Residence Permits

Overview

Your Right to Stay

Before you unpack, you need legal permission to be in Sweden. The type of permit depends on whether you're EU/EEA or not — and why you're coming.

EU/EEA citizens

No permit needed — just register with Skatteverket

Non-EU citizens

Must apply BEFORE entering Sweden

Authority

Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency)

Work Permit

Working in Sweden

For non-EU citizens with a job offer. Your employer must advertise the role and provide comprehensive insurance.

Min. salary 2025

SEK 29,680/month

Min. salary Jun 2026

SEK 33,390/month (+12.5%)

Application fee

SEK 2,200

Processing time

1–4 months

1. Get a signed job offer from a Swedish employer
2. Employer advertises role in EU for 10 days
3. Apply online at Migrationsverket
4. Visit Swedish embassy for biometrics
5. Receive permit card by post — then travel

EU Blue Card

Highly Qualified Fast Track

The EU Blue Card is Sweden's fastest route for specialists. High salary threshold, big benefits.

Min. salary

SEK 52,000/month

Qualification

Degree or 5+ years professional experience

Processing

~1 month

Path to PR

48 months of work

1. Confirm salary exceeds threshold
2. Gather degree/experience certificates
3. Apply online
4. Receive EU Blue Card (valid 4 years)
5. Renew or apply for permanent residence

Study Permit

Studying in Sweden

Non-EU students need a permit before arrival. EU students just register with Skatteverket.

Fee

SEK 1,500

Work rights

Unlimited — no extra permit needed

After graduation

9-month job-seeker visa available

Required funds

SEK 8,514/month living expenses

1. Get admission to full-time programme
2. Show proof of sufficient funds
3. Apply online min. 3 months before start
4. Receive permit before travelling to Sweden

Family Reunification

Bring Your Family

Living apart from your family is hard. Sweden allows family reunification — but plan ahead, the wait is long.

Processing time

Up to 15 months for partner applications

Age requirement

Both partners must be 21+

Income test

You must show sufficient income to support family

Who qualifies

Spouse, registered partner, children

1. Confirm your permit is valid for 1+ year
2. Check income requirements
3. Verify both partners are 21+
4. Submit application with all documents
5. Wait (up to 15 months for partner)

Citizenship

Become Swedish

Sweden allows dual citizenship and has no language test requirement (yet). Processing takes years — apply as soon as you qualify.

Standard requirement

5 years continuous residence

Married to Swede

3 years

Nordic citizens

2 years

Processing time

~53 months (yes, really)

Dual citizenship

Fully allowed

1. Reach 5 years habitual residence
2. Gather identity and residence evidence
3. Apply online (SEK 1,500 fee for adults)
4. Attend mandatory in-person identity check
5. Receive decision by mail