What are the ways to migrate Sweden?

The main rule for migration is that you should have applied for and have been granted a work permit before entering Sweden, and you must have been offered a job before you can obtain a work permit. Your work permit must have been granted before you leave for Sweden. If your job is for less than three months, you may also need a visa

There are different kinds of work permits, for details, read the information on the Swedish Migration Agency website

If you are granted a permit for more than three months, you are issued with a residence permit card. The card is proof that you possess a residence permit. Read more under ‘How to apply’ to find out how you arrange for the card

If you are applying online, are granted a permit and do not need a visa to enter Sweden, you do not normally have to visit the Embassy.

Prepare your documentation

Check which documents and personal data you need. The Swedish Migration Agency gives priority to applications that are completed in full, and you get a decision sooner

Read more under ‘Required documents’ and on the Swedish Migration Board website

Instructions on the Swedish Migration Agency website

Applying

Follow the Swedish Migration Agency’s instructions. You attach documents electronically and pay the application fee using a VISA card or a MasterCard. Family members use the same online application if they apply at the same time as you

The online application goes directly to the Swedish Migration Agency for processing and a decision

Swedish Migration Agency web application

Waiting for a decision

When the Swedish Migration Agency has reached its decision, you will be informed of this by email. The actual decision will be given to you when you visit the embassy. Bring your passport when collecting your decision. Your employer or contractor will be informed of the decision by post

Acquiring a residence permit card

If you are granted a permit for more than three months, you will be issued with a residence permit card - you must be photographed and fingerprinted for the card

You should visit the Embassy for biometrics on Tuesdays between 9:00 and 11:00

Applying on a paper form

If you cannot apply online, you apply on a paper form that you submit to the embassy

Prepare the documentation

Check which documents and personal data you need. The Swedish Migration Agency gives priority to applications that are completed in full, and you get a decision sooner

Read more under ‘Required documents’ and on the Swedish Migration Agency website

Instructions on the Swedish Migration Agency website

Pay the application fee

The application fee must be paid by credit card at the Embassy or by bank transfer. (Please visit our website for more information

Present an application at the Embassy

Bring the completed application form with you, together with all the required documents and a receipt for the fee payment if you have already paid by bank transfer

You must have an appointment before visiting the Embassy - appointments are provided by emails only

You can find the Embassy’s address under ‘Contact’ in the menu on the left

The Embassy sends your documents to the Migration Agency in Sweden

Wait for a decision

The Swedish Migration Agency informs the Embassy of its decision. Contact the Embassy for information about the decision. At the same time, your employer or contractor will be informed of the decision

Arrange for a residence permit card

If you are granted a permit for more than three months, you will receive a residence permit card. You can receive your card during the Migration reception on Tuesdays between 09:00 and 11:00 without appointments

The web portal Workinginsweden.se provides a step-by-step guide to the Swedish migration process. It is aimed mainly at non-EU/EEA citizens interested in working in Sweden for at least one year. The portal also describes some of the advantages of a work life in Sweden

EU citizens and non-EU/EEA citizens interested in working in Sweden for less than one year can also find useful information about working and living in Sweden on the portal

Workinginsweden.se

 Fees

You pay a fee for your work permit application. The money is not refunded if your application is rejected

Fee for work permit application

Work permit application: SEK 2 000 to be paid in local currency

Application for your family

Adults: SEK 1 000 to be paid in local currency

Children under 18: SEK 500 to be paid in local currency

Payment

If you are applying online, you pay with a credit card by using your Visa or MasterCard

If you are applying through the Embassy you pay with a credit card by using your Visa or MasterCard or a bank transfer

A bank deposit payment is also acceptable. Please bring hardcopy with you at time of application in the Embassy

Special fees for certain occupations

For some occupations, special fees are required. These are: artists, au pairs, visiting researchers, athletes and coaches. They pay SEK 1 000 to be paid in local currency

If the employer pays

If the employer wants to pay the application fee, and you have not applied online, the fee is to be paid as described above