Relocating to a new country is always intimidating, and involves taking a lot of decisions and going through several steps. From learning a new language to understanding the culture, from deciding on the accommodations to setting up bank accounts. Though overwhelming at times, if done carefully and taking informative decisions moving to a new country can be exciting and broaden one’s intellectual horizon.
This article is aimed at bringing you all there is to know about relocating to Sweden in the most synthesized manner. First off, you must determine the purpose you want to live in Sweden. It is important to decide as it will become the grounds on which you apply for a visa or work permit. For European Union or EEA nationals moving to Sweden is easy, all they need to do is arrive and inform the local police. For third-country citizens, however, there are various visa and long-stay options to think about.
Work permit
One way to live in Sweden at length is to have a work permit. The process starts when you apply for a job according to your education, experience, and skillset. If any company finds your credentials useful, they will probably contact you and ask for several documents. Make sure that you provide all documents, as it will help the employer to perform the next step in the process, which is filling up the offer of employment form to obtain the work permit.
Once the employer has submitted the form and documents, the Swedish Migration Agency will communicate with you via the email you have provided. It is important that you have access to the shared email ID at all times. Lastly, you are required to pay a fee and submit pay the processing fee and submit the application with the Migration Agency.
It is noteworthy that Swedish law requires a person to have obtained employment before applying for a work permit.
Student visa
Another temporary long-term arrangement to live in Sweden is the basis of a student visa. If in case you wish to enroll in a course or diploma that goes beyond 3 months, you can apply for a residence permit for higher education. As with the work permit, the compulsion is that you secure admission and a visa before you apply for the visa.
Living with relative
In cases where a person has a spouse, or a registered cohabiting partner, the other partner can file a case of reunion. The application can also be made for children under 18 years of age.
Permanent residency permit
Either by way of employment or education, if you happen to have spent 5 years without interruption in Sweden you automatically become illegible to apply for a permanent residency permit. Needless to say that permanent residency status comes with its perks, such as the need to renew your work permit is no longer applicable, switching to a new career, and freedom to move around in the EU countries, etc.
Citizenship
After you have spent a certain number of years and fulfilled the requirements for habitual residence in Sweden, and have a valid permanent residency status you may want to apply for citizenship. It may sound simple, but it is too, to some extent, however it is important to understand what constitutes the habitual residence.
Requirements to constitute habitual residence
Depending on the purpose of your stay and the type of temporary residence permit, the habitual residence time may vary from case to case. In some cases, only the time you are physically present in the country is considered, while in some a period of leave is allowed without disturbing the continuous stay clause. The general rule however is:
- If at the time of settlement, you had when you first moved in, the time will be counted from when you first entered the country.
- If you came to Sweden on a temporary long-stay visa and later apply for permanent residency, the time will be calculated from the time of application and not the time of original entry.
- If in case your application for permanent residency was denied initially, and later on applying the second time it was approved, the stipulated time for habitual residency will be counted from the time of approval, and not the application.
- If you are a third country citizen living on a permanent residency and wish to travel out of Sweden, ensure that your stay abroad does not extend 6 weeks, in any given year. In case you do happen to outstay this period, the lost time will be deducted from the total number of years required to constitute habitual residence.
Things to fall in love within Sweden
Sweden may probably be the only country in the world that has undergone a “Culinary Revolution”; and with this Sweden has it all covered. Magnificent landscapes, miles of unspoiled forests, lakes, rich history, deep culture, scrupulously delicious cuisine, and vibrant friendly people who don’t need to find an excuse to say hello or throw a heartfelt smile your way.
The air and atmosphere in all Sweden are clean and fresh, something that entices people to paddle their way around the cobblestone streets instead of taking a bus or a taxi. Tourist attractions are scattered all over the country, such as museums, historical sites, ancient towns, landscapes, and historic treasures.
