Visa requirements

Sweden

General visa requirements for travelling to Sweden. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Work / Immigration visa (EU Blue Card (Highly Qualified Employment))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
Maximum 90 days
Fee
SEK 2,000
Validity
Duration of employment contract plus 3 months, maximum 2 years; renewable
Entry
Multiple entry

EU Blue Card for highly qualified non-EU/EEA workers in Sweden. As of July 2025, minimum salary threshold is SEK 52,000 per month (1.5x average gross salary). Applicant must have higher education equivalent to at least 180 credits or 5 years relevant professional experience. Employment contract must be for at least 6 months. Blue Card holders can move to another EU country after 12 months. Path to permanent residence after meeting residency requirements.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Open to all non-EU/EEA citizens. EU/EEA citizens cannot apply as they have free movement rights.

  • Employment

    Must have highly qualified employment in Sweden with minimum salary of SEK 52,000/month. Must have higher education (minimum 180 credits/3 years) or at least 5 years of relevant professional experience.

    Required status: Highly qualified employment with minimum salary SEK 52,000/month

  • Financial

    Minimum monthly salary of SEK 52,000 required.

    Minimum funds: SEK 52,000 per month

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Online payment via Swedish Migration Agency e-service; Amount: SEK 2,000

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Employer initiates the application in the Swedish Migration Agency's e-service.

  2. Document gathering

    Gather: passport, employment contract, proof of qualifications (degree certificates or professional experience documentation), and insurance confirmation.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay application fee of SEK 2,000.

  4. Document submission

    Present passport at Swedish embassy/consulate for verification.

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for decision, maximum 90 days processing time.

  6. Visa collection

    Receive EU Blue Card upon approval.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (Work Permit (Residence Permit for Employment))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
Approximately 1 month for highly qualified workers with complete applications; approximately 4 months for other employment with complete applications; 3-11 months if incomplete
Fee
SEK 2,200 (main applicant); SEK 1,500 (adult family); SEK 750 (child)
Validity
Up to 2 years per permit; renewable; not beyond employment contract or passport validity
Entry
Multiple entry

Swedish work permit (residence permit for employment) for non-EU/EEA citizens. Must be applied for BEFORE arriving in Sweden. The employer must initiate the application process. Minimum monthly salary threshold is SEK 29,680 (80% of median salary). From June 2026, threshold increases to SEK 33,390 (90% of median). Employer must provide health, life, occupational injury, and pension insurance. After 4 years of work permit, may be eligible for permanent residence. Japanese citizens are exempt from application fees.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Required for all non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who wish to work in Sweden. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens have the right to work without a permit.

  • Employment

    Must have a concrete job offer from a Swedish employer. The position must have been advertised in Sweden and the EU/EEA for at least 10 days. Salary and employment conditions must match Swedish collective agreements or industry standards.

    Required status: Concrete job offer from Swedish employer

  • Financial

    Monthly salary must be at least SEK 29,680 (as of 2025). Must be sufficient for self-support in Sweden.

    Minimum funds: SEK 29,680 per month

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Online payment via Swedish Migration Agency e-service; Amount: SEK 2,200 (main applicant); SEK 1,500 (adult family); SEK 750 (child)

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Employer initiates the application in the Swedish Migration Agency's e-service, providing company details and job offer information.

  2. Document gathering

    Applicant gathers: passport copies, signed employment contract, proof of insurance, and power of attorney if applicable. Family members need passports, relationship proof, and birth certificates.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay application fee: SEK 2,200 (main applicant), SEK 1,500 (adult family), SEK 750 (child).

  4. Document submission

    Present passport at Swedish embassy/consulate for verification, or use digital passport check if available in your country.

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for Swedish Migration Agency decision. Highly qualified workers: approximately 1 month. Other employment: approximately 4 months. Union consultation may occur.

  6. Visa collection

    Receive decision via email or letter. If approved, receive residence permit card. May need to collect at embassy or upon arrival in Sweden.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (Residence Permit for Research)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time
Approximately 1-4 months
Fee
SEK 2,200
Validity
Duration of the research project; renewable
Entry
Multiple entry

Residence permit for researchers invited by a research principal approved by the Swedish Research Council. Must have a doctorate or be eligible to start a doctoral programme. Must devote at least 50% of working hours to research. A hosting agreement with the research principal is required. The research principal organization must be approved by the Swedish Research Council. Different from the doctoral studies permit as this is for post-doctoral and established researchers.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Required for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens conducting research in Sweden.

  • Employment

    Must have a doctorate or be eligible to start a doctoral programme. Must devote at least 50% of working time to research. Must have a hosting agreement with a Swedish Research Council-approved research principal.

    Required status: Doctorate or doctoral eligibility; hosting agreement with approved research principal

  • Financial

    Minimum SEK 9,700 per month for living expenses.

    Minimum funds: SEK 9,700 per month

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Visa fee payment

    Accepted methods: Online payment via Swedish Migration Agency e-service; Amount: SEK 2,200

  • Research proposal

    Must be peer reviewed: No

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Obtain hosting agreement from Swedish Research Council-approved research principal. Gather passport, qualification documents, and financial proof.

  2. Online application

    Apply through the Swedish Migration Agency's e-service.

  3. Fee payment

    Pay SEK 2,200 application fee.

  4. Document submission

    Present passport and documents at Swedish embassy/consulate.

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for processing, approximately 1-4 months.

  6. Visa collection

    Receive residence permit card upon approval.

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.