Sweden Digital Nomad Visa
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Andy Stofferis
Freelance Writer
Last update
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Sweden Rating from Citizen Remote
Overall 
3.2
Internet Infrastructure 5.0
Country Stability 5.0
Cost of Living 3.0
Ease of Obtaining Visa 1.0
Taxes 2.0
Quick Visa Facts
Visa length N/A
Possible to extend? N/A
Who can apply? N/A
Minimum Income Requirements N/A
Time for visa applications N/A
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Complete a visa quiz and see if you qualify!
Sweden Digital Nomad Visa Overview
While many European countries have launched visas specifically for digital nomads over the last three years, there is currently no Sweden nomad visa. The government has not indicated an intention to introduce a Sweden remote work visa in the near future.
Digital nomads wishing to spend time in Sweden have a few options. First, if you intend to stay in Sweden and the Schengen area for less than three months, you can arrive on a tourist visa. While you cannot work for Swedish companies or clients on this visa, you can work remotely for a foreign company and you will not have to declare your income or pay local income taxes.
Another option for self-employed digital nomads is to register a business in Sweden. This can make you eligible for a two-year Swedish residency permit, which is renewable. However, you must demonstrate that you have Swedish clients, and you must have a substantial amount of funds available to support yourself before you arrive in the country.
Who Can Apply for a Tourist Visa for Sweden?
By far the easiest way for digital nomads to spend time in Sweden is on a tourist visa. This does limit the amount of time you can spend not only in Sweden, but the entire Schengen area, to 90 days in every 180 days.
Below is what you need to know about the Swedish tourist visa based on your country of nationality.
If You Are an EU Citizen?
If you are a citizen of the EU, EEA, or other Schengen area country, you do not need a visa to live and work in Sweden. However, if you stay in the country for more than three months you will need to register as a resident and obtain a Swedish personal identity number. You must also contact the Swedish Tax Agency.
After 183 days, you will become a resident for tax purposes and you will be liable to pay Swedish taxes on your foreign income, unless Sweden has a double taxation agreement with your country of employment.
Sweden has these agreements in place with 92 countries including most European countries, the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Notably, Sweden has terminated its double taxation agreements with Greece and Portugal.
If You Have a Visa to Live in Another EU Country?
If you have a visa to live as a digital nomad in another Schengen area country, such as Estonia, or Portugal, you can visit Sweden. However, you can only travel in other Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days in every 180 days.
If You Are a United States Citizen?
US citizens can arrive in the Schengen area, including Sweden, without a visa. You will be granted a visa on arrival and this will allow you to spend up to 90 days in the Schengen area within a 180 day period.
If You Are a Citizen from Canada, Australia, or New Zealand?
Citizens from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can arrive in the Schengen area, including Sweden, without a visa. You will be granted a visa on arrival and this will allow you to spend up to 90 days in the Schengen area within a 180 day period.
If You Reside in Any Other Country?
Whether you need to pre-apply for a tourist visa before arriving in the Schengen area or will be granted visa-free travel depends on the country of your passport. A list of countries that need a visa before traveling to the Schengen area is provided here.
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Swedish Self-Employment Visa for Digital Nomads
Digital nomads who work for themselves or have their own business, and who also have Swedish clients on their books, may be able to apply for a self-employment visa.
This will allow you to live and work in Sweden for both local and international clients. The visa can be granted for up to two years in the first instance and is renewable. You must be planning to live in Sweden for at least one year when you apply.
Visa Requirements
There are several strict requirements to be eligible for the self-employment visa, starting with you being willing to register your business in Sweden and pay local taxes. In addition to this, you must be able to demonstrate the following.
That you have considerable experience in your field of work.
That you have previous experience managing your own business.
That you will be the person with executive responsibility for the business.
That you have a reasonable budget for conducting business in Sweden.
That you have a good knowledge of Swedish or English.
That you have local clients, customers, or a local network relevant to your work.
That you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents in Sweden.
Minimum Income Requirements
While there are no minimum income requirements for your business in Sweden, you must be able to show that you have sufficient funds to support you and any dependents before you arrive in Sweden.
