< Back
As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country?
What kinds of visas are available?
What is required to obtain these visas?
Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work?
What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them
Are there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away?
What items should I avoid bringing into the country?
Is there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally?
As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country?
EU citizens:
EU citizens are entitled to work in Sweden without a work permit. If you plan to stay longer than three months, you must register your right of residence with the Migration Board.
Citizens of Nordic countries:
Citizens of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Iceland may live in Sweden without registering or obtaining a residence permit. Registering with the Swedish Tax Agency is good enough.
Citizens of Switzerland:
Swiss citizens have the right to work in Sweden without a work permit. The same applies to your family members. You and your family members are entitled to begin working immediately. If you would like to stay longer than three months, you must apply for a residence permit with the Swedish Migration Board.
Citizens of the U.S, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore entering Sweden:
Tourist visa is granted upon arrival in Sweden, valid for 90 days.
Citizens of all other countries are obliged to apply for a visa prior to entering Sweden.
What kinds of visas are available?
There are only three kinds of visas in Sweden: the tourist visa, business visa and the working visa. They are not required for stays in Sweden of up to 90 days for citizens of EU/EEA countries and many other countries, including the U.S. and the U.K.
Citizens of other countries/territories are required to apply for an entry visa, which holds a maximum duration of three months,- which may be extended. More information can be obtained by contacting the Swedish Migration Board
TopWhat is required to obtain these visas?
Application
A. For Non-EU Citizens – work and residence permit (Uppehållstillstånd)
Application for the work and residence permit has to be applied for prior to arrival in Sweden. The application will be done online and the decision has to be picked up from the country of origin where the applicant is staying. In some cases and with certain nationalities, the residence permit and work permit can be picked up upon arrival in Sweden at the migration board in Stockholm.
B. For EU Citizens – rights of residence (Uppehållsrätt)
Application for right of residence can be applied for prior to arrival or within three months of arrival in Sweden. The right of residence is not renewable and valid as long as the work contract is ongoing.
Residence + Work Permit (Uppehålltillstånd)
Requirements:
- Your passport copy (must be valid for at least six months)
- A completed and signed application form
- Employment form (special form provided from migrations board) completed and signed by your employer. The form has to be signed by the Trade Union in Sweden.
- Marriage certificate and passport copy of spouse (if you are married)
- Birth certificate copies and children's passports (if you bring children along)
- Fee: SEK 2,000 per assignee/SEK 1,500 per adult/SEK 500 per child (under 18 years old)
Right of Residence (Uppehållsrätt)
Requirements:
- Your passport copy (must be valid at least six months)
- A completed and signed application form
- Employment form (special form provided from migrations board) completed and signed by your employer in Sweden.
- Marriage certificate and passport copy of spouse (if you are married)
- Birth certificate copies and children's passports (if you bring children along)
- Fee: None
Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work?
Yes, the spouses who also have work and residence visas will be eligible for work.
TopWhat are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them?
The Swedish ID card, which can be only applied for at the Tax Office (Skatteverket). Foreign residents will have to identify themselves with this ID, which will bear your unique personal number. It is recommended that you carry the ID card with you at all times, especially when visiting the clinic/hospital, pharmacy, bank, etc.
TopAre there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away?
You have to register and apply for a Swedish personal number at the Tax Office (Skatteverket). The personal number will make daily life easier, such as opening a bank account, accessing healthcare, applying for schools or even renting a video.
TopWhat items should I avoid bringing into the country?
As in other countries, avoid bringing any firearms, drugs or large amounts of alcohol into Sweden, the latter will pose high duties and taxes. Please always check the current customs information prior to travelling, as regulations might change.
TopIs there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally?
Generally speaking, you will obtain a permit for as long as your job lasts, but not past the time for which your passport remains valid. A work permit can be granted for up to two years at a time. You have to extend the permit prior to the expiration date. If the immigration authorities find that you are illegally staying in the country, this will lead to deportation.
TopUseful Links
Visa Information
http://www.government.se/government-policy/migration/information-on-visas/
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Please contact your closest embassy or consulate for confirmation.