For actively running and controlling a viable Swedish business with at least 51% ownership, personal support funds and separate business capital; not passive investment residence.
Route overview
Typical timeline / duration: Up to two years, limited by passport validity; extension and any permanent residence require separate compliance checks.
Important notes
The applicant must run the business with decisive responsibility and own at least 51%. Relevant industry and business-management experience and Swedish or English skills are required; extensive local customer/supplier contact can require strong Swedish.
A credible business budget and established customer contacts or networks must support the proposal. Business registration, ownership, premises/supplier/customer contracts and relevant accounts are part of the evidence, not just a company name.
Two-year personal support requires at least SEK 200,000, plus SEK 100,000 for an accompanying spouse and SEK 50,000 per child. The bank account must be in the applicant's name and funds transferable to Sweden; three months of bank records are requested.
Enough additional capital must cover business costs, planned investments and any purchase price. It must be the applicant's own money; loans are not normally accepted, and the personal-support amount is not a universal business-investment minimum.
First applications are normally filed from outside Sweden. Identity, experience, language, business and applicable family documents require original-language copies and certified Swedish/English translations where necessary.
The initial permit is at most two years. Renewal requires actual continued control, compliant accounts/taxes and permits, a viable lasting business and income to support the applicant and family.
After at least two qualifying years operating the business, permanent residence can be requested with renewal; it is not automatic. Current sustainable taxed business income and good conduct are assessed, rather than future earnings hopes or savings alone.
The permanent-residence income test is separate from the initial two-year savings test. Family members have their own residence/permanent-residence conditions and do not automatically acquire permanent status with the founder.
An extension application opens no earlier than two months before expiry and must be filed before expiry. Retain current accounts, tax records, six months of bank transactions, ownership and housing evidence for that review.
This is a business-operation permit, not permission obtained merely by buying property or holding passive shares. Another form of work must fit the applicable residence/work authorisation.
Preparation checklist
Document relevant business experience, language skills and at least 51% ownership with an active controlling role.
Prepare a credible business budget, established customer evidence, company records and any purchase agreement.
Separate two-year personal/family support from operating and acquisition capital, with transferable own-funds records.
Submit the correct initial application from the appropriate location with certified translations and complete passport/card procedures.
Maintain compliant business/tax records and sustainable income; prepare a timely renewal and assess permanent residence separately.