application.
• Gather documentation: Then, you must gather all necessary documents required by the visa you’re applying for, then fill out the form and pay the application fee (which varies by permit type).
  • For a work visa: You must provide proof of employment from a Swedish employer and details of your salary and employment conditions such as working hours, amount of vacation days, etc.. (You might be interested in: How to find a job in Sweden / How to find a job in Stockholm / Can I Work in Sweden Without Speaking Swedish)
  • For a student visa: You must show your acceptance letter from a Swedish educational institution and proof of financial means to support yourself during your studies.
  • For a job seeker visa: You must demonstrate evidence of your professional qualifications and a comprehensive plan for seeking employment in Sweden.
  • For a self employed visa: You must present a detailed business plan, proof of financial means to support yourself and your business (given that you don’t have a regular paycheck), and evidence of business registration in Sweden.
  • For a blue card visa: You must provide proof of higher education qualifications, a binding job offer with a salary that meets the Blue Card requirements, and a job contract for at least one year (You might be interested: How to Get a Blue Card in Sweden)
• Submit application: Submit your application and wait for a response
• Get your photograph and fingerprints taken: Once your visa is approved, what you’ll do is to go the nearest Swedish embassy or consulate-general to get your photograph and fingerprints taken
• Pick your residence permit card: Then, you’ll pick your residence permit card in the Swedish embassy or consulate-general you got your photograph and fingerprints taken. This card will have your photograph, fingerprints, security chip, signature, and all relevant personal information (including expiry date of the residence permit and whether your are allowed to work in Sweden or not)

Getting Swedish Residence Permit in Sweden

There are certain cases where you can apply for a residence permit in Sweden without breaking the law such as when you’re changing your visa status (for example, from a student to a worker) or when you’re applying for asylum or protection.

In those cases, here’s what you should do to get your residence permit in Sweden:

• Apply for the right visa: Head over to the Swedish Migration Agency’s website to choose the visa that matches your purpose in Sweden. After submitting your application online, you can expect to wait a few months for a decision. If you’re already in Sweden, you can take advantage of local Migration Agency offices for personalized assistance or to submit your documents in person (For the specific documents to gather, please refer to the previous section)
• Get your fingerprints and photograph taken: The next step is to have your photograph and fingerprints recorded at a Migration Agency office, unless you’ve already done this during a previous application process (like when transitioning from a student to a work visa).
• Pick your residence permit card: Finally, your residence permit card will be sent to your registered Swedish address. This card includes your photo, fingerprints, a security chip, and your signature, detailing your personal information, the permit’s validity period, and your work eligibility in Sweden.

How to Renew a Residence Permit in Sweden

Before talking about how to renew a residence permit, you’ll first need to understand the validity period for different residence permits:

• Work Permit: Typically granted for two years initially but can be extended for another two years. After four years, you might be eligible for permanent residence.
• Study Permit: Issued for the length of your study program, plus an additional year for job hunting if you’ve completed higher education in Sweden
• Family Reunification Permit: Usually mirrors the validity of the family member’s permit you’re joining in Sweden

Let’s now talk about the renewal process…

Step by Step Swedish Residence Permit Renewal

Regardless of the nature of your residence permit, there’s a similar online process you need to follow to renew it.

Here it is:

1. Online Application: Visit the Swedish Migration Agency’s website and log into your account. Click on the ‘Extend Your Permit’ section, then you’ll be guided to select the type of your visa. This step allows you to access detailed information on how to renew your specific residence permit.
2. Gather and Submit Documentation: Along your passport, proof of current status (e.g., employment, study enrollment, family ties in Sweden) and financial sustainability documentation, you’ll need different documents (which will be detailed in each page). For work permits, prepare your current employment contract, pay slips, and possibly a new offer letter. Students should have proof of enrollment and academic progress, while family reunification applications may require updated proof of relationships or financial support.
3. Pay the Fee: Renewal fees vary by permit type (e.g. renewal of work visa is SEK 2,200) . Make sure to pay the applicable fee as part of your renewal application.
4. Submit and Wait: After submitting your application and documents online, you’ll receive a confirmation. As always, the waiting time vary a lot.

By being in Sweden, you’ll get the chance (in some cases) to hand in the documentation needed to renew your residence permit in person in the nearest Migrationsverket office, where they’ll also clear any questions you have.

Costs of Swedish Residence Permits

The cost of Swedish residence permits varies depending on the type of permit you’re applying for.

Disclaimer: Please note, these costs can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the Swedish Migration Agency’s website for the most current information.

Work Permit Costs

• Work Permit: SEK 2,200 per person
• Job seeker visa: SEK 2,200 per person
• Self employed visa: SEK 2,000 per person
• Working holiday visa: SEK 1,500 per person

Study Permit Costs

• Study Permit: SEK 1,500 per person.
• Permit to look for work after completion of studies: SEK 1,500

Family Reunification Costs

• Adults: SEK 2,000 for adults applying for family-related permits (such as joining a spouse or parent in Sweden).
• Children: SEK 1,000 per child.

Permanent Residence Costs

• Permanent Residence Application: SEK 2,000 for adults and SEK 1,000 for children.

Other Permits

• EU Blue Card: SEK 2,000 for the application fee.
• Au pair visa: SEK 1,500 per adult
• Researcher visa: SEK 1,500 per adult

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I stay in Sweden permanently as a non EU citizen?

As explained, to stay in Sweden permanently, you’ll need to obtain a permanent residence permit which is typically available to those non-EU citizens who have lived in Sweden for at least four years on a temporary residence permit that comes with any of the visas I wrote about in this same article. The good news? After getting your permanent Swedish residence it only takes one more year of living in Sweden to get your Swedish citizenship!

Can I travel with a residence permit in the EU?

Yes, you can travel within the Schengen Area with a Swedish residence permit without losing your residency status. This permit allows you to visit other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, visiting family or friends, and business trips without the need for an additional visa.

What happens if you overstay your visa in Sweden?

Overstaying your visa in Sweden can lead to serious consequences. Initially, you would be considered an illegal immigrant, which could result in deportation back to your country of origin. Furthermore, an overstay can significantly impact your ability to return to Sweden or other Schengen countries in the future. You may be even barred from re-entering for a certain period, which is usually a minimum of three years, and your visa application could be denied during this time.

What happens to my residence permit if I quit or change jobs?

If you submit a resignation letter and quit or change jobs in Sweden, the impact on your residence permit depends on the type of permit you have.

For those holding a work permit, it’s tied to your specific job and employer at the time of application. Here’s what you need to know:

• Quitting Your Job: If you quit your job, you must notify the Swedish Migration Agency. You typically have three months to find a new job without having to leave Sweden (so.. you better start working on your CV, cover letter and interview skills right away!)
• Changing Jobs: If you’re changing jobs, the same rule applies. You need to apply for a new work permit based on your new employment before you start your new job. The application should include an offer of employment and evidence that the new job meets the salary and insurance requirements set by the Swedish Migration Agency.
• Loosing your job: If you lose your job, for instance due to layoffs, it’s crucial to inform the Swedish Migration Agency immediately. Similar to quitting, you’re generally allowed a grace period of up to three months to seek new employment while remaining in Sweden either by yourself or using a recruitment agency (more info here)

Do you need to apply for a new work permit if you get a new job after becoming unemployed or quitting?

During the first 24 months of your residence permit, if you find a new job within this period, you must apply for a new work permit with details of your new employment. After the 24 months, you don’t need to apply for a new work permit if you’re working in the same position (i.e. software engineer)

You might be interested in: How do notice periods work in Sweden?