Move to Sweden

Forests, lakes and archipelagos with a calm, design-minded way of life

Routes we checked
5
Digital nomad visa
Not in our data
Language
Swedish; English widely spoken
Currency
SEK

Work permitStudent visaFreelancer and self-employedResidence permit

Ways to live in Sweden

These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.

Programme details are shown in English.

Work permit Work permits →

Work permit

For people with a job offer from a Swedish employer. Stricter rules apply since 1 June 2026.

What you need
A job offer with a salary of at least 90% of the Swedish median: SEK 34,470 a month (from 16 June 2026), comprehensive health insurance and good conduct.
Income
from about $3,630 a month
How long
Up to 2 years at a time, not longer than the job contract
Renewable
Yes
Cost
SEK 2,200 (adult family members SEK 1,500, children SEK 750)
How to apply
Online with the Swedish Migration Agency after the employer starts the case
Family
Family members can come with you

Official page

EU Blue Card (EU work permit for qualified specialists)

For highly qualified employees with a high salary; longer permit and easier mobility in the EU.

What you need
Higher education or relevant experience and a job with a salary of at least SEK 53,625 a month (1.25 times the average gross salary).
Income
from about $5,640 a month
How long
Up to 4 years at a time
Renewable
Yes
How to apply
Online with the Swedish Migration Agency
Family
Family members can come with you

Official page

Student visa Student visas →

Residence permit for higher education studies

For students finally admitted to full-time studies at a Swedish university.

What you need
Final admission to full-time studies (30 credits per semester, no distance learning), tuition paid, comprehensive health insurance and at least SEK 10,656 a month for living costs in 2026 (SEK 4,440 extra for a partner, SEK 2,664 per child).
Renewable
Yes
Cost
SEK 1,500 (children SEK 750)
How to apply
Online with the Swedish Migration Agency
Family
Family members can come with you
Path to permanent residence
After graduation you can get up to a year to look for work in Sweden.

Official page

Freelancer and self-employed Freelancer and self-employed visas →

Residence permit to run your own business

For people who start or buy a business in Sweden and run it themselves.

What you need
Own at least 51% of the business and run it, relevant experience, and at least SEK 200,000 in a bank account in your name (plus SEK 100,000 for a spouse and SEK 50,000 per child).
Savings
about $21,000
Renewable
Yes
Cost
SEK 2,000
How to apply
Online with the Swedish Migration Agency
Family
Family members can come with you

Official page

Residence permit Residence permits →

Residence permit to look for work or start a business

For holders of a master's-level degree who want to come to Sweden to look for a job or explore starting a business.

What you need
A degree at second-cycle (master's) level, at least SEK 13,000 for each month of the stay plus the trip home, and comprehensive health insurance.
How long
Up to 9 months
Renewable
No
Cost
SEK 2,200
How to apply
From outside Sweden, online with the Swedish Migration Agency

Official page

Cost of living

Monthly amounts in US dollars.

Room in a shared flat$550
One-bedroom flat$680
Two-bedroom flat$1,140
Bills$90
Typical local salary$4,800

Cities to consider

Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.

What life is like

Programme details are shown in English.

Why people move

Fika breaks, a strong work-life balance and access to nature define daily life. Stockholm spreads across islands, Gothenburg is relaxed and coastal, and the right to roam makes hiking, swimming and camping easy.

Day to day

Trains run between major cities and public transport is reliable. Healthcare is public and good, though non-urgent waits can be long. Sweden is nearly cashless, with mobile payments everywhere. Internet is excellent and English is spoken by almost everyone.

Trade-offs

Winters are long and very dark. Rental housing in big cities is scarce, and social circles can feel reserved and hard to break into.

Before you move: visa-free entry

Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:

Visa rules for every passport

Questions

Does Sweden have a digital nomad visa?

Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.

How can I move to Sweden?

The routes we have checked are: Work permit, Student visa, Freelancer and self-employed, Residence permit.

Sources and last check

This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.

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