Sweden is a Schengen Area member offering visa-free access to citizens from over 60 countries for up to 90 days within 180 days. While there is no dedicated digital nomad visa, the country attracts remote workers with excellent internet infrastructure, high quality of life, and a thriving tech ecosystem. Self-employed individuals with Swedish clients can apply for a residence permit. EU/EEA citizens can live and work freely without permits.
7
Visa Types
62
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
🎫 Available Visa Types
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Visa-Free Entry (Schengen)
Citizens from 62+ visa-exempt countries can enter Sweden and the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Perfect for short-term tourism, business trips, or exploring remote work possibilities.
90 days
Duration
SEK 0
— fee
+SEK 1,500 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓No visa application required
✓Immediate entry at border
✓Free access to entire Schengen Area (29 countries)
✓Can be used for tourism, business meetings, conferences
✓Multiple entries allowed within validity period
📋 Requirements (5)
•Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond intended stay, issued within last 10 years)
•Proof of sufficient funds for stay
•Return or onward ticket
•Accommodation booking or invitation letter
•Travel insurance recommended
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Immediate entry at border
1Arrive at Swedish border with valid passport
2Border police may ask about purpose of visit and sufficient funds
3Receive stamp in passport (or Entry/Exit System registration from October 2025)
4Stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period in entire Schengen Area
•Use the Schengen Short-stay Calculator to track your days
•Keep proof of accommodation and return flights handy
•Border runs to Norway, Finland, or Denmark do NOT reset your 90-day limit
•Consider applying for residence permit if planning longer stay
•Entry/Exit System (EES) launches October 2025 - biometric registration required
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Work
Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd)
The standard work permit for non-EU/EEA citizens with a job offer from a Swedish employer. Requires employer sponsorship and salary meeting Swedish standards. Valid for up to 2 years initially.
730 days
Duration
SEK 2,000
— fee
+SEK 2,250 additional
💰 Income Requirement
Minimum $29,680/per_month
Alternative: Salary must be at least 80% of Swedish median salary. As of June 2025, minimum SEK 29,680/month gross.
✅ Key Benefits
✓Full right to live and work in Sweden
✓Access to Swedish social security system
✓Family members can join and work
✓Path to permanent residence after 4 years
✓Access to Swedish healthcare
✓Children have access to free education
✓Can travel within Schengen Area up to 90 days per 180 days
📋 Requirements (7)
•Valid passport for duration of intended stay
•Signed employment contract from Swedish employer
•Salary at least SEK 29,680/month (80% of median salary as of 2025)
•Employment terms matching Swedish collective agreements
•Employer must have advertised position in EU/EEA for 10+ days
•Employer must provide health, life, occupational injury, and pension insurance
Process: Apply for extension before current permit expires. Must demonstrate continued employment meeting all requirements. Can apply up to 4 months before expiry.
Renewal: Can be renewed annually. After 4 years of work permit, eligible for permanent residence permit. Must have worked continuously with proper conditions throughout.
💡 Pro Tips
•Ensure your employer is certified for faster processing
•Salary threshold updates annually in June - verify current amount
•Keep all pay slips as evidence for extension applications
•Register with Skatteverket immediately upon arrival for personnummer
•Apply for extension 4 months before expiry to maintain work rights during processing
Schengen Visa (Type C)
TouristPopular
Short-stay visa for citizens of countries requiring a visa to enter the Schengen Area. Valid for tourism, business, family visits, or transit for up to 90 days within 180 days.
90d
Duration
€135
— fee
+€75 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱15 calendar days standard, up to 45 days in complex cases
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Visa application fee (adults)Non-refundable, even if visa is denied
€90—
Visa application fee (children 6-11)Reduced fee for children
€45—
Additional (estimated)
VFS Global service feeIf applying through visa application center
€25—
Travel insurance (minimum EUR 30,000)MANDATORY - must cover all Schengen states
€50—
Required Total
€135—
+ Additional (estimated)
€75—
Estimated Total
€210—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
•Travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage for all Schengen states
•Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
•Proof of sufficient funds (SEK 450/day)
•Return flight booking
•Purpose of visit documentation
📝 Application Steps
1Determine if Sweden is your main destination
2Book appointment at Swedish embassy/consulate or VFS Global
3Complete online application form
4Gather all required documents
5Attend appointment for biometrics and document submission
6Pay visa fee (EUR 90 adults, EUR 45 children 6-11)
7Wait for processing (typically 15 days, up to 45 days)
8Collect passport with visa decision
⚠️ Restrictions
•Cannot work in Sweden or Schengen Area
•Cannot study for more than 90 days
•Maximum 90 days in any 180-day period
•Must apply at embassy/consulate in home country
•Non-refundable fee even if denied
💡 Tips
•Apply at least 15 days before travel, ideally 4-6 weeks
•Travel insurance is MANDATORY - must cover EUR 30,000 minimum
•Apply to Sweden if it is your main destination
•If visiting multiple Schengen countries equally, apply to first point of entry
•Keep all booking confirmations even if not confirmed - you can cancel after visa approval
EU Blue Card
WorkPopular
For highly qualified non-EU workers with university degree or 5+ years professional experience. Requires higher salary threshold than standard work permit. Offers enhanced mobility within EU.
