American applicants · Kingdom of Sweden
Self-Employment Permit (Eget företag) for American citizens
Residence permit for foreign nationals starting or running a business in Sweden — requires sufficient funds and a viable business plan.
This page covers the Self-Employment Permit (Eget företag) specifically for American applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to United States. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- Complete applications: about 11 months; incomplete applications: about 14 months, based on Migrationsverket's recent-case statistics.
- Government fees
- SEK 2,000; SEK 1,500 for adult accompanying family members and SEK 750 for children.
- Typical duration
- 2 years initially; renewable.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: a Kingdom of Sweden consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence
Tourist entry vs. this route
Tourist-entry rules for American nationals are set by Migrationsverket and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The Self-Employment Permit (Eget företag) is a separate application from any tourist entry.
Key figures for American applicants
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
Time to permanent residence
Work permit -> permanent residence after 4 qualifying work years in the past 7 -> citizenship under the 8-year main residence rule.
Leads to Permanent residence permit, then Swedish citizenship.
Visa overview
The self-employment permit allows non-EU nationals to start and run a business in Sweden. Applicants must have good industry and business-management experience, relevant Swedish or English language ability, ownership of at least 51% of the business, established customer contacts or networks, a credible budget, and enough money both to support themselves and their family for 2 years and to run or buy the business. The permit can be granted for up to 2 years and extended. After 4 years, holders can apply for permanent residence.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Good experience in the industry and in running your own business.Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency) ↗
- ✓Relevant knowledge of Swedish or English; very good Swedish may be needed where Swedish customers or suppliers are central.Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency) ↗
- ✓You run the business, have crucial responsibility for it, and own at least 51%.Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency) ↗
- ✓Credible business budget and established customer contacts or networks.Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency) ↗
- ✓Financial support funds for 2 years: SEK 200,000 for yourself, plus SEK 100,000 for an accompanying spouse and SEK 50,000 for each accompanying child.Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency) ↗
- ✓Enough own funds to run the business and buy it if applicable; loans are normally not accepted.Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency) ↗
- ✓The business must be registered in Sweden (aktiebolag, enskild firma, or handelsbolag).
Common blockers
- !Insufficient support funds or business capital — Migrationsverket checks both personal maintenance and business viability.Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency) ↗
- !Business plan not viable or too vague.Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency) ↗
- !No relevant industry/business-management experience, language evidence, customer contacts, or proof of majority ownership/control.
Typical evidence
- ·Business plan with financial projections.
- ·Bank statements and bank certificates showing support funds and business funds.Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency) ↗
- ·Business registration documents, certificate of incorporation, partnership agreement or share register.Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency) ↗
- ·Contracts with customers, suppliers, and business premises.Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency) ↗
- ·Language evidence, degree certificates, employer certificates, and documents for current or prior businesses.Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency) ↗
Application pathway
Develop your business plan
Create a detailed plan with financial projections for at least 2 years.
Register the company
Register your business with Bolagsverket (the Swedish Companies Registration Office).
Apply for self-employment permit
Apply through Migrationsverket with your business plan, capital evidence, and registration documents.
Demonstrate viability at renewal
At the 2-year renewal, Migrationsverket assesses whether the business is actually supporting you. Tax returns and financial statements are reviewed.
Other Kingdom of Sweden routes covered for American applicants
EU Blue Card (Sweden)
EU-wide highly qualified worker permit with a higher salary threshold than the standard work permit — offers intra-EU mobility after 12 months.
Student Residence Permit (Uppehållstillstånd för studier)
Residence permit for international students at Swedish universities — first- and second-cycle students are generally capped at 15 work hours per week during semesters.
Not sure Kingdom of Sweden is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer entrepreneur routes that American nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are American citizens eligible for the Self-Employment Permit (Eget företag)?+
Eligibility for the Self-Employment Permit (Eget företag) is set by Migrationsverket and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do American applicants typically file the Self-Employment Permit (Eget företag)?+
a Kingdom of Sweden consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by Migrationsverket — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do American applicants need a tourist visa for Kingdom of Sweden as well?+
Tourist-entry rules for American nationals are set by Migrationsverket and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The Self-Employment Permit (Eget företag) is a separate application from any tourist entry.
How long until permanent residence in Kingdom of Sweden?+
Work permit -> permanent residence after 4 qualifying work years in the past 7 -> citizenship under the 8-year main residence rule. The route leads to Permanent residence permit, then Swedish citizenship. See Swedish Migration Agency - Citizenship for adults for the qualifying-residence rules.
Can I be a freelancer on a self-employment permit?+
Yes, but you must operate through a Swedish business where you run the business and own at least 51%. You need to show relevant experience, language ability, customer contacts or networks, and enough funds to support yourself for 2 years and cover the business costs. Consulting and creative-services freelancing are common, but the key is proving the business is viable and under your control.
How much capital do I need?+
For personal support, Migrationsverket requires at least SEK 200,000 for you, plus SEK 100,000 for an accompanying spouse and SEK 50,000 for each accompanying child. Separately, you must have enough own funds to run or buy the business; loans are normally not accepted.