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 Programme | Min. Income | Savings | Processing | Difficulty | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneur/Self-Employed Visa | N/A | N/A | 120-210d | 6/10 | Yes |
| EU Blue Card | N/A | N/A | 30-60d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Family Reunion - Children | N/A | N/A | 120-210d | 4/10 | Yes |
| Family Reunion - Spouse/Partner | N/A | N/A | 120-210d | 4/10 | Yes |
| Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit | N/A | N/A | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Job Seeker Visa (Look for Work or Start Business) | N/A | N/A | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Post-Study Work Permit (Extension to Seek Employment) | €2,700/mo | N/A | 120-210d | 3/10 | Yes |
| Professional Athletes/Coaches Work Permit | €2,700/mo | N/A | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Researcher Residence Permit | N/A | N/A | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Seasonal Work Permit | €2,700/mo | N/A | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Self-Employment / Entrepreneur Permit | N/A | €18,000 | 120-210d | 6/10 | Yes |
| Visitor Residence Permit (over 90 days) | N/A | N/A | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Work Permit After Visiting Employer (Labour Shortage) | €2,700/mo | N/A | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Work Permit (Employer Sponsored) | €2,700/mo | N/A | 120-210d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd) | €2,850/mo | N/A | 30-120d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
| Working Holiday Visa | €1,333/mo | €1,389 | 30-90d | 4.0/10 | No |
| Au Pair Permit | €500/mo | N/A | 60-120d | 5.0/10 | No |
| Berry Picker / Seasonal Worker | €2,850/mo | N/A | 60-120d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
| Startup Visa | N/A | €18,000 | 180-630d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
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Get Deep Dive — €19Frequently 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.
Related: Sweden Guide · Cost of Living · All Countries