Sweden Self-Employed Permit: Requirements and How to Apply

The Sweden self-employed permit lets a non-EU citizen run their own business in Sweden. You must hold at least SEK 200,000 (about €17,820) in a bank account in your name, own at least 51% of the business and pass the Migration Agency's financial assessment. The initial permit lasts up to 2 years, and the fee is SEK 2,000 (about €178).

It is a demanding route rather than a freelance shortcut: the agency assesses your experience, budget and customers. Check the official self-employed page before applying, because the 2026 rule changes may affect applicants.

Who qualifies

You must run the business, hold crucial responsibility for it and own at least 51%. You need good experience in your industry and in running a business, established customer contacts or networks, and relevant Swedish or English skills (very good Swedish if you deal with many Swedish suppliers or customers). First-time applicants generally must apply from outside Sweden.

Income and funds requirement

The agency does not set an income level; it requires funds:

• At least SEK 200,000 (about €17,820) in a bank account in your name, which can be abroad if the money can be moved to Sweden.
• An extra SEK 100,000 for a spouse and SEK 50,000 per child.
• Enough own money for business costs, investments and any purchase price. Loans are normally not accepted.

Documents you'll need

• Certificate of incorporation, shareholder or partnership agreements.
• Contracts with customers, suppliers and premises.
• Balance sheet and profit and loss statement for the current year, plus the two most recent annual accounts if the business is already active.
• A budget that passes the financial assessment.
• Passport and proof of funds.

Step-by-step application

1. Set up or prepare the business, with at least 51% ownership.
2. Gather your documents and bank proof.
3. Apply to the Migration Agency from outside Sweden (generally) and pay the fee, which is not refunded if rejected.
4. Wait for the decision; there is no fixed timeline.
5. After approval, register for a personnummer and set up business banking.

Costs and timeline

The fee is SEK 2,000 (about €178) for you, SEK 1,500 (about €134) per adult family member and SEK 750 (about €67) per child, at the ECB rate of 7 October 2026. For incomplete applications, 75% of recently decided cases were decided within 11 months. The agency has too few decided complete applications to publish a figure. The initial permit is for up to 2 years and can be extended.

Taxes once you're resident

Business income is taxed as Swedish resident income, and sole traders and companies are taxed differently. Talk to a Swedish accountant before choosing a legal form. See moving to Sweden.

Family members

Spouses, registered or cohabiting partners and children under 18 can apply at the same time. Each needs a valid passport and proof of the relationship. Adult family members and children turning 16 this year may work once permits are granted.

Permanent residence and citizenship

Permanent residence permits are generally no longer granted from 12 July 2026, and citizenship by residence needs 8 years. Check the official pages.

Alternatives

• Sweden work permit if you are hired by a Swedish employer.
• Start-up Denmark for innovative founders in Denmark.
• Take the quiz to compare countries.