730d
Duration
SEK 2,000
— fee
+SEK 2,250 additional
📍Apply: Online
⏱45-90 days for certified employers, 2-4 months standard
🔄Extendable +730d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
SEKUSD
Required
EU Blue Card application feeSame as standard work permit fee
SEK 2,000—
Additional (estimated)
Family member application (adult)Per accompanying adult family member
SEK 1,500—
Family member application (child)Per accompanying child under 18
SEK 750—
Required Total
SEK 2,000—
+ Additional (estimated)
SEK 2,250—
Estimated Total
SEK 4,250—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport
•University degree (second-cycle/Masters equivalent) OR 5+ years relevant professional experience
•Employment contract for at least 6 months (reduced from 12 months as of January 2025)
•Salary at least SEK 52,000/month gross (1.25x average salary)
•Employment in highly qualified position
•Health insurance or proof of application
•Clean criminal record
📝 Application Steps
1Verify eligibility (degree or 5 years experience, salary threshold)
2Receive job offer for highly qualified position
3Employer creates offer of employment
4Submit EU Blue Card application online
5Provide degree certificates or experience documentation
6Pay application fee (SEK 2,000)
7Attend biometrics appointment if required
8Wait for processing (45-90 days for certified employers)
9Receive EU Blue Card upon approval
⚠️ Restrictions
•Higher salary threshold than standard work permit
•Must maintain highly qualified employment
•First 24 months tied to specific employer and occupation
•Must notify Migrationsverket of any employment changes
•Cannot downgrade to lower-qualified position
💡 Tips
•New rules from January 2025 make Blue Card more accessible
•Salary threshold reduced from 1.5x to 1.25x average salary
•Employment period reduced from 12 to 6 months
•Great option for IT, engineering, healthcare professionals
•Consider Blue Card over standard work permit if you qualify - offers more flexibility
Self-Employment Residence Permit
WorkPopular
For entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals running their own business in Sweden. Requires proven business experience, client relationships (preferably Swedish), and sufficient funds. The closest option to a digital nomad visa for freelancers.
•This is the closest option to a digital nomad visa in Sweden
•Consider incorporating a Swedish company (AB or enskild firma)
•Japanese citizens are exempt from application fee
Working Holiday Visa
Work
Youth mobility program for citizens aged 18-30 (35 for Canadians) from select countries. Allows up to 12 months of work and travel in Sweden. One-time use only.
365d
Duration
SEK 1,500
— fee
+SEK 5,000 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱2-8 weeks typically
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
SEKUSD
Required
Working holiday visa feeVaries by country, approximately SEK 1,500
SEK 1,500—
Additional (estimated)
Health insurance (12 months)Required - must cover Swedish healthcare
SEK 5,000—
Required Total
SEK 1,500—
+ Additional (estimated)
SEK 5,000—
Estimated Total
SEK 6,500—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Passport from eligible country (Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Peru, South Korea, Uruguay)
•Age 18-30 at time of application (18-35 for Canada)
•Valid passport
•Sufficient funds: minimum SEK 15,000
•Return ticket or funds for return travel
•Health insurance covering Swedish healthcare (not required for Australians)
•No accompanying dependents
•Never held Swedish working holiday visa before
📝 Application Steps
1Verify your country has working holiday agreement with Sweden
2Confirm you meet age requirements (18-30, or 18-35 for Canada)
3Download application form (155011)
4Book appointment at Swedish embassy in your country
5Gather required documents
6Attend appointment and submit application
7Pay visa fee
8Wait for processing
9Receive residence permit card upon approval
⚠️ Restrictions
•Only available to citizens of 10 countries
•Strict age limits (18-30, 35 for Canada)
•Cannot bring family members
•One-time use - cannot apply again
•Cannot extend beyond 12 months
•Must apply from home country
💡 Tips
•Eligible countries: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Peru, South Korea, Uruguay
•Great option for young professionals to test Swedish life
•Can switch to work permit if you find employer sponsorship
•Register with Skatteverket upon arrival for tax purposes
•Consider this as a stepping stone to longer-term residence
Student Residence Permit
Education
For non-EU/EEA students admitted to full-time studies at a Swedish university or educational institution. Allows part-time work alongside studies.
No, Sweden does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. However, digital nomads have several options: (1) Visit visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days if from an exempt country, (2) Apply for a Self-Employment Residence Permit if you have Swedish clients and can demonstrate a viable business, (3) Use the Working Holiday Visa if you are 18-30 (35 for Canadians) from eligible countries. Remote work for foreign clients while on a tourist stay is technically a gray area but commonly tolerated for short stays. Sweden has excellent digital infrastructure and a thriving tech ecosystem that attracts remote workers despite the lack of a specific visa.
Can I work remotely in Sweden on a tourist visa?
