How to apply

Applying on online

1. Prepare your documentation
Check which documents and personal data you need. The Swedish Migration Agency gives priority to applications that are completed in full, and you get a decision sooner.

You can find required documents on the Swedish Migration Agency website.

2. Submit your application
Follow the Swedish Migration Agency's instructions and submit your application online. You attach documents electronically and pay the application fee using a VISA card or a MasterCard. Family members use the same online application if they apply at the same time as you.

Your employer in Sweden initiates the work permit application by completing an offer of employment. Your employer needs information about your name, date of birth, citizenship, education and your email address.

It is important that you have access to the email address you give your employer until you have received a decision regarding your application. The Swedish Migration Agency will use this email address to communicate with you throughout the application period.

The online application goes directly to the Swedish Migration Agency for processing and a decision.

3. Passport Control
The Swedish Migration Agency introduces new rules for better passport checks for residence permit applicants. The Migration Agency will contact affected applicants when they need to visit the Consulate General for passport and identity control.

4. Wait for the decision
When the Swedish Migration Agency has reached its decision, they will inform you by email. After your decision has been made, you can contact the Consulate. Migration Agency will also inform your employer or contractor about the decision.

You can check the status of your case from the Migration Agency website with your file number.

5. Wait for the residence and work permit card
If you are granted a permit for more than three months, you will be issued a residence and work permit card. If you gave biometrics when you visited the Consulate for passport control, you don't need to visit again until your permit card arrives. 

It can take up to four weeks for the residence permit card to be made and delivered to the Consulate. Once the card has arrived here, you should visit the Consulate during the visiting hours. Get information about our visiting hours. Do not forget to bring your passport.

Applying on a paper form

If you cannot or do not want to apply online, you apply on a paper form that you submit to the Consulate General.

1. Prepare the documentation
Check which documents and personal data you need. The Swedish Migration Agency gives priority to applications that are completed in full, and you get a decision sooner.

You can find required documents together on the Swedish Migration Agency website.

2. Submit your application 
Book an appointment to submit your application. Bring the completed application form with you, together with all the required documents at the appointed time to the Consulate. We will make the passport control during the application.

You can find the address of the Consulate under ‘Contact’

The Consulate General sends your documents to the Migration Agency in Sweden.

3. Pay the application fee 
Payment must be made at the Consulate. You pay in cash or with a credit/bank card. Please bring exact change if you will pay cash.

Read more under ‘Fees’.

4. Wait for the decision
When the Swedish Migration Agency has reached its decision, they will inform you by email. After your decision has been made, you can contact the Consulate. Migration Agency will also inform your employer or contractor about the decision.

You can check the status of your case from the Migration Agency website with your file number.

5. Wait for the residence and work permit card
If you are granted a permit for more than three months, you will be issued a residence and work permit card and the card is ordered automatically.

It can take up to four weeks for the residence permit card to be made and delivered to the Consulate. Once the card has arrived here, you should visit the Consulate during the visiting hours. Get information about our visiting hours. Do not forget to bring your passport.

If you do not require a visa to enter Sweden

If you are granted a permit for more than three months and do not need a visa, you don't need to give biometrics and visit the Consulate again after the decision. You travel to Sweden and arrange for the card there.

Yet, your work permit must have been granted before you move to Sweden.

Contact the Swedish Migration Agency to learn about photographing and fingerprinting.