Kingdom of Sweden · entrepreneur · Leads to settlement
Self-Employment Permit (Eget företag)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Residence permit for foreign nationals starting or running a business in Sweden — requires sufficient funds and a viable business plan.
- Processing time
- 2–6 months.
- Government fees
- SEK 2,000.
- Typical duration
- 2 years initially; renewable.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
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.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
American applicants
American entrepreneurs in Sweden concentrate in tech, design, and consulting. Stockholm’s startup ecosystem is one of Eu…
Chinese applicants
Chinese self-employed in Sweden operate in trade, food services, and e-commerce. Demonstrating business viability is key…
Indian applicants
Indian consultants and IT contractors use the self-employment permit to operate through a personal aktiebolag (AB). Fina…
Iranian applicants
Iranian-born entrepreneurs are a significant presence in Sweden’s SME sector, particularly in retail, food services, and…
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.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ApplyApplicantApply as a self-employed person ↗
Use the official self-employment page to prepare and submit the residence-permit application for running a Swedish business.
Swedish Migration Agency · verified
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Frequently asked questions
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.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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