This is a gray area. Technically, tourist entries are for tourism, not income-generating activities. However, remote work for a foreign employer while on a short visit is generally tolerated and enforcement is rare. You should not: work for Swedish companies, attend Swedish workplaces regularly, or establish tax residency. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days or make Sweden your base, consider the Self-Employment Residence Permit. If you exceed 183 days in Sweden within 12 months, you may become a tax resident with obligations to pay Swedish income tax.
How does the 90/180 day Schengen rule work?
The Schengen Area operates on a 90/180 day rule: you can stay up to 90 days within ANY 180-day rolling period across ALL 29 Schengen countries combined. This means time spent in Germany, France, Spain, or any other Schengen country counts against your Sweden allowance. Border runs to Norway, Finland, or Denmark (all Schengen members) do NOT reset your counter. To reset, you must leave the entire Schengen Area for 90 days. Use the official Schengen Short-stay Calculator to track your days. The Entry/Exit System (EES) launching October 2025 will automatically track entries and exits electronically.
What is the minimum salary for a Swedish work permit in 2025?
As of June 2025, the minimum monthly salary for a work permit is SEK 29,680 gross (80% of the Swedish median salary of SEK 37,100). This threshold updates annually in June based on Statistics Sweden data. For EU Blue Card holders, the minimum is higher: SEK 52,000/month (1.25 times the average gross salary, reduced from 1.5x in January 2025). Your salary must also be consistent with Swedish collective agreements or industry standards for your position. Employers must provide health, life, occupational injury, and pension insurance in addition to salary.
How can I open a bank account in Sweden as a foreigner?
Opening a Swedish bank account typically requires a personnummer (personal identity number), which is only available if you plan to stay 12+ months and register with Skatteverket (Tax Agency). Without a personnummer, your options are limited. EU/EEA citizens have a legal right to basic accounts. Non-EU citizens should: (1) Bring passport, residence permit, proof of address, employment contract, (2) Visit bank branch in person - Handelsbanken and SEB are often recommended for expats, (3) Consider alternatives like Wise, Revolut, or N26 while waiting for personnummer. Once you have personnummer, you can get BankID (essential for online banking) and Swish (mobile payments). Sweden is largely cashless so digital banking access is important.
Is travel insurance required for Sweden?
For visa-free visitors (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.): Travel insurance is not legally required but STRONGLY recommended. Swedish healthcare is excellent but expensive for non-residents. For Schengen visa applicants: Travel insurance is MANDATORY. Requirements: minimum EUR 30,000 medical coverage, valid in all Schengen states, covers medical repatriation, zero deductible, valid for entire stay plus 15 days buffer. Present proof when applying and carry it while traveling. For work permit holders: Employers must provide comprehensive insurance including health, life, occupational injury, and pension coverage.
What are the best cities in Sweden for digital nomads?
Stockholm is the top choice: thriving tech hub (home to Spotify, Klarna, King), numerous coworking spaces (Epicenter, SUP46, WeWork, Norrsken House), excellent public transport, and vibrant international community. Gothenburg offers a more relaxed atmosphere, strong startup scene, and lower costs than Stockholm. Malmö is well-connected to Copenhagen (20 minutes by train), has growing tech community and more affordable housing. Uppsala provides university town atmosphere with good infrastructure. All major cities have excellent internet (Sweden averages 100+ Mbps), English is widely spoken, and coworking spaces are abundant. Cost of living is high but quality of life consistently ranks among world best.
Can I extend my stay in Sweden beyond 90 days?
For visa-free visitors: No extension possible for tourist stays. You must leave the Schengen Area before 90 days expire and cannot return until sufficient time has passed (90 days out within 180-day period). For longer stays, you need a residence permit applied BEFORE arrival. Options include: Work Permit (requires job offer), Self-Employment Permit (for business owners), Student Permit, or Family Reunification. For Schengen visa holders: Extensions only in exceptional circumstances (force majeure, humanitarian reasons). Apply at Migrationsverket before visa expires. EU/EEA citizens have no time limits and should register with Skatteverket after 3 months.
Which countries are eligible for Sweden Working Holiday Visa?
Sweden has working holiday agreements with 10 countries: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Peru, South Korea, and Uruguay. Age requirements: 18-30 for most countries, 18-35 for Canada. You must: be citizen of eligible country, apply from home country, have never held Swedish working holiday visa before, not bring dependents, have sufficient funds (SEK 15,000), have return ticket or funds for return, and have health insurance (exception: Australians). The visa allows 12 months of work and travel, cannot be extended, and is one-time use only. Great option for young professionals to explore Swedish life before committing to longer-term residence.
What is ETIAS and when will it be required for Sweden?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is an electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers visiting the Schengen Area, similar to the US ESTA. Expected to launch in 2025 (delayed from original 2024 date). Once active: US, UK, Canadian, Australian, Japanese, and other visa-exempt nationals will need to apply online before traveling, pay a fee (expected EUR 7), receive authorization valid for 3 years or until passport expires. ETIAS is NOT a visa - it is a pre-travel clearance. The Entry/Exit System (EES) launching October 2025 will complement ETIAS by recording all entries and exits electronically, replacing passport stamps.
⚠️
Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025