Sweden · Visa Data

All Sweden Visa Pathways Compared (2026)

Key Takeaway

Compare all 19 Sweden visa pathways side by side. Income requirements, processing times, costs, and path to residency. Updated 2026-03-12.

Updated 2026-03-12 · 19 pathways · Download CSV

Sweden offers 19 visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals. This page compares all available routes side by side with current requirements.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Visa ProgrammeMin. IncomeSavingsProcessingDifficultyFamily
Entrepreneur/Self-Employed Visa120-210d6/10Yes
EU Blue Card30-60d5/10Yes
Family Reunion - Children120-210d4/10Yes
Family Reunion - Spouse/Partner120-210d4/10Yes
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit120-210d5/10Yes
Job Seeker Visa (Look for Work or Start Business)120-210d5/10Yes
Post-Study Work Permit (Extension to Seek Employment)€2,700/mo120-210d3/10Yes
Professional Athletes/Coaches Work Permit€2,700/mo120-210d5/10Yes
Researcher Residence Permit120-210d5/10Yes
Seasonal Work Permit€2,700/mo120-210d5/10Yes
Self-Employment / Entrepreneur Permit€18,000120-210d6/10Yes
Visitor Residence Permit (over 90 days)120-210d5/10Yes
Work Permit After Visiting Employer (Labour Shortage)€2,700/mo120-210d5/10Yes
Work Permit (Employer Sponsored)€2,700/mo120-210d5/10Yes
Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd)€2,850/mo30-120d5.0/10Yes
Working Holiday Visa€1,333/mo€1,38930-90d4.0/10No
Au Pair Permit€500/mo60-120d5.0/10No
Berry Picker / Seasonal Worker€2,850/mo60-120d5.0/10Yes
Startup Visa€18,000180-630d5.0/10Yes

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many visa pathways does Sweden offer?

Sweden offers 19 distinct visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals, including skilled worker, family, investor, and other categories.

What is the easiest visa to get for Sweden?

The easiest pathway depends on your profile. Working holiday visas (if available) have the lowest barriers. For professionals, employer-sponsored visas are the most common route.

How long does it take to get permanent residency in Sweden?

The path to permanent residency in Sweden typically takes 2-5 years depending on the visa category. Some skilled worker pathways offer faster PR routes.

Can I bring my family to Sweden?

Most long-term visa categories in Sweden allow family reunification for spouses and dependent children, though specific requirements vary by pathway.

Do I need a job offer to move to Sweden?

Not all pathways require a job offer. Sweden may offer self-employment, investment, digital nomad, or points-based pathways that don't require employer sponsorship.

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