There are multiple methods for immigrating to Sweden including employer sponsorship, self-employment, marriage cohabitation, and studying abroad. However, the common ways for applicants in the country to immigrate to Sweden include investment immigration, self-employment immigration, and employer-sponsored immigration. Let us explore these methods in detail.
Investment Immigration:
According to Swedish law, operating a Swedish company that meets the immigration authority's requirements allows for the acquisition of a work visa. After running the company for 2 years and achieving the required profit level set by the immigration authority, the investor can obtain permanent residency (green card). After living in Sweden for 5 years, they can apply for Swedish citizenship. This means that establishing a business can involve either starting a new company or purchasing or acquiring at least 50% equity in a well-performing profitable business. This is the first method mentioned above.
Swedish Self-Employment Immigration:
The self-employment work visa is valid for one year and must be renewed once, after which applicants can apply for permanent residency after 2 years. Applicants who have lived in Sweden for a total of 5 years may apply for Swedish citizenship, enjoying the same rights and benefits as Swedish citizens upon obtaining permanent residency. The only difference between acquiring Swedish citizenship and permanent residency is that citizenship grants the right to vote. Applicants need to establish a company in Sweden as individuals, with a registered capital of no less than 100,000 Swedish Krona. Those choosing this investment method need to apply for a residence permit from the Swedish Migration Agency. The applicant's spouse and children (under 18 years of age) will also receive residence permits simultaneously.
During this period, the entire family of the applicant can enjoy social welfare benefits on par with local residents. The government’s evaluation period typically lasts two years. As long as the company operates smoothly and the applicant's salary is sufficient to sustain themselves and their family’s normal life in Sweden, they can apply for Swedish permanent residency at the end of the two-year evaluation period, and after three years, they can apply for Swedish citizenship.
Employer-Sponsored Immigration to Sweden:
2008 in December, Sweden amended its labor laws. Swedish companies hiring employees from outside the European Economic Area no longer require approval from the Swedish Labor Department, only from the immigration authority. However, the requirement for applying for a green card after working in Sweden for 2 years was extended to 4 years. The employee work visa entails that the applicant is hired by a Swedish company, receives a work visa, and can apply for a green card after working in Sweden for 4 years. For instance, we can arrange a company for you in Sweden, which will then employ the applicant through this subsidiary. You will receive a one-year work visa to go to Sweden, and after working for this company for 4 years, you can apply for a green card. The one-year work visa must be renewed, and the renewal follows a 1+2+1 system, allowing for green card application after 4 years. Individuals on an employment visa cannot change employers during the 2-year employment period and cannot change their type of work within the 4 years. Applicants who have lived in Sweden for a total of 5 years can apply for Swedish citizenship.
Situation for Spouses and Children of Immigrants to Sweden:
The spouse of the investor and children under 21 years of age can also obtain residence permits matching those of the investor. When the investor gains permanent residency, the spouse and children can also attain permanent residency together.