Self-Employment Work Permit
🇸🇪 Sweden visas · Business
What it is
Sweden allows non-EU nationals to apply for a work permit as self-employed, but requirements are strict: you must demonstrate an established and profitable business in Sweden, which typically means already having clients or contracts.
Key facts
- Category
- Business
- Duration
- 2 years, renewable.
- Processing time
- 4 months
- Maximum validity
- 2 years
- Extendable
- Yes
- Path to permanent residence
- Indirect route
- Dependants
- Yes
- How to apply
- Mixed
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (main)
- SEK 2,000
- Proof of funds (own support)
- SEK 200,000
- Proof of funds (for accompanying spouse)
- SEK 100,000
- Proof of funds (per accompanying child)
- SEK 50,000
- Application fee (exempt: citizens of Japan pay no application fee)
- SEK 0
Key requirements
- Sole trader or company already registered in Sweden with operating revenue
- Proof of profitability: financial statements showing income above the SEK 13,000/month threshold
- Relevant professional qualifications
- Existing clients or contracts in Sweden
Working on this visa
You must be the one running the business and have crucial responsibility for the business. You must be able to prove that you own at least 51 percent of the business.
Bringing family
Spouse, registered or cohabiting partner and children under 18 may apply at the same time; adult members and children turning 16 may work. Fee carve-out: “Citizens of Japan do not pay an application fee.”
Money you must show
Plus SEK100,000 spouse, SEK50,000 per child; covers 2 years
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 27 July 2026.