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Sweden digital nomad visa: How to get it?
Discover the available alternatives to the digital nomad visa in Sweden: requirements and the complete process to live and work in the country.
Sweden is a destination that attracts millions of tourists every year, despite its high cost of living and strict entry requirements. If this country is next on your list and you’re wondering whether there is a digital nomad visa in Sweden allowing you to stay for a long time to go hiking and witness the Northern Lights, the answer is no.
However, not all is lost because there are alternatives like the self-employed visa and the Schengen visa that might fit your profile and needs. Once again, at Holafly, we solve the doubts of your favourite destinations, and today we’ll talk about the most viable digital nomad visa in Sweden so that you can soon be strolling around Stockholm or another Swedish city.
Does Sweden have a digital nomad visa?
The short answer is no. The Swedish government has not introduced a specific visa for digital nomads. This type of visa, popular in countries like Estonia or Portugal, has not yet been adopted in Sweden, despite being a destination on the radar of nomads for its connectivity, quality of life, and innovative work culture.
That said, you don’t need to get discouraged. Although there is no official “digital nomad visa in Sweden“, there are alternatives depending on how long you plan to stay and your professional activities.
Will Sweden launch a digital nomad visa?
For now, the Swedish government has shown no signs of working on a specific digital nomad visa, and no announcement is expected in the near future. This means that, at least for now, remote workers must seek solutions within the existing visa and permit categories. Stay with us as we explain the current options so you can assess which one fits you best.
What visa alternatives are available for digital nomads in Sweden?
There are options to reside as a digital nomad in Sweden, varying depending on the length of stay, requirements, and permitted activities. Here we detail the most relevant visas for legally working remotely in Sweden.
Residence permit for self-employed workers
If you are a business owner or freelancer, this permit allows you to live and operate your business from Sweden. If you can demonstrate that you have an established business or work for clients outside the country, you are eligible and can begin the process for the self-employed visa.
| Initial duration | Residency opportunity | Scope of work | Family eligibility |
| The visa is issued for one year, with the possibility of renewal. | By maintaining your business or finances successfully for several years, you could qualify for a permanent residence permit. | Allows working in your own business and legally living in Sweden. | Your family members (spouse, registered partner, and children) can receive related permits to accompany you. |
Features of the self-employed visa in Sweden
Requirements for applying for the self-employed visa
To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
- Business ownership: You must own at least 50% of the business you plan to operate in Sweden.
- Business experience: You must demonstrate previous experience in business management.
- Proof of financial support: Minimum funds to cover your personal expenses during the first two years, of at least €18,000 ($19,500).
- Legality of income: You must present documentation proving that the income to finance the business comes from legal sources.
- Solid business plan: A well-structured plan explaining how the business will operate in Sweden.
- Valid health insurance for the initial stay period.
Required documentation
- Application form: Completed and signed.
- Valid passport: With at least three months validity after your planned departure from Sweden.
- Proof of payment for the application fee: The cost is approximately €145 ($155).
- Evidence of funds: Bank statements from the last three months.
- Proof of accommodation in Sweden.
- Additional evidence of your qualifications and work experience.
How to apply for the self-employed visa in Sweden: Step by step
- Prepare documentation: Make sure you gather all the required documents.
- Register on the portal www.migrationsverket.se for the online application.
- Submit the application: You can do this through the nearest Swedish embassy or consulate in your country or online.
- Pay the required fee of €145 ($155).
- Consular interview: You may be required to attend an interview and present your case.
- Wait for the decision: Processing time can vary, but it typically takes between three and six months.
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The Schengen visa for digital nomads in Sweden
The Schengen visa is one of the most practical options for those who want to stay in Sweden for a short period while working remotely. This type of visa allows travellers to visit any of the 27 countries that are part of the Schengen Area, including Sweden, for a limited time.
This document allows non-European travellers to enter the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period, without needing to go through internal border controls. It is intended for tourism, business, or family visits and is also suitable for remote work activities, as long as they don’t involve working for local companies in the visited country.
Types of Schengen Visa
There are different types of Schengen visas depending on the duration and the number of entries. The single-entry visa allows holders to enter once, while the multiple-entry visa allows several entries, and it can be valid for up to five years in some cases, depending on the applicant’s travel history.
The most common Schengen visa for tourists is the single or double-entry visa, although long-term visas (up to a year or more) are available for those with specific reasons to frequently enter and exit the area, such as business, research, sports, or arts.
This visa is special for tourists and very convenient for frequent travellers and digital nomads as it allows remote work while you enjoy over 20 European countries without needing additional visas.
Who needs a Schengen Visa to enter Sweden?
Citizens of countries outside the Schengen Area, such as many Latin American nations, need to apply for a Schengen visa to travel to Sweden and other member countries. Citizens of countries within the Schengen Area do not require a visa to travel between these countries for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).
Countries whose citizens do not need a Schengen Visa
Citizens of the following countries are exempt from the visa requirement for short visits (tourism, business, or other activities permitted under the Schengen visa):
- Europe: All European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries, as well as Switzerland.
