Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to stay in Sweden for more than 90 days? 

If you are a citizen of a country outside of the EU/EEA or Switzerland who wants to stay in Sweden for more than 90 days, you require a residence permit.

Do I need a permit to work in Sweden?

If you are a citizen of a country outside of the EU/EEA or Switzerland who wants to work in Sweden (regardless of the duration), you most likely require a work permit.

How do I apply for a residence permit/work permit for Sweden? 

Applications for residence permits/work permits for Sweden are processed by the Swedish Migration Agency in Sweden. Applications for most types of permits can be submitted online through the Swedish Migration Agency’s website. Applications for certain types of permits cannot be submitted online, these must instead initially be submitted through a Swedish Mission abroad, after which they will be forwarded from the Swedish Mission abroad to the Swedish Migration Agency in Sweden.

How long does it take to receive a decision?

How long it may take to receive a decision in an application for a residence permit/work permit for Sweden varies depending on for example the type of application, circumstances of an individual case, as well as other factors. Information about current average processing times can be found on the Swedish Migration Agency’s website.

Please note that the Swedish Migration Agency’s Time to a decision tool does not include information about residence permits for working holidays in Sweden (“working holiday visas”).

Which Swedish Mission abroad should I nominate?

When applying for a residence permit/work permit for Sweden, the Swedish Mission abroad you nominate in your application should be the Swedish Mission abroad that handles matters concerning residence permits/work permits for Sweden, for your country of origin/residence.

For citizens/residents of New Zealand, matters concerning residence permits/work permits for Sweden are handled by Sweden’s Mission abroad in Australia, which is the Embassy of Sweden in Canberra. 

Can I make an in-person visit at a Swedish Honorary Consulate?

Swedish Honorary Consulates do not handle any matters concerning residence permits/work permits for Sweden. 

It is not possible to apply for a residence permit/work permit for Sweden, or make any in-person visits required in connection with the application process, at any of Sweden’s Honorary Consulates in New Zealand.

Can I make an in-person visit at any Swedish Mission abroad? 

Swedish Missions abroad (with migration sections) cover certain geographical areas, and handle matters concerning residence permit/work permits for Sweden, for citizens/residents of particular countries.

Enquiries about the possibility of visiting a Swedish Mission abroad in a matter concerning a residence permit/work permit for Sweden, in a country outside of Sweden in which you are a visitor, can be addressed directly to the relevant Swedish Mission abroad. 

Can my application be fast-tracked?

Applications for residence permits/work permits for Sweden can normally not be fast-tracked. 

If you have a pending application for a residence permit/work permit for Sweden, and a certain amount of time has passed since your application was submitted, it is possible to request that a decision is made in your case by submitting a form to the Swedish Migration Agency called Request to conclude a case.

Can I get an update on my pending application?

If you have enquiries related to the processing or assessment of your pending application for a residence permit/work permit for Sweden, please contact the Swedish Migration Agency.

Please note that Sweden’s Missions abroad cannot provide progress updates related to individual applications for residence permits/work permits for Sweden. 

Who can I contact with general enquiries?

For citizens/residents of New Zealand, general enquiries concerning residence permits/work permits for Sweden are handled by Sweden’s Mission abroad in Australia, which is the Embassy of Sweden in Canberra. If you require further assistance, please contact the Embassy’s migration section.