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Working in Sweden

Do EU/EES and Nordic citizens need a permit to live and work in Sweden?

No. EU/EES citizens have a right of residence and may live, work, run a business or study in Sweden without a residence permit. They can stay up to 3 months with valid ID; longer stays require working, studying or being self-sufficient. Nordic citizens may move here freely without registering. Check the details with Migrationsverket.

Updated

  • EU/EES citizens have a right of residence and may live, work, run a business or study in Sweden without a residence permit.
  • You can stay up to 3 months with just a valid ID document showing your citizenship; for longer you must be working, self-employed, studying or self-sufficient.
  • The right of residence is not registered with Migrationsverket.
  • After 5 continuous years with a right of residence, a permanent right of residence arises automatically.
  • Nordic citizens may move to Sweden freely without registering with Migrationsverket.
  • Anyone (EU/EES or Nordic) planning to live in Sweden for at least 1 year should contact Skatteverket for population registration (folkbokföring).

Note that a government inquiry (SOU) in 2026 has proposed introducing registration of EES citizens — a possible future change to watch. Check what applies right now with Migrationsverket.

Sources

Official details can change. Always confirm what applies to your own case directly with the responsible authority.

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