Sweden•EuropeSelf-Employment Permit
At a Glance
11 months – 1.2 years
SEK kr 4,250
2 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Self-employment permit for entrepreneurs with 51% business ownership, SEK 200,000 startup capital, and 2+ years industry experience; leads to permanent residence.
Sweden's Self-Employment Permit allows non-EU entrepreneurs to establish a business while acquiring a 51%+ ownership stake. Applicants need significant industry experience, SEK 200,000 capital (main applicant), and documented Swedish or English language proficiency with a viable business plan.
The permit grants 2 years of residence, renewable based on business operation. Main fees are SEK 2,000; adult family members SEK 1,500; children SEK 750. Processing typically takes 11 months (complete) or 14 months (incomplete). Spouses and children under 18 may join with unrestricted work rights and access a permanent residency pathway.
This visa is ideal for experienced entrepreneurs seeking to launch or expand a business in Sweden and establish long-term residence through business ownership.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 2 years |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
SwedenRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Own at least 51% of the business
Significant industry experience
Documented knowledge of Swedish and/or English
Financial resources: SEK 200,000 (main), SEK 100,000 (spouse), SEK 50,000 (child)
Viable business plan and established network
KEY CRITERIA
Experience
2+ years
Min. Savings
200,000 SEK
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Business plan
Proof of ownership
Bank statements showing capital
Evidence of industry experience
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Tiered family fees enable multi-person applications — spouse/partner at SEK 1,500 and children at SEK 750
- Processing decision within 11 months for complete applications (75th percentile)
- Path to permanent residency for self-employed entrepreneurs
- Spouse can work without restrictions in Sweden
- Renewable permit enables long-term business establishment and growth
- Dual intent permitted — can develop business while maintaining visa status
- Japanese citizens exempt from application fees
- Initial 2-year permit allows business stabilization before renewal
Worth Knowing
- Incomplete applications extend timeline to 14 months (75th percentile) — documentation accuracy critical
- SEK 2,000 main applicant fee plus additional SEK 1,500 per spouse/adult dependent
- High capital requirement (SEK 200,000 main, SEK 100,000 spouse, SEK 50,000 child)
- Must demonstrate 51% business ownership and significant industry experience
- Processing takes 11-14 months; applicants must remain outside Sweden during application
- Insufficient startup capital or inability to prove business viability results in rejection
- Requires documented knowledge of Swedish or English language
Application Process
Prepare business plan and capital
Submit application via portal
Wait for processing (usually outside Sweden)
Receive decision
Application Forms
| Application for a residence permit for self-employed persons (form 125011) | Fill online |
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