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The information provided is designed to give a summary of the immigration requirements. It is not offered as legal advice and should not be taken as such. The firm and the contributing authors expressly disclaim all liability to any person in respect of anything done or omitted in reliance upon the contents of this information sheet. Immigration rules and requirements frequently change without notice and you should contact our Global Immigration team for further information and advice.
Who needs a visa?
Business Visa
Work Authorization
Family
Penalties
Do's and Don't
Holders of an EEA (EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or Swiss passport do not require a visa to visit to Sweden.
Nationals of the following countries do not need a visa: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, United Nations, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Foreign nationals who require a visa must obtain a Schengen Business Visit visa to travel to Sweden on business.
Whilst in Sweden, business visa holders are permitted to attend meetings, conferences and engage in business activities which do not constitute work.
Foreign nationals should obtain a Schengen visa from the Swedish Consulate if Sweden is the first country they will be visiting. If the foreign national is to visit a number of countries during the same trip, they should apply for a Schengen visa at the Swedish Consulate if Sweden is their main destination, where they will spend the majority of their time.
Existing Schengen visa holders:
The Swedish Embassy will not issue a new visa if the applicant already holds an active Schengen visa issued by another member state. The active visa must be canceled by the issuing consulate before the Swedish Consulate can issue a new visa.
Validity:
The business visa allows its holder to travel freely within the Schengen area for a period up to 90 days within a 6 month period.
Processing time:
Processing times of business visas vary according to the country where the application is filed.
Business visa applications in the UK may be processed within 5 working days from the date of submission.
For an up-to-date list of required supporting documentation please contact our Global Immigration Team.
EEA nationals
EEA nationals do not require a visa or work permit to undertake employment in Sweden.
EEA nationals who stay in Sweden for more than 3 months must register with the Swedish Migration Board.
Processing time:
Registration applications may be processed in 3 months.
For an up-to-date list of required supporting documentation please contact our Global Immigration Team.
Non - EEA nationals
Non-EEA nationals must obtain a work permit before undertaking any form of employment in Sweden.
The foreign worker is required to apply for a work visa at the Swedish Consulate in their country of residence. Once submitted, the application is referred to the Migration Board in Sweden.
Prerequisites:
- The foreign worker must have a written invitation to work in Sweden - the written invitation to work must be approved by the Swedish Labour Authorities
- The employer must guarantee pay, insurance coverage and other terms of employment equal to at least the collective agreement or Swedish practice in the profession or branch of trade.
- Accommodation for the foreign worker must have been arranged in Sweden
Validity:
Work permits are generally granted for a maximum of one year, or for the duration of employment if shorter than one year. After four years under the auspices of a work permit, the foreign worker may qualify for permanent residency.
For an up-to-date list of required supporting documentation please contact our Global Immigration Team.
Processing time:
The application should be submitted at least 10 weeks before the intended arrival date in Sweden.
Dependants of EEA nationals
The spouse and children can reside in Sweden with the EEA national.
Unmarried Partners/Same sex partners of EEA nationals
The unmarried partner/same sex partners of EEA nationals may reside in Sweden with the EEA national.
Dependants, unmarried partners and same-sex partners of EEA nationals are permitted to work in Sweden without a work permit.
Process:
Nationals who require a visa to enter Sweden must obtain a visa on the basis of being a dependant, unmarried or same-sex partner of an EEA national who will be exercising EU rights in Sweden. Once they have entered Sweden, they will be required to apply for a residence card.
Nationals who do not require a visa to enter Sweden must apply for a residence card after arrival in Sweden.
Validity:
The spouse/unmarried child of a foreign worker will be granted the same period of stay as the foreign worker.
For an up-to-date list of required supporting documentation please contact our Global Immigration Team.
Processing time:
Processing times of EEA family visa applications vary according to the country where the application is filed.
EEA family visa applications in the UK may be processed within 4 weeks from the date of submission.
Residence card applications may be processed in 6 months.
Dependants of non-EEA nationals
Dependants
The spouse and unmarried children under the age of 18 may accompany foreign workers who hold work permits to Sweden.
Unmarried Partners/Same-sex partners
The Swedish authorities recognise civil partners and same-sex unmarried partners.
The spouse and unmarried/same-sex partners of foreign workers may be issued with work authorization.
Procedure:
The Dependant/unmarried partner/same-sex partner must obtain a visa at the Swedish Consulate in their country of residence before travelling to Sweden.
Processing time:
An application for a visa as a dependant/unmarried partner/same-sex partner should be submitted at the same time as the foreign worker's application for a work visa and processing can take up to 10 weeks.
Validity:
The Dependant/Unmarried Partner/Same-sex Partner will be granted a visa in line with that of the foreign worker.
For an up-to-date list of required supporting documentation please contact our Global Immigration Team.
Employer:
Employing a foreign worker who does not have the requisite work authorisation is an offence. If convicted the company may be fined.
Employee:
Foreign workers who do not comply with the immigration laws of Sweden may be fined.
Do:
- Contact our global immigration team as soon as possible regarding any potential application as we may be able to assist with preparing documents
- Provide all requested information and documents promptly to enable us to prepare your application efficiently
Don't:
- Perform any duties that may be construed as work whilst in Sweden as a business visitor
The information provided is designed to give a summary of the immigration requirements. Please note that the information was correct at the time of writing, however the immigration rules and regulations of Sweden, like many other countries, frequently change without notice and you should contact our Global Immigration team for further information and advice.