Are you a non-EU citizen wishing to work as a self-employed person in Sweden? You can find information below on the conditions to fulfil and procedures to follow, as well as the rights you can enjoy during your stay.
If you intend to start your own business or become a (part) owner of a company for more than three months, you must apply for a residence permit.
You do not need a work permit.
Where and how to apply | You can apply online in the country you are living in. You will probably be required to pay an application fee. If you are not able to apply online, you must fill out the form Application for a Swedish residence permit for self-employed persons, number 125011, and submit it to a Swedish embassy or consulate-general in your country of residence. The application form specifies which documents to enclose. Contact the embassy or consulate-general before you submit your application. Requirements for obtaining a residence permit as a self-employed In order to obtain a residence permit, you must:
The Swedish Migration Agency will assess your business plans from a financial perspective. The Migration AgencySearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN••• will evaluate the business plan from a financial perspective and decide whether or not to grant the residence permit. Its decision will be communicated to you by the Swedish consulate or embassy where you submitted the application. |
Documents required | Enclose the following documents with your application:
Make sure to extend your passport if it is about to expire. You cannot get a permit for longer than your passport validity period. You must have a permit that is valid for at least one year and stay in Sweden for at least one year if you want to be registered in the Swedish population register. The documents should be translated to Swedish or English by an authorised translator. Copies of original documents should always be included. |
Duration of validity of permits | Your residence permit is granted for one year at a time for a two-year probationary period. It can be extended, but you must apply approximately one month before it expires. The Migration Agency does not send out reminders. |
Appeals | If the Migration Agency refuses your application, you can appeal the decision within three weeks from the date when you were informed of the decision. Information on how to lodge an appeal can be found in your decision. |
Further information |
Long-term residence | Permanent residence permit You can be eligible for a permanent residence permit after two years. EC long-term residence After five years of legal and continuous residence, you may be granted an EC long-term residence status. You must prove that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family. You must also have a permanent residence permit. |
Family reunification | Your family members may be granted residence permits for the same period as your residence permit. Family members include:
If you have the right to work for more than six months, family members may also be granted work permits. |
No information available at the moment.
- Swedish embassy or consulate
- Migration Agency
- More on residence permits for self-employed workers
- More on working in Sweden
- The Swedish Public Employment Service
- More on long-term residence
- More on bringing your family to Sweden
- Swedish Migration Agency (Self Employment)
- Ministry of Employment
- Ministry for Foreign Affairs
- Embassies and consulates
- Ministry of Justice
- Swedish Institute
- Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions