It is no surprise that Sweden is one of the best immigration destinations in Europe, as this beautiful Scandinavian country receives approximately 100,000 immigrants every year. This great attraction is due to the beautiful landscapes that Sweden is blessed with, as well as the good people, social care, and living standards, and these are just some of the reasons why people choose to move to Sweden.
Anyone who wishes to obtain this opportunity and benefit from the advantages of residence in Sweden must apply for a residence permit in Sweden, and this is what we will learn about through this topic. So, if you are among those interested in obtaining the opportunity to reside in Sweden, you should continue reading until the end.
Residence in Sweden
Sweden issues residence permits to anyone who wants to work, study, seek family reunification or stay in Sweden for longer than three months. You can apply for a residence permit in Sweden only if you meet all the requirements, which we will review in the following paragraphs. You must also obtain a residence permit before you enter Sweden, but before we talk about the residence permit in Sweden, let us know first. On the advantages and disadvantages of living in Sweden.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in Sweden?
Sweden, like any other country, will find advantages and disadvantages during your stay, and what you have to do is compare the advantages with the disadvantages to find out whether it is appropriate to choose this place to stay or not.
Advantages of living in Sweden
- The education system in Sweden is one of the cheapest in the world, as it is either free or low-cost education.
- Sweden provides an excellent environment for all its workers to enjoy working in any field.
- Residency in Sweden is considered one of the best options in terms of social level.
- It has a top-level healthcare system.
- It has an excellent social welfare system.
Disadvantage of living in Sweden
- The high levels of taxes imposed on residents in Sweden.
- The high cost of living in Sweden, as it is one of the richest and highest economies in the world.
- A shortage of opportunities to find suitable housing in Sweden.
- Immigrants to Sweden cannot receive free education.
- The weather in Sweden is known to be very cold.
- A lack of urban areas in Sweden.
Residence Permits in Sweden
It is well-known that to travel to any country, you need to obtain a permit that allows you to reside there. As for residence permits in Sweden, they can be somewhat difficult to obtain.
In the following paragraphs, we will discuss the most important points regarding the process of obtaining residence permits in Sweden, the types of residence permits available, and the costs associated with acquiring them.
Types of Residence Permits in Sweden
There are several types of residence permits in Sweden that foreign nationals can apply for to reside in the country, including:
- Residence permit for work purposes.
- Residence permit for study purposes.
- Residence permit for marriage purposes.
- Residence permit for investment purposes.
Additionally, your residence permit can be either temporary or permanent, depending on the reason for your move to Sweden.
Residence Permit for Work
A residence permit for work in Sweden is issued to those who have obtained a work permit, provided they meet the following conditions:
- They must have been employed in Sweden for four years within a seven-year period.
- They must have sufficient income to support themselves as employees or self-employed individuals.
- They must work for the same employer and in the same job.
Residence Permit for Study
If you have been admitted to a higher education institution in Sweden for a period exceeding three months, you can apply for a residence permit. The permit must be issued before entering Sweden. The requirements for a residence permit for study purposes are as follows:
- You must have a valid passport.
- You must be admitted to a full-time study program in Sweden that requires your physical attendance.
- You must be able to financially support yourself.
- You must pay the tuition fees before submitting your application.
- You must have health insurance.
Residence Permit for Family Reunification
Non-EU citizens wishing to reunite with their family members in Sweden require a residence permit. The requirements for obtaining this permit include:
- The person you will live with in Sweden must have sufficient income to support both of you.
- The person you will live with must have a home of adequate size and standard for both of you.
Residence Permit Through Investment
You can obtain a permanent residence permit in Sweden by contributing to the country's development through investment. Wealthy individuals with the required financial resources can apply for a golden visa and automatically receive a residence permit.
How to Apply for a Residence Permit in Sweden
There are two main ways to apply for a residence permit in Sweden:
- Online Service: Applications can be submitted online.
- In-Person Submission: Applications can be submitted in person through paper forms at the embassy.
Applying for a Residence Permit in Sweden Online
One of the easiest and fastest ways to apply for a residence permit in Sweden is through the online application process, where applications are submitted directly to the Swedish Migration Agency.
When applying online, you will receive clear instructions on how to fill out the application and what to include. Then, you will proceed to the Swedish Migration Agency's website and start submitting your application online.
Applying for a Residence Permit in Sweden Through the Embassy or Consulate
If online applications are not available in your country for any reason, you can still complete the process of applying for a residence permit in Sweden by submitting a paper application through the Swedish embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
- First, you need to complete all the required information in the paper application form for the residence permit and prepare all the necessary documents for submission.
- Then, you will go to the Swedish embassy in the country where you live or the nearest Swedish embassy, and your application will be sent to the Swedish Migration Agency.
- Third, your application will be reviewed by the Swedish Migration Agency, which will assess your eligibility for a residence permit. You will need to wait for their decision.
- Finally, once the review process is complete, you will be notified of the decision made regarding your application, and upon approval, you can begin your travel arrangements.
What Are the Costs for Obtaining a Residence Permit in Sweden?
To obtain a residence permit in Sweden, you will need to bear some financial costs for completing all the procedures. These costs are:
- Residence permit for family reunification for individuals aged 18 or older: approximately 200 euros.
- Residence permit for family reunification for individuals under 18 years old: approximately 100 euros.
- Residence permit for study purposes: approximately 150 euros.
- Residence permit for work purposes: approximately 200 euros.
- Temporary residence permit for visit purposes for adults: approximately 150 euros.
- Temporary residence permit for visit purposes for minors: approximately 75 euros.
What is the Validity Period of a Residence Permit in Sweden?