The current minimum amounts are:
SEK 200,000 (US$19,505) for you
SEK 100,000 (US$9,752) for your partner
SEK 50,000 (US$4,876) for each dependent child
This is the minimum financial requirement if you are applying for a two-year visa.
You will also be required to pay taxes in Sweden, though some of your foreign income may be exempt if a double taxation agreement is in place. As a business owner, you will be required to pay both national and municipal income tax, social security tax, and VAT.
National income tax is between 0% and 20% depending on your income level, and you can expect a municipal income tax of approximately 32%. Social security tax is set at 31.42%. VAT is 25% with reductions on some goods and services.
How to Apply for a Sweden Self-Employment Visa as a Digital Nomad
You can apply for the Sweden Self-Employment Visa online via Sweden’s e-service if your local embassy is in South Korea, Japan, or Iran. Otherwise, you must apply in person at a Swedish Embassy or Consulate.
Required Documentation
A passport that is valid for the full duration of the requested visa and copies of the pages of your passport that show your personal data, photo, signature, passport number, issuing country, validity, and if you have permission to live in countries other than your home country.
Bank certificates showing that you have sufficient funds to support you and your family’s stay in Sweden.
Bank certificates showing that you have sufficient funds to invest in and develop your business in Sweden and a budget that details expected running costs.
A registration certificate for your company in Sweden or a contract if you intend to purchase a company that already exists in Sweden.
Copies of contracts with customers, suppliers, and premises.
A course certificate or other evidence that you have a good knowledge of Swedish or English.
Evidence of your academic qualifications.
Copies of certificates from previous employers or clients showing your experience in a field relevant to your business.
Extract of your criminal record demonstrating that you have a clean criminal record in your current country of residence, verified with an apostille.
Proof that you have comprehensive medical insurance valid in Sweden.
All documents should be translated into Swedish or English by an authorized translator.
Visa Fees and Costs
You should also expect to pay a SEK 2,200 (US$215) visa application fee. You will also need to pay a SEK 1,500 (US$150) application fee for any adult family members that will accompany you and a SEK 750 (US$75) fee for family members under the age of 18. All of these are non-refundable if the application is denied.
Visa Timeline
You should expect for it to take between one and three months for your visa application to be processed depending on where you submitted your application.
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Living in Sweden as a Digital Nomad
Sweden is often stereotyped as having long, cold winters and a high cost of living. But this doesn’t capture the true nature of the country as a friendly and welcoming place with excellent public infrastructure and where people live according to the seasons.
This also means that Sweden, while welcoming to foreigners, isn’t overrun by digital nomads and expats, which makes the experience feel unique and special.
Capital Stockholm
Form of Government Constitutional Monarchy
Population 10.42 million
Climate Mild Sunny Summers and Cold Dark Winters
Language Swedish
Currency Swedish Krona US$1 = SEK 10.25
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Expect long summers where the sun barely sets filled with swimming in the fjords, exploring the dramatic countryside, and plenty of festivals. Expect winters to be cold and dark, but for life to change pace with more cozy nights with friends by the fireplace and rich, warming food and drink.
While the cost of some things, such as taxes and rents, are high, in return you can expect things to work. Transport runs on time, Wi-Fi is reliable, and medical care is excellent.
Attractions and Best Places to Visit
Stockholm
Sweden’s capital captures Swedish culture and life on a very explorable scale. Walk around Old Town, where you are never far from the water, or use the metro system to travel further afield. Visit the many museums, art galleries, boutique shops, and unique restaurants.
Stockholm Archipelago
This is a group of almost 30,000 islands that surround the city. Many are barely touched and spotted with hiking trails and holiday homes.
Skokloster Slott
This old monastery-cum-castle is one of the oldest museums in Europe. Its architecture is largely untouched since the 17th century and its owners collected treasures from across the world, which now form an antiquities collection.
Uppsala
Uppsala is home to the oldest university in Sweden and was also the site of a Viking sacred temple. It is a beautiful university town with incredible botanical gardens, parks, and the Gustavianum Museum.
Runestone Countryside
It is not difficult to plan a driving day trip from Stockholm and take in scores of ancient Viking rune stones inscribed in ancient script and dedicated to the gods of Norse mythology, Odin, Thor, and Freyja.
