Residence in Sweden: permits and requirements
Living legally in Sweden is possible through 6 permit types: work, family, study, permanent, international protection, investment. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Work Residence Permit (Uppehållstillstånd)
Residence type #1 of 6
Residence permit for third-country workers with a job offer in Sweden; the employer must have declared the vacancy and obtained approval
Requirements
- Job offer with a minimum salary according to the collective agreement
- The employer must have declared the vacancy and conditions to the Arbetsförmedlingen (Employment Service)
- Health insurance and accommodation in Sweden
- No criminal record
- Minimum monthly salary of SEK 13,000 (estimated, varies by agreement)
Documentation
- Valid passport
- Signed job offer with salary and employment conditions
- Employer's declaration to the Arbetsförmedlingen
- Biometric photos
- Migrationsverket application form
Frequently asked questions about residence in Sweden
How many types of residence permits are there in Sweden?
Sweden offers 6 residence permit types, grouped into the categories work, family, study, permanent, international protection, investment. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Sweden last?
Durations vary by permit type: 2 years (renewable; permanent after 4 years); Same period as the sponsor if they hold a temporary permit; otherwise max 2 years (never beyond passport validity; renewable); Max 1 or 2 years depending on the institution, never longer than the studies (renewable; +2 weeks grace period); Indefinite (card renewable every 5 years). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Sweden be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Sweden (6 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Sweden?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Datos biométricos; Formulario de solicitud; Valid passport. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Sweden lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 8 years of continuous habitual residence in Sweden. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Sweden.
Residence and nationality updates
Subscribe to know when a country changes its residence or nationality routes. One email, only when there is news.
Anything to correct or add about Sweden?
If you have spotted incorrect or outdated information, or want to suggest additional details about residence pathways in Sweden, leave us your comment. We review every one personally.