A Swedish residence permit is valid for three years, with the possibility of extending it up to five years. After obtaining a residence permit for five years, you can apply for permanent residence in Sweden.
Can the Residence Permit in Sweden Be Renewed?
If you wish to continue residing in Sweden after your residence permit expires, you must apply for an extension.
The application process depends on the type of residence permit you applied for. You must keep in mind that you should apply for a new residence permit before your temporary permit expires.
Residence Permit Card in Sweden
The residence permit card is issued as proof that you are allowed to live in Sweden after obtaining your residence permit.
You are required to carry your residence permit card with you when visiting government agencies or healthcare services and show the card with your passport when traveling.
The residence permit card contains information about the type of permit you have, the validity of your card, and your personal details.
The residence permit card is valid for three years. However, if you have a long-term EU residence permit, your residence permit card will be valid for five years.
How Can I Check the Validity of My Swedish Residence Permit Card?
Visit the Swedish Migration Agency's website to check the status of your residence permit card.
To use the electronic services, you must log into your account.
After logging into your account, you will have access to the information you are looking for.
Permanent Residence Permit in Sweden
Since July 2021, the Swedish government announced new specific requirements that applicants must meet to obtain a permanent residence permit in Sweden.
These new requirements apply to everyone, regardless of the type of residence permit they hold. To obtain a permanent residence permit, all applicants must:
- Meet the extended residence permit requirements: To get permanent residency, you must meet the requirements for an extended residence permit. If you do not meet the requirements for a permanent residence permit, you can get a temporary residence permit instead.
- Have a continuous residence permit for a specific period: You must have held a residence permit for three years before applying for permanent residency. Self-employed individuals and refugees with a residence permit are exempt from this requirement.
- Have sufficient income to support yourself financially during your stay in Sweden: You must be able to support yourself financially through your job or self-employment, or a combination of both.
- Have a secure lifestyle: The Swedish parliament does not allow individuals who are likely to commit crimes in the future to obtain permanent residence. The Swedish Migration Agency will review your past lifestyle to assess whether you qualify.
Note: Other rules apply to those with a residence permit for higher secondary studies or a permit that allows them to look for a job after completing their studies.
How to Apply for Permanent Residence in Sweden
You can only apply for a permanent residence permit by submitting a request for an extended work permit through the online electronic services.
The process for applying to extend your current permit and obtaining a permanent residence permit depends on the type of permit you already have.
If your application for a permanent residence permit is successful, you will become a permanent resident in Sweden and receive a permanent residence card. As a result, you will not be required to extend or renew your residence permit, but your residence card will be valid for one to five years. You may be required to renew your residence card.
What is the Required Residency Period for Swedish Citizenship?
After five years of continuous residence in Sweden, you can apply for citizenship. The five years are calculated differently depending on the type of residence permit you held during your stay in the country.
Generally, the time spent under a permit leading to permanent residence is included in this period. However, you should check with the Migration Agency to confirm your eligibility for citizenship.
Does Sweden Allow Dual Citizenship?
Yes, you can have dual citizenship. If you become a Swedish citizen, you can retain your foreign nationality if the other country allows it.
If the other country does not allow dual citizenship, you must choose which nationality you want to retain.
Can a Permanent Residence Permit in Sweden Be Revoked from Foreigners?
Yes, you can lose your permanent residence permit in certain cases, such as:
- If you leave Sweden: You must notify the Swedish Migration Agency of your intention to travel and retain your permanent residence permit. In this case, you can stay outside Sweden for up to two years without affecting your permit. However, if you do not return after two years, the Migration Agency will revoke your permit.
- Providing false information during the application: You may lose your permanent residence permit if you provided false identity information when applying for your residence permit or lied about something important related to your residence permit.
- Having a criminal record: You may be deported from Sweden if you have a criminal record or have been convicted of a crime. The Migration Agency will revoke your residence permit, even if it is valid for several years.
What is the Best Way to Ensure You Get a Residence Permit in Sweden at the Lowest Cost?
To ensure you get your residence permit in Sweden correctly and at the lowest possible cost, you should never skip the services of specialized legal offices or companies in this field due to the complexity of obtaining the permit.
One of the best options to help you secure your residence permit is a team of experts specializing in this area, like Zagel, one of the most important services available to us. You can also explore the various services and price plans offered through the Zagel app.
Additionally, you can take advantage of our legal consultation service to speak with one of our immigration lawyers and experts, available via free WhatsApp if you click here to be redirected to the required chat.
FAQ
- What is the validity period of a residence permit in Sweden?
A Swedish residence permit is valid for three years with the possibility of extending it up to five years. After obtaining a five-year residence permit, you can apply for permanent residence in Sweden. - What is the required residence period to obtain Swedish citizenship?
After five years of continuous residence in Sweden, you can apply for citizenship. The years are calculated differently depending on the type of residence permit you held during your stay in the country. Generally, time spent under a permit leading to permanent residence is included, but you should verify your eligibility with the Migration Agency. - What are the costs of obtaining a residence permit in Sweden?
To obtain a residence permit in Sweden, you will have to bear certain costs to complete the procedures. These costs are approximately:- Family reunification permit for individuals aged 18 or older: around 200 EUR.
- Family reunification permit for individuals under 18: around 100 EUR.
- Study permit: around 150 EUR.
- Work permit: around 200 EUR.
- Temporary residence permit for visiting adults: around 150 EUR.
- Temporary residence permit for visiting minors: around 75 EUR.
- Can the Swedish residence permit be renewed after it expires?
If you want to continue staying in Sweden after your residence permit expires, you must apply for an extension. The application process depends on the type of residence permit you applied for, and you should apply for a new residence permit before the expiration of your temporary permit.