The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) offers a strategic residence permit designed to attract highly skilled non-EU/EEA individuals who wish to either secure employment or establish a business in Sweden after completing higher education. This permit acts as a crucial bridge, allowing foreign talent a maximum of nine months to navigate the Swedish job market without the immediate pressure of a job offer.
This comprehensive guide details the requirements, financial conditions, and step-by-step application process for non-EU citizens leveraging this valuable opportunity.
Section 1: Core Eligibility and Conditions
To qualify for this permit, the applicant must satisfy strict criteria related to their educational background and current location.
1. Educational Mandate: The Second-Cycle Qualification
The fundamental requirement is the completion of studies equivalent to a second-cycle qualification in Sweden. This generally corresponds to:
- A 60-credit Master’s degree.
- A 120-credit Master’s degree.
- A professional degree worth 60–330 credits.
- A postgraduate/PhD-level degree.
The purpose of the stay must clearly be to look for work or investigate the possibilities for starting a business.
2. Location and Duration
- Location: The applicant must be located outside of Sweden when submitting the application for the first time. Failure to do so may result in rejection.
- Duration: The permit is granted for a maximum of nine months, and never longer than the validity of your passport. The current application fee is SEK 2,200.
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Section 2: Financial and Health Requirements (The Self-Sufficiency Test)
Sweden requires proof that the applicant will not rely on the Swedish welfare system during their job search period.
1. Demonstrated Financial Support
You must prove that you can financially support yourself for the entire duration of the permit. This means demonstrating bank assets equivalent to at least SEK 13,000 (Swedish Krona) for each month you apply for.
- Example: If applying for the maximum nine months, you must show at least SEK 117,000 in liquid bank assets.
- Return Journey: You must also show you have money set aside to cover the cost of your return journey home.
2. Comprehensive Health Insurance
You must have comprehensive health insurance valid for the full period of your stay in Sweden. The policy must cover:
- Urgent and other medical care.
- Hospitalisation and emergency dental care.
- Medical repatriation (the cost of returning you to your home country for health reasons).
Section 3: Step-by-Step Application Process (How to Apply)
The application should be made via the Swedish Migration Agency’s e-service if possible, as processing is generally faster.
Step 1: Prepare and Collect Documents
Before starting the online application, gather digital copies of all mandatory documents:
- Passport Copies: Clear copies of all pages in your passport that show personal data, photograph, signature, passport number, issuing country, validity period, and any stamps.
- Degree Certificate: Digital copy of your official diploma or degree certificate.
- List of Subjects: Digital copies of documents showing the courses/subjects included in your qualification.
- Financial Documents: Bank statements or documents proving sufficient funds (SEK 13,000 per month).
- Health Insurance: Documents proving you have comprehensive health insurance valid in Sweden.
- Power of Attorney (Verification): A signed power of attorney granting the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) the right to contact your educational institutions for document verification.
Step 2: Apply via the E-Service
- Access the Swedish Migration Agency’s E-service for the “Residence permit for highly qualified persons to look for work or start a business.”
- Fill out the application and attach all required documents from Step 1.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee (currently SEK 2,200) using a Visa or Mastercard.
- Select the Swedish embassy or consulate-general where you wish to present your passport later.
Step 3: Passport Presentation and Biometrics
After submission, the Migration Agency will begin its review. You will be notified when it is time to present your passport and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).
- Embassy Visit: You will typically be required to book an appointment at the embassy you selected in your application to show your physical passport.
- Digital Check: In some cases, the Migration Agency may offer a digital passport check via an app.
Step 4: Receive the Decision
Once the application is fully reviewed and all information is verified, you will receive an email or letter with the decision. If granted, the permit decision will be sent to your chosen embassy, and you can then travel to Sweden.
Section 4: Post-Arrival and Next Steps
The initial nine-month permit is strictly for searching or planning. You cannot start working or operating a business until you change your permit status.
- Found a Job? If you secure employment during the nine months, you must apply for a full Work Permit from within Sweden. You are allowed to start working once you have applied for the new work permit, but only for the specific employer and profession stated in your application.
- Starting a Business? If you decide to proceed with your startup plan, you must apply for a Residence Permit as a Self-Employed Person from within Sweden. You may run your business while the new application is being processed.
