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.
You must meet certain conditions to be eligible for a Sweden PR:
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.
Effective June 17, 2025, the Swedish Government has made changes in its financial requirements for work permits.
There are multiple routes that Indians can opt for to get a Sweden PR.
If non-EU citizens have legally lived in Sweden for five continuous years on a valid residence permit, they can apply for permanent residency.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Keep these documents ready when applying for a Sweden PR:
If you have met the eligibility criteria, applying for a Sweden PR is straightforward. Here is the process.
Collect all the necessary documents (as mentioned above) before you start the application process. This will help avoid delays or rejections.
Visit the official website of the Swedish Migration Agency, fill out the application form, and upload the necessary documents.
The next step is to pay the application fee online. The fee amount and method of payment can be found on the website.
In some cases, applicants may be required to attend an interview.
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.
Once your application gets approved, you can collect the PR card.
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:
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 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.
Average processing time for PR and long-term residence applications ranges from 3 to 6 months, as reported by the Swedish Migration Agency.
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:
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.
Yes. Your family, such as your spouse and dependent children, can apply for a family reunion visa to live with you in Sweden.
No, it is not mandatory. But it can be helpful if you have basic knowledge.
The main challenge is the long processing time, which can sometimes stretch into years. Rules can change midway and sometimes abe pplied retroactively, making renewals complex and lengthy. However, if you plan well, it can be easier.
Yes, Indians can apply for citizenship provided they fulfil the requirements such as living in the country for five continuous years, no criminal record, proof of identity and financial stability.
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