Indian applicants · Kingdom of Sweden
Self-Employment Permit (Eget företag) for Indian 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 Indian applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to India. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 2–6 months.
- Government fees
- SEK 2,000.
- 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
Indian nationals require a visa for any entry into Kingdom of Sweden. The Self-Employment Permit (Eget företag) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Visa overview
The self-employment permit allows non-EU nationals to start and run a business in Sweden. Applicants must demonstrate that they can support themselves and their family through the business, have sufficient capital to run the business for at least 2 years, have relevant experience in the field, and have a viable business plan. The permit is initially issued for 2 years. After 4 years, holders can apply for permanent residence.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Sufficient capital to fund the business and support yourself and your family for at least 2 years — typically SEK 200,000+ minimum depending on the business type.
- ✓Relevant experience or education in the business field.
- ✓A detailed business plan demonstrating viability.
- ✓The business must be registered in Sweden (aktiebolag, enskild firma, or handelsbolag).
Common blockers
- !Insufficient capital — Migrationsverket assesses whether you can realistically support yourself without other employment.
- !Business plan not viable or too vague.
- !No relevant experience in the business field.
Typical evidence
- ·Business plan with financial projections.
- ·Evidence of capital (bank statements, investment evidence).
- ·Business registration documents (Bolagsverket).
- ·CV demonstrating relevant experience.
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 Indian applicants
Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd)
Sweden's main employer-sponsored work permit — requires a job offer meeting salary and insurance conditions. Leads to permanent residence after 4 years.
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 — includes work rights alongside studies with no hour limit.
Not sure Kingdom of Sweden is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer entrepreneur routes that Indian nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Indian 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 Indian 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 Indian applicants need a tourist visa for Kingdom of Sweden as well?+
Indian nationals require a visa for any entry into Kingdom of Sweden. The Self-Employment Permit (Eget företag) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Can I be a freelancer on a self-employment permit?+
Yes, but you must operate through a registered Swedish business entity (typically enskild firma for sole traders or aktiebolag for limited companies). You need to demonstrate that your freelance income can support you for at least 2 years. Consulting and creative-services freelancing are common — the key is proving the income is sustainable.
How much capital do I need?+
There is no single fixed amount — Migrationsverket assesses case by case based on the business type and your living costs. As a rough benchmark, SEK 200,000+ is typically expected. Businesses requiring significant inventory, equipment, or premises will need more. The capital must be in your control and available for the business.