How to Move to Sweden and Start Your Own Business – A Guide for Non-EU Citizens
Thinking about moving to Sweden to launch your own business? It’s definitely possible — but if you’re a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA, you’ll need a residence permit to do so. Here’s a simplified breakdown of what you’ll need to qualify and apply successfully.
✅ Basic Requirements
To be granted a residence permit to run your own business in Sweden, you must:
- Have a valid passport
- Own at least 51% of the business and be actively involved in running it
- Show relevant experience in your industry and knowledge of running a business
- Have strong skills in Swedish or English (especially Swedish if your business involves local clients or suppliers)
- Be able to support yourself financially for at least two years
- Have enough funds to start and run the business
💸 Financial Requirements
To prove financial stability, you’ll need:
- SEK 200,000 for your own living expenses
- SEK 100,000 for a spouse (if they’re coming with you)
- SEK 50,000 per child (if applicable)
- Extra funds to run or buy the business — loans are generally not accepted
All of this must be your own money, shown through recent bank statements or a certified bank certificate.
📄 Documents You’ll Need
Here’s what to prepare and include with your application:
- A copy of your valid passport
- Business documents like contracts, customer/supplier agreements, business premises rental, incorporation certificate, etc.
- A business plan and financial projections
- Proof of funding (bank statements for the last 3 months)
- Purchase documents if you’re buying a business (and proof of payment)
- A certificate showing your language skills
- Degree certificates and proof of relevant work experience
- Annual reports if the business has been active before
- If applying with family: marriage certificate, proof of relationship, and financial support documents for your family members
All documents must be in Swedish or English. If they’re translated, the translation must be certified and accompanied by the original.
🏛️ Additional Notes
- You’ll need to choose and visit a Swedish embassy to present your passport as part of the application process.
- Not all embassies handle migration cases, so check ahead before selecting one.
- You can’t be granted a permit that lasts longer than your passport is valid — so make sure your passport has a decent validity period remaining.
🧾 Final Tips
Starting a business in Sweden is exciting, but the permit process requires solid preparation. Make sure your documents are complete, your finances are in order, and you’re ready to show how your business will succeed. With the right planning, Sweden could be the perfect place to bring your entrepreneurial dreams to life but keep in mind that this entire process is not easy.
🔗 For full details and the official requirements, visit the Swedish Migration Agency’s website:
https://www.migrationsverket.se/en/you-want-to-apply/work/employee-or-self-employed/self-employed-people.html#svid12_2cd2e409193b84c506a2fab7
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