Jokkmokk
This Swedish town in the far north grew out of ancient Sami culture, similar to native Finnish culture, rather than Viking roots. It is a unique cultural experience with museums dedicated to Sami art and a reconstructed Arctic village.
Kungsleden
This northern region is home to 250 miles of hiking trails past birch tree forests, snow-capped mountains, and tiny traditional villages.
Digital Nomad Hotspots
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Stockholm
City in Sweden
Stockholm sits at the heart of Swedish life, and it is where you will find all the best businesses, cultural attractions, shops, and restaurants. The city also has the best infrastructure and the best travel links. But Stockholm isn’t “just like” any other big international city.
It is a peaceful but vibrant city that seems to change with the very noticeable seasons. It is greener than you would imagine, its architecture is wonderful, and you will notice an active culture of walking, cycling, and soaking up the sun when it is available. It has an excellent nightlife and a thriving coffee culture.
Look for accommodation in the suburbs of Norrmalm, Vasastaden, Ostermalm, Gamla Stan, and Sodermalm for the best facilities and nightlife. For coworking spaces try Knackeriet, Helio Slottsbacken – the Castle, Convendum Vasagatan, and No18 Stockholm Stureplan.
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Gothenburg
City in Sweden
This is Sweden’s second largest city and the headquarters of Volvo. The city was actually founded by the Dutch, which is why it is lined with canals, but mixed with sleek Swedish architecture. Overall Gothenburg feels more “hip” than Stockholm with unusual art galleries, hole-in-the-wall restaurants and bars, and plenty of street culture.
For central accommodation, look at Haga and the streets around Linnegatan, and for more affordable but still central places try Majorna and Olskronken. Good coworking spaces in the city include United Spaces Lindholmen, AVillage, and A Working Lab Johanneberg Science Park.
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Malmo
City in Sweden
Sweden’s third largest city is popular with the immigrant community and you are just as likely to find falafel rolls on sale as Swedish meatballs. This coastal city is surrounded by gorgeous farmland, and Copenhagen is nearby on the other side of a 10 mile bridge that crosses the open sea. Malmo mixes a 16th century old town with a modern city that is a melting pot of northern European and international cultures.
Look for accommodation in Bunkeflorstrand, Centrum, or Norr. Good coworking spaces include United Spaces Malmo, Hubn Coworking, and House of Ada Coworking.
Benefits of Working in Sweden as a Digital Nomad
Sweden has a lot of benefits to offer digital nomads who decide to call the country home for a period of time.
High standard of living
There is very little poverty and government services are excellent.Very safe
Crime rates are extremely low in Sweden.Excellent public transport
Both within and between cities; there is no need to rent a car.Incredible landscapes
You will find lush green valleys, clear blue waters, and snow-capped peaks.Clean
There is no litter on the streets and very little pollution.No language barrier
English is widely spoken, and Swedish is relatively easy for English speakers to learn.Access to nature
Sweden has a culture that prioritizes work-life balance, relaxation, and access to nature. There is a freedom-to-roam law in place, so you can camp, hike, and swim almost anywhere without the property owner’s permission, as long as you are respectful.
But living in Sweden also comes with its challenges, which digital nomads should be aware of.
High cost of living
Taxes in Sweden are high, which means many things are expensive thanks to VAT. While this might not be a problem for anyone earning a high Swedish salary and benefiting from the Swedish social security system, it can be pricey for foreigners.Limited access to alcohol
It is surprisingly difficult to buy alcohol for consumption since sales are limited to certain times and locations.It gets cold
While long Swedish summers are glorious, the winters can be long and cold and it can be difficult to adjust to the lack of sunlight if you are from a warmer climate.
Cost of Living
Sweden has a relatively high cost of living by international standards, but it is still a little bit lower than in the United States, and in return you get access to excellent services, including public healthcare.
It is estimated that a single person might need around US$950 per month to live comfortably in Sweden before rent. Rents are high, but you can save money if you live outside of the major cities.
