Sweden PR Guide – Eligibility, Application Process, and Citizenship Pathway

Sweden PR stands for Sweden Permanent Residency. It is granted to non-EU citizens that allows them to live and work in the country permanently. Like EU nationals, they get access to public services and social benefits.

They also have the flexibility to switch jobs without being tied to a single employer, and move freely within the Schengen zone without restrictions.

Who is eligible for Sweden PR? What is the application process, and can Swedish PR holders become Swedish citizens? We will break down all these and more in this blog.

Key Takeaways

• Work permit holders can apply for Sweden PR after 48 months of valid employment.
• The new income rule (June 2025) requires a monthly salary of at least SEK 29,680.
• Sweden PR offers full work rights, access to benefits, and the path to citizenship.
• Multiple routes available: work permit, family reunion, Blue Card, or self‑employment.

What Are the Requirements to Get a Swedish PR?

You must meet certain conditions to be eligible for a Sweden PR:

• You must have had a valid work permit for 48 months, usually granted as 2 two-year permits.
• You must have worked in Sweden for at least 44 months in the last 7 years.
• You should have a clean criminal record and prove that you have lived a decent life in Sweden.
• You must meet housing requirements.
• You must show that you have a stable income and can financially support yourself and dependents.

You can apply for PR 30 days before your current work permit expires. However, as the bridge permits were scrapped in 2022, you may have to wait until your sixth year in Sweden before applying if you don’t meet the 48-month criteria.

The New Income Rule for Sweden PR

Effective June 17, 2025, the Swedish Government has made changes in its financial requirements for work permits.

• Non-EU nationals must earn at least SEK 29,680 per month before tax, which is around Rs 2.76 lakh. This is equivalent to 80% of Sweden’s median salary.
• Blue Card holders, EU/EEA citizens, researchers, seasonal workers, interns, athletes, interns, and au pairs are exempt from the rule.
• The new rule applies to both new applications and renewals.

Different Pathways to Get Sweden PR

There are multiple routes that Indians can opt for to get a Sweden PR.

Long-term Residents

If non-EU citizens have legally lived in Sweden for five continuous years on a valid residence permit, they can apply for permanent residency.

Work Permit Holders

You must have held a work permit for at least 48 months and have worked in Sweden for at least 44 months in the past seven years, then you can apply for PR. This is the most common route to Sweden for skilled workers.

EU Blue Card Holders

If you hold an EU Blue Card and have lived and worked in Sweden for at least 33 months, or 21 months with proof of Swedish language proficiency, then you are eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Family Reunion

If you have close family members who are either Swedish citizens or permanent residents, you can qualify for PR after joining them. However, you have to prove your relationship and that the family member in Sweden can support you.

Self-Employment

Entrepreneurs or self-employed individuals who run a successful business in Sweden and whose business contributes to the Swedish economy can also apply for permanent residency.

Documents Required to Apply for Sweden PR

Keep these documents ready when applying for a Sweden PR:

• Valid passport
• Proof of employment such as payslips, work contract, etc
• Bank statements and income tax documents
• Copy of your Swedish residence permit
• Proof of accommodation, such as ownership papers or a rental agreement
• Swedish language certificate (not mandatory, but it can strengthen your application)
• Criminal record certificate (if required)
• Marriage certificate for proof of family ties, if you have dependents

How to Apply for a Sweden PR

If you have met the eligibility criteria, applying for a Sweden PR is straightforward. Here is the process.

Keep Necessary Documents

Collect all the necessary documents (as mentioned above) before you start the application process. This will help avoid delays or rejections.

Apply Online

Visit the official website of the Swedish Migration Agency, fill out the application form, and upload the necessary documents.

Pay the Application Fee

The next step is to pay the application fee online. The fee amount and method of payment can be found on the website.

Attend Interview

In some cases, applicants may be required to attend an interview.

Wait for the Decision

The final step is to wait for the decision, which typically takes 3 to 6 months. You can track the status of your application online.

Collect Your PR Card

Once your application gets approved, you can collect the PR card.

Can Your Swedish PR be Canceled?

A Sweden PR allows you to stay in the country for an indefinite period. However, the PR can be revoked by the Migration Agency under the following circumstances:

• You are no longer living in Sweden or you are spending most of the time outside the country.
• If you provided false or incorrect information.

So, if you want to stay in Sweden permanently without repeated renewals, you have to be a resident and follow the rules of the country.

The Cost of Getting a Swedish Permanent Residency

The application fee for Sweden PR will cost you around ₹14,000 (SEK 1500) and SEK 750 (₹7,000) for children, which is relatively less compared to other countries.

However, costs may vary depending on the type of application, such as long-term resident status or cases involving non-EU citizens.

Hence, you should always check the official website of the Swedish Migration Agency for the latest updates on fees and other requirements.

While some employers cover the application fees for their employees and their families, others offer payment plans for dependents. If you apply independently and the application is under review, you may have some travel restrictions.  

Processing Times

Average processing time for PR and long-term residence applications ranges from 3 to 6 months, as reported by the Swedish Migration Agency.​

From Sweden PR to Citizenship

Holding a Swedish PR opens the door to Swedish citizenship, which offers additional benefits such as a Swedish passport, voting rights, and wider opportunities across the EU.  

However, you will be eligible for citizenship if you fulfill the following conditions:

• You have lived in Sweden for five continuous years with PR, shorter if you are married to a Swedish citizen.
• You must have permanent residency at the time of application.
• Good conduct with no criminal record.
• Proof of identity and financial stability.

Conclusion

Sweden offers multiple pathways to obtain permanent residency. With PR, you can live and work in the country without any restrictions and gain access to a range of social benefits, education, and healthcare. It also paves the way to citizenship, which offers additional privileges.

FAQs

Also Read

• Everything You Need to Know About the Sweden Work Permit Visa
• Types Of Sweden Visa – Which One Do You Need?
• How to Apply for Sweden Tourist Visa
• Applying for a Sweden Student Visa in 5 Steps