How to Move to Sweden
Sweden is English-friendly with strong worker protections. The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) handles everything online. A work permit needs a real job offer advertised in the EU, meeting Swedish salary and insurance standards. Work permits can lead to permanent residence after four years.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Sweden embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Sweden has embassies in several African countries and uses VFS centres for others (e.g. Abuja, Nairobi, Pretoria, Addis Ababa, Cairo, Kampala). Use the locator to find your office.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
41 T.Y. Danjuma Street, Asokoro District, Abuja
+234 209 9047 302 Open in Google MapsiParioli Complex, 1166 Park Street, Hatfield, Pretoria
+27 12 426 6400 Open in Google Maps32A Kinshasa Avenue, East Legon, Accra — honorary consulate, does NOT handle visas (use the Abuja embassy for visa matters)
+233 55 310 2051 Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? Sweden has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
Varies; complete applications can be faster (weeks to months).
Application fee ~SEK 2,200.
Up to 2 years, renewable; permanent residence possible after 4 years.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A genuine job offer that was advertised in Sweden/EU for at least 10 days.
- Salary and conditions meeting Swedish collective agreement standards (and the salary threshold).
- The employer provides insurance (health, life, employment, pension).
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a qualifying job offer
The job must have been advertised in Sweden and the EU/EEA first and meet pay/insurance standards.
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2
Employer starts the offer
The employer creates the offer of employment in the Migration Agency system.
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3
Apply online
You complete and pay for the work permit application on the Migrationsverket website.
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4
Wait for the decision
Provide any extra documents requested; track status online.
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5
Travel & collect residence card
Once granted, give biometrics and travel to Sweden.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Family members can usually apply at the same time and also work.
- Make sure the salary and insurance meet Swedish standards — this is the top reason for refusals.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Migration Agency "My page" account first
For work permits, your employer starts the application online first — you then get an email link to complete your part and upload documents. Create your account the first time you apply, then track everything on "My page".
Create accountStart your Work permit application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationSeveral weeks to a few months.
Application fee ~SEK 1,500 + proof of ~SEK 10,314/month living funds.
Course length; can apply to stay and seek work after graduation.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Admission to full-time higher education in Sweden.
- Paid the first tuition fee instalment (if applicable).
- Proof of funds to support yourself and comprehensive health insurance.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get admitted
Apply via universityadmissions.se and accept your offer.
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2
Pay first tuition instalment
Fee-paying students pay the first instalment before applying.
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3
Apply online for the study permit
Complete the Migration Agency study application and prove your funds.
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4
Provide biometrics & travel
After approval, give biometrics at the embassy and travel.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- EU/EEA citizens study free; non-EU students pay fees but many scholarships exist (e.g. Swedish Institute).
- After graduating you can apply for a permit to look for work or start a business.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Migration Agency "My page" account first
For work permits, your employer starts the application online first — you then get an email link to complete your part and upload documents. Create your account the first time you apply, then track everything on "My page".
Create accountStart your Residence permit for studies application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationSeveral weeks to a few months.
Application fee ~SEK 2,200; plus proof of funds for the whole stay.
Between 3 and 9 months to find work or assess starting a business.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A completed advanced (Master's/PhD-level) qualification.
- Proof of funds to support yourself for the whole period.
- Comprehensive health insurance.
What to do, step by step
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1
Confirm your qualification level
You generally need an advanced degree to qualify.
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2
Show strong finances & insurance
Prove enough funds for the full stay and health insurance.
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3
Apply online
Submit the job-seeking permit application to the Migration Agency.
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4
Travel & search
Enter Sweden and look for qualified work; switch to a work permit once hired.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- You must show enough money for the whole period upfront — plan finances carefully.
- Switch to a work permit as soon as you secure a qualifying job.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Migration Agency "My page" account first
For work permits, your employer starts the application online first — you then get an email link to complete your part and upload documents. Create your account the first time you apply, then track everything on "My page".
Create accountStart your Permit to look for work application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationCan take several months.
Application fee ~SEK 1,500 (adults).
Usually tied to the relationship; pathway to permanent residence.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Your family member is a Swedish citizen or has a residence permit.
- A maintenance requirement (income and housing) usually applies to the sponsor.
- Genuine relationship.
What to do, step by step
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1
Confirm sponsor status & income
The person in Sweden must meet the maintenance (income + housing) requirement.
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2
Apply online
The family member applies on the Migration Agency website.
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3
Interview & biometrics
Attend an interview/biometrics at the Swedish embassy.
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4
Decision & travel
After approval, travel to Sweden and collect your residence card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Newly established relationships may receive a time-limited permit first.
- Keep evidence of an ongoing, genuine relationship.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Migration Agency "My page" account first
For work permits, your employer starts the application online first — you then get an email link to complete your part and upload documents. Create your account the first time you apply, then track everything on "My page".
Create accountStart your Family / move to someone in Sweden application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Sweden work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Sweden — both completely free.
Explore other destinations
Questions about Sweden visas
How much does the Sweden Work permit cost?
The Sweden Work permit costs: Application fee ~SEK 2,200. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Sweden Work permit take?
Processing for the Sweden Work permit takes varies; complete applications can be faster (weeks to months). This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Sweden Work permit valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Sweden Work permit is valid for up to 2 years, renewable; permanent residence possible after 4 years. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Sweden Residence permit for studies cost?
The Sweden Residence permit for studies costs: Application fee ~SEK 1,500 + proof of ~SEK 10,314/month living funds. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Sweden Residence permit for studies take?
Processing for the Sweden Residence permit for studies takes several weeks to a few months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Sweden Residence permit for studies valid for?
The Sweden Residence permit for studies is valid for course length; can apply to stay and seek work after graduation. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Sweden Permit to look for work cost?
The Sweden Permit to look for work costs: Application fee ~SEK 2,200; plus proof of funds for the whole stay. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Sweden Permit to look for work take?
Processing for the Sweden Permit to look for work takes several weeks to a few months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Sweden Permit to look for work valid for?
The Sweden Permit to look for work is valid for between 3 and 9 months to find work or assess starting a business. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Sweden Family / move to someone in Sweden cost?
The Sweden Family / move to someone in Sweden costs: Application fee ~SEK 1,500 (adults). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Sweden Family / move to someone in Sweden take?
Processing for the Sweden Family / move to someone in Sweden takes can take several months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Sweden Family / move to someone in Sweden valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Sweden Family / move to someone in Sweden is valid for usually tied to the relationship; pathway to permanent residence. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.