While groceries are affordable, eating out tends to be pricey. You can expect to pay around US$12 for a lunchtime meal and US$35 for an evening meal. A beer will cost around US$7, and a coffee US$2. Monthly bills come in at around US$100, with an additional US$30 for a mobile plan and US$30 for a good internet connection.
Below is a summary of the estimated cost of living in the Swedish major cities.
| City (cost per month) | Cost of Living for Single Person (excluding rent) | One Bedroom Accommodation | Three Bedroom Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweden (overall) | US$950 | US$650-$900 | US$1,050-$1,400 |
| Stockholm | US$1,050 | US$1,050-$1,500 | US$1,600-$2,300 |
| Gothenburg | US$950 | US$800-$1,100 | US$1,100-$1,500 |
| Malmo | US$930 | US$700-$900 | US$1,080-$1,300 |
| Uppsala | US$960 | US$630-$900 | US$975-$1,450 |
| Norrkoping | US$850 | US$550-$650 | US$950-$1,200 |
Digital Nomad Essentials
Internet (speed) average download 91.36 Mbps
Time Zone GMT+2
Socket Type Type F, but Types C and E can also be used
SIM Providers: Telenor, Tele2, Telia, 3 or get a CitizenRemote eSIM
Rather than going through the hassle of trying to get a local SIM in the local language with significant ID requirements, why not purchase an eSim in the Citizen Remote all-in-one app. We have a huge range of regional and global provider options that cover all countries, including Sweden. Just download the eSIM via Wi-Fi within the application and you have instant cellular data while traveling in Sweden.
Explore Sweden as a Digital Nomad
Sweden isn’t one of the countries mentioned much when we talk about digital nomad destinations because of the relatively high cost of living and the long, dark winters. But focussing on those two stereotypes masks all the reasons that Sweden makes an excellent destination for digital nomads.
Sweden is a welcoming country with amazing natural beauty, an interesting culture, and friendly community. It is refreshing the way that life changes and adapts with the seasons, and there is so much to see and do.
Unfortunately, Sweden does not have a digital nomad visa, but digital nomads can spend up to three months in the Schengen area, including Sweden, on a tourist visa. Some digital nomads may also be eligible to apply for a two-year self-employment visa.
Nearby European countries including Iceland and Estonia do have digital nomad visa programs. Remember that if you have a digital nomad visa to live in a Schengen country, you can visit other Schengen countries, but only for a maximum of 90 days in any 180 day period.
FAQs About the Sweden Digital Nomad Visa
Does Sweden Have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Sweden does not currently offer a digital nomad visa. Individuals can visit and stay for up to three months on a Schengen tourist visa, and some freelancers may be eligible to apply for a two-year self-employment visa. The neighboring countries of Iceland and Estonia do have digital nomad visa programs.
What Is the Length of a Swedish Visa?
Schengen tourist visas let you stay in the Schengen area, including Sweden, for up to 90 days in any 180 day period. If you qualify for a self-employment visa, it is usually granted for two years in the first instance.
Will You Get a Refund for a Visa Application If You Are Denied?
The visa fees collected by the Swedish government cover the processing of visa applications. This work is done whether your application is approved or denied. Therefore, fees are not refunded if your visa is denied.
How Much Money Do You Need per Month in Sweden?
It is estimated that a single person needs around US$950 to live comfortably in Sweden before rent. The cost of accommodation depends greatly on location, but you should probably expect to pay a minimum of US$700-$1,000 per month.
Is There a Digital Nomad Community in Sweden?
There is not a large digital nomad or expat community in Sweden, but you will find many local remote workers and entrepreneurs frequenting coworking spaces and engaging with a similar community.
Which of Sweden’s Neighboring Countries Issue Visas for Digital Nomads?
Several European countries issue digital nomad visas, including in the Nordics. Iceland currently has a six month digital nomad visa, and nearby Estonia has a well-established digital nomad visa and e-residency program. Norway also has a digital nomad visa for those interested in living on the island of Svalbard.
Author
Andy Stofferis is a digital nomad blogger: www.andysto.com
He is a contributing writer for various organizations and media involved in the digital nomad industry (AllWork.Space, e-Residency Estonia).
Andy has been running a fully remote digital marketing agency over the past nine years while traveling to more than 50 destinations.
