Moving to Sweden from UK - Specialized Immigration Services

If you have decided to move to Sweden from the UK, you need to complete various procedures. Discover below what each scenario implies and how our immigration lawyers can help you.

Quick Facts
Visa requirements for UK nationals	NO, for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period
Special conditions applicable (YES/NO)	Residence permits must be obtained by those who immigrate to Sweden from UK for more than 90 days
Relocation options	Business, employment, and family reunification can be used to move to Sweden from UK
Temporary residence options	Student, business, temporary work permits and family reunion visas can be used to temporarily relocate to Sweden from UK
Permanent residence requirements	Living in Sweden without leaving to country for too long, contributing to the social security system, paying taxes in Sweden
Access to investor/citizenship by investment visa	NO investor visa; entrepreneurs can apply for a self-employed residence permit
Timeframe for obtaining a residence permit (approx.)	From about 1 month (highly qualified workers) to about 4 months for other work permits; family and self-employed permits often take a year or more
Family reunification visa availability (YES/NO)	YES, UK citizens can obtain family reunion visas for Sweden
Investment visa requirements	There is no investor visa; a self-employed permit requires SEK 200,000 own funds for living costs plus business capital
Permanent residence timeframe	Typically after 4 years with a work permit (within the past 7 years); 3 years for partners; 2 years for self-employed persons
Citizenship requirements	Generally 8 years of habitual residence (from 6 June 2026)
Possibility to acquire real estate (YES/NO)	YES, people who move to Sweden from UK can buy properties
Sweden-UK double tax treaty (YES/NO)	YES
Immigration services (YES/NO)	YES, our immigration lawyers in Sweden can help British citizens move here under various types of residence permits
Post-immigration support (YES/NO)	YES, we can offer support in registration with the local authorities, renewal of residency documents, applying for citizenship
Residence permit types	Various types available for different purposes such as work, study, family reunification, marriage, investment, or entrepreneurship.
Time to obtain temporary residence permit card (approx.)	From about 1 month (highly qualified workers) to several months or more, depending on the permit type, individual circumstances and workload at the migration office.
Temporary residence permit validity	A residence permit in Sweden is usually granted for up to 2 years at a time (e.g. work permits) and can be extended.
Documents for obtaining temporary residence	– passport; – proof of income; – health insurance; – housing contract; – and purpose of stay justification, etc.
Stamp duty fee	No stamp duty applicable for residence permit applications.
Temporary residence permit fee	The fee depends on the type of permit: – for a work permit, it is SEK 2,200; – and for a study permit, it is SEK 1,500.
Dependents joining temporary permit holder	Yes, dependents can join under family reunification regulations.
Minimum temporary residence before applying for permanent residence	Typically 4 years with a work permit (within the past 7 years); 3 years for partners; 2 years for self-employed persons.
Sponsorship requirement	May be needed for specific visa types, like; family reunification.
Naturalization requirements	– typically requires 8 years of habitual residence (from 6 June 2026); – must be of legal age (18 years); – knowledge of Swedish language; – proof of Swedish language and civics knowledge (e.g. citizenship test); – and self-support (income of at least 3 income base amounts).
Relocation steps	– apply for residence permit; – find accommodation; – register with tax authorities; – and integrate into society.
Special conditions for short-term residency	Compliance with Swedish laws, regulations, and social norms is essential.
Easiest ways to move to Sweden from UK	– through job opportunities; – education programs; – family ties; – or entrepreneurship avenues.
Special requirements for work contract	Job offers from a Swedish employer may be necessary for work-related permits before immigrating to Sweden from UK.
Special requirements for relocating to Sweden from UK as a dependent	May require sponsorship or family reunification visa, depending on circumstances, no criminal record.

Do I need an entry visa when I travel from the UK to Sweden?

Short-term stays enable you to spend a maximum of 3 months in Sweden without applying for an entry visa. In this case, you can travel based on your valid passport.

Do I have any advantages if I am a UK citizen and relocate to Sweden from an EU country?

If you are a citizen of the respective EU country, you can immigrate to Sweden in a simpler manner if you use the passport of the respective state, and not the British one.

How can I immigrate to Sweden from the UK directly?

You must follow the regular pathways applicable to non-EU/EEA citizens, namely:

you can relocate here based on employment;
you can also move with a family member who is an ordinary Swedish resident;
you can immigrate as a businessperson and start your own business or work as a self-employed person;
you can also move here to complete your studies.

NOTE: These pathways are a great option if you are interested in securing a long-term residence permit in Sweden.

If you have any other questions related to moving here from the UK, our immigration lawyer in Sweden can advise you.

Here is also an infographic on this subject:

What steps do I need to follow to relocate to Sweden from the UK?

Our immigration lawyers in Sweden will guide you in:

drafting the necessary documents based on the reason for relocation;
having documents translated into Swedish;
registering with the Population Register – the local office in the city the person lives;
applying for a person number, which means registration for taxation and social security;
renting a property to live in which will be used as a residential address in Sweden;
opening a bank account and exchanging the driver’s license (where applicable).

IMPORTANT: An additional step you must complete in the UK is visiting the Swedish Embassy in London for identity checks/biometrics (most applications are filed online).

How can I relocate to Sweden from the UK as an employee?

There are a few conditions for non-EU nationals, including British citizens after Brexit, who want to apply for work permits in Sweden. They must have received an offer to work for a Swedish company.

When requesting a work visa for Sweden, you must submit the following paperwork:

a copy of the employment contract;
a valid passport;
a declaration from the union the employee intends to join.

The good news is that a Swedish residence permit will also be provided along with the work visa. More information on this subject is available with our immigration lawyers in Sweden.

Below, you can watch a video on this subject:

Can I move to Sweden from the UK and have my own business?

Yes, one way to immigrate to Sweden from the United Kingdom is entrepreneurship. You can either register a business the usual way or apply for a residence permit as a self-employed person, which comes with specific requirements.

Through the self-employed permit, you can obtain Swedish residency, followed by citizenship.

What is the validity of a Swedish temporary residence permit?

It depends on the reason for which you move to Sweden. Permits are usually granted for up to 2 years at a time (study permits follow the length of the programme).

How long must I live in Sweden to qualify for permanent residency?

Typically 4 years with a work permit (within the past 7 years), 3 years for partners and 2 years for self-employed persons.

If you plan to immigrate to Sweden from the UK and need assistance, please contact our specialized team of lawyers. They will also help clients apply for Swedish citizenship.

Johan Olehäll, Lawyer · 2 October 2026Johan Olehäll has an LL.M. (Master of Laws) and is founder of VS Legal Counsel.