- North America and Oceania: United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand.
- Asia: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, United Arab Emirates.
- Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Uruguay.
- Other countries: United Kingdom, Israel, Hong Kong, among others.
These travellers only need to have a valid passport for at least three months after their intended departure from the Schengen Area.
Countries whose citizens need a Schengen Visa
Citizens of countries not on the previous list must obtain a Schengen visa before travelling to Sweden, such as:
- Africa: Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco.
- Asia: India, China, Philippines, Pakistan, Thailand.
- Latin America: Venezuela, Bolivia, Cuba, Dominican Republic.
- Other countries: Russia, Iran, Iraq.
Travellers from these countries must apply for a visa at the nearest Swedish embassy or consulate and meet the established requirements, such as proving financial means, health insurance, and the purpose of the visit.
Requirements to apply for a Schengen Visa
- Application form: Complete and submit the application form online or in person, depending on the embassy.
- Valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen Area.
- Proof of sufficient funds: You must demonstrate that you have the financial resources to cover your stay, either through recent bank statements, a sponsorship letter, or an invitation letter.
- Travel health insurance: It is mandatory to have insurance that covers medical emergencies, hospitalisation, and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of €31,000 ($33,500) during the trip.
- Proof of accommodation: Confirmation that you have somewhere to stay during your visit, either at a hotel or with a friend or family member.
- Travel itinerary: Details of your return flights and the planned activities in the Schengen countries.
Application and documentation
Applicants must submit their complete documents at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country they plan to visit first. The application must include the form, recent photographs, proof of funds, travel itinerary, and other supporting documents such as health insurance.
The cost of a Schengen visa is generally €85 ($90) for adults. Children aged six to 12 pay a reduced fee of €45 ($47), while children under six are exempt from any fees. It’s important to note that fees may vary slightly depending on the specific embassy or consulate where the visa is applied for.
Penalties for working remotely without the proper visa in Sweden
If you decide to work remotely from Sweden without the correct visa, the consequences can be serious. Violating the country’s immigration regulations, such as working with a visa that does not allow remote work or engaging in work for local companies, exceeding the permitted stay time, or not declaring taxes as a resident, could have severe repercussions not only on your immediate situation but also on future visa applications.
1. Expulsion from the country
If you are caught working without the proper permit, you could be expelled from Sweden and face a ban on entering the country, which could affect your plans to travel to other Schengen Area countries.
Authorities may also impose fines for working without the correct visa. These fines can be substantial depending on the length of illegal work and the severity of the violation.
2. Ban on future visa applications
Working without the correct visa could cause immigration authorities to blacklist you, making it more difficult or even impossible to obtain a visa for Sweden or any other Schengen country in the future. Additionally, this violation could negatively affect your immigration history in other EU countries.
3. Tax consequences
If you are a tax resident in Sweden and fail to meet your tax obligations, such as not declaring your remote work income, you could face additional financial penalties or even legal proceedings. In Sweden, the tax system is very strict, and the tax authorities (Skatteverket) have effective mechanisms to identify those who do not comply with their tax responsibilities.
4. Impact on future visa applications
Uncertainty regarding your immigration status, failure to comply with the stay duration, or illegal work can negatively affect your future visa applications for Sweden or any other Schengen country. Immigration authorities will consider your history, and a violation of immigration laws could result in visa denials in the future.
Where can I get tailored advice?
The process of obtaining the right visa can be complicated, especially if you lack experience with immigration procedures. Fortunately, there are specialised companies offering personalised advice for those who want to work remotely in Sweden or other Schengen Area countries. These companies will help you understand the complexities of the visa you need, ensuring you meet all the requirements.
- Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency): The official government entity provides detailed guides on the requirements for each type of visa and the steps to follow. They offer support in several languages, including English and Swedish.
- VisaConnect: A popular option for those needing help managing their visa or residency in Sweden. They have experience working with digital nomads and professionals who wish to telecommute in the country.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Digital Nomad Visa in Sweden
The digital nomad visa in Sweden doesn’t currently exist, but remote workers can opt for other visas, such as the self-employed visa, provided they meet the requirements.
The tourist visa is only for tourism and does not permit paid work or working for Swedish companies. You can do remote work as long as you’re working for clients or companies outside Sweden and do not exceed the tourist visa’s allowed duration.
With a Schengen visa, you can stay in Sweden for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. If you want to stay longer, you will need a different visa.
To apply for a self-employed visa, you must prove that you own a business and that you can support yourself financially during your stay. You will also need to present a business plan and demonstrate that you have sufficient funds, among other requirements.
The cost of a Schengen visa for adults is approximately €85 ($90). Children between six and 12 years old pay a reduced fee of €45 ($47), and children under six are exempt from paying any fees.
Yes, your family members can accompany you if you get a self-employed visa, as long as they meet the required conditions. Direct family members can receive related permits to live in Sweden while you work.
You can apply for a Schengen visa at the nearest Swedish embassy or consulate to your place of residence, or online. The process involves submitting forms, supporting documents, and proving that you meet the visa requirements.
