Entry conditions and visas
Depending on your nationality, different entry conditions may apply, such as the need to have an entry visa, a residence permit or work permit. If so, your Swedish host organisation will assist you by providing necessary documents.
SHORT STAYS
Exemptions from the permit requirements
Exemptions from the requirement of residence/work/study permits is applied to:
- Researchers or teachers at higher education institutions who participate in research, teaching or lecturing activities for up to a maximum of three months over the period of 12 months.
- Researchers who have a residence permit for research in another EU country and will carry out part of their research in Sweden with an approved research organization in Sweden for a maximum of 180 days during a 360-day period.
- Other groups listed on Exemptions from the work permit requirement – Swedish Migration Agency
Entry-visa
Some third-country nationals who wish to visit Sweden for up to 90 days may need to apply for an Entry-visa. The visa is a permit that allows entry into and stay within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
In the case you need an entry-visa you must apply for and be granted the entry-visa before arriving in Sweden. Please note that third-country nationals are not permitted to work while holding a Schengen visa, except in cases covered by the exemptions above.
Some third-country nationals are visa-exempt, which means that they do not need a visa to enter and stay in Sweden. visa exemption applies to tourist visits, family visits, studies and other short stays of less than 90 days, provided no economic renumerations is provided. for stays lasting longer than 90 days and/or for paid employment, a residence permit is required.
Some third-country nationals are visa-exempt, which means they do not need a visa to enter and stay in Sweden. Please note that even if you are visa-exempt, you still need to meet certain requirments. find out more on Apply for a Schengen visa (Migrationsverket.se)
EU Entry and Exit System (EES)
Note that third-county nationals traveling to Sweden fromoutside EU/EES will be subject to the Entry/Exit System (EES). The system applies to you if you are a non-EU national who either:
- Need a short-stay visa to travel to Sweden or
- Do not need a visa for travel for a short stay to Sweden
LONGER STAYS - MORE THAN THREE MONTHS
If you plan to stay in Sweden for longer than three months you will need a residence permit for researchers, work permit (applies for those who will do less than 50% research in Sweden) or residence permit for doctoral studies (applies to those admitted to doctoral studies).
A first-time residence/work/study permit must generally be applied for and approved prior to arrival in Sweden. we highly recommend using the Migrations Agency's digital services for faster processing.
Find more information and on-line application forms at the Swedish Migration Agency’s website:
Read more on Residence permit for research, doctoral studies and work permit on Work permit (EURAXESS)
Citizens of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Iceland may live and work in Sweden without registering or obtaining a residence permit. If your stay in Sweden will be one year or more, you must generally be entered into the Swedish population register. Read more at www.skatteverket.se.
EU citizens have the right to work, study or live in Sweden without a residence permit. The right of EU citizens to stay in Sweden without a residence permit is called right of residence. You have right of residence if you are employed, self-employed, a student or have sufficient means to support yourself. If you have right of residence in Sweden you do not need to contact the Swedish Migration Agency. When entering Sweden, you need a valid passport or ID card showing your citizenship. More information on Migrationsverket.se
If your stay in Sweden will be one year or more, you must generally be entered into the Swedish population register. Read more about this at Skatteverket.se.
Citizens of Switzerland
If you are a Swiss citizen, you may move to Sweden to work, study, start your own business or, for example, live on a pension from your country of origin. If you wish to stay for longer than three months, you will need a residence permit. More information on Migrationsverket.se
British citizens, and their family members, who have a right of residence in Sweden before 31 December 2020 have to apply to the Swedish Migration Agency for a new residence status. The application period 1 December 2020 - 31 December 2021.
British citizens moving to Sweden after 1 Jan 2021 follow the rules for non-EU citizens, see above.