Best Business Visa Lawyers in Solna

About Business Visa Law in Solna, Sweden

Solna is a municipality in Stockholm County that hosts many international companies, conferences and short-term business activities. Legal rules that govern business travel and work in Solna follow national Swedish immigration law and the Schengen rules. There are two main categories visitors and companies should know about - short-term business stays under the Schengen visa regime and longer stays that require a Swedish residence permit or work permit.

Short-term business visits - typically up to 90 days in any 180-day period - are covered by the Schengen visa (type C) for nationals who need a visa to enter the Schengen area. These visits cover attending meetings, conferences, negotiations and other short-term commercial activities that do not constitute taking up paid employment in Sweden.

Longer business activity - such as taking up employment, working on a fixed contract, intra-company transfers or starting and running a business in Sweden - generally requires a work permit or a residence permit for self-employment. Employers usually initiate work permit applications, and applications are decided by the Swedish Migration Agency. EU/EEA and Swiss nationals are not required to obtain visas or work permits due to free movement.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Immigration matters can be straightforward for routine short trips, but many common situations create legal complexity where a lawyer helps protect your rights and improves the chances of a successful outcome. Typical reasons to consult a lawyer include:

- Application refusals or negative decisions - to assess grounds for appeal and prepare an effective appeal to the Migration Court.

- Complex status or overlapping permits - for example, converting a short business visit into a long-term work or residence permit, or combining self-employment with contracted work.

- Employer-sponsored work permits - ensuring employer obligations and your terms of employment meet Swedish standards for salary and working conditions.

- Corporate immigration planning - establishing compliant processes for hiring non-EU nationals, intra-company transfers, assignments and visa clearance procedures.

- Criminal history, previous overstays or travel bans - these issues can lead to refusals and require legal strategy to overcome.

- Family reunification linked to business moves - to coordinate work permits with dependent family members and advise on timelines and rights.

- Urgent travel or complex documentation issues - lawyers can assist with compiling supporting evidence, invitation letters and responding to authority requests.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal frameworks and administrative processes relevant to business visas and work in Solna include:

- Aliens Act (Utlänningslagen) - the main Swedish law that governs entry, residence and deportation of non-nationals. It sets out the legal bases for residence permits and conditions for entry and stay.

- Schengen Visa Code - applies to short-stay visa applications and conditions for entry into the Schengen area, including the requirement for travel medical insurance and proof of purpose of stay.

- Work permit and residence permit rules - a non-EU/EEA national who will work longer than a short visit usually needs a work permit and a residence permit. Employers must generally offer terms that are in accordance with Swedish collective agreements or customary employment conditions for the profession.

- Registration and identity numbers - foreigners staying for longer periods may need to register with the Swedish Tax Agency to obtain a personal identity number (personnummer). This number is essential for tax, health care and many daily activities in Sweden.

- Tax, social security and employment law - working in Sweden has immediate tax and social security consequences. Employers and self-employed persons must comply with national tax law and employer contributions rules.

- Administrative procedures - the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) handles residence and work permit applications. Embassies and consulates process Schengen visa applications for short stays. If an application is refused, appeals can be made to the Migration Courts within strict time limits.

- Penalties for non-compliance - overstaying, working without a permit or providing false information can lead to refusal, deportation and travel bans. It can also have reputational and financial consequences for companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a business visa for Sweden and who needs one?

A business visa for Sweden generally refers to a Schengen short-stay visa (type C) for nationals who need a visa to enter the Schengen area for business activities under 90 days per 180-day period. Nationals of EU/EEA countries do not need a visa. For longer work or business activities, a residence permit or work permit is usually required.

Can I work in Solna on a Schengen business visa?

No. A Schengen business visa allows short-term activities such as meetings, conferences, training or negotiation, but it does not permit taking up employment or remunerated work in Sweden. If you intend to work for a Swedish employer or do contract work, you normally need a work permit or residence permit for self-employment.

How do I apply for a short-term business visa for Solna?

Applications for a Schengen business visa are made at the Swedish embassy or consulate in your country of residence or at the consulate representing Sweden for visa matters. You must submit a completed application, passport, passport photos, proof of travel medical insurance, proof of purpose of travel such as an invitation from a Swedish company, proof of funds and travel itinerary. Embassies may require an appointment and biometrics.

What are the requirements for a Swedish work permit?

A work permit usually requires a job offer from a Swedish employer, a salary and employment terms that are at least in line with Swedish collective agreements or customary terms, and documentation submitted to the Swedish Migration Agency. The employer often needs to advertise the position to Swedish and EU/EEA job markets in some cases. Processing involves identity verification and may include checks by other authorities.

Can I switch from a short business visit to a work permit while in Sweden?

In many cases you cannot apply for a work permit from within Sweden if you entered on a short-stay visa. You may need to return to your home country and apply for the work permit or residence permit from there. Exceptions and procedural nuances exist, so check with the Swedish Migration Agency or a lawyer for your specific circumstances.

How long do visa and work permit decisions typically take?

Schengen short-stay visa decisions are usually issued within 15 calendar days, but processing time can be shorter or longer depending on the embassy and season. Work permit and residence permit processing times vary greatly - from a few weeks to several months - depending on the complexity of the case and current backlog at the Swedish Migration Agency.

What happens if my visa or permit application is refused?

If an application is refused you will receive a written decision explaining the reasons and information on appeal rights. There are strict deadlines for lodging appeals with the Migration Court. A lawyer can help evaluate the refusal grounds, prepare an appeal, and in some cases propose new evidence or alternative legal arguments.

Can family members join me if I am moving to Solna for business?

Dependent family members may be eligible for family reunification or residence permits if you have been granted a long-term residence or work permit in Sweden. Each case depends on the permit type, income requirements, and family relationship. Family members of short-term business visitors are generally not granted residence on the basis of a short business trip.

Do I need to register with Swedish authorities after arrival for longer stays?

Yes. If you plan to stay long-term in Sweden you may need to register with the Swedish Tax Agency to obtain a personal identity number and register for tax and social services. You may also need to apply for a residence permit card and follow municipal registration procedures. Requirements depend on the length and type of your permit.

When should I consult a lawyer about a business visa or work permit?

Consider consulting a lawyer if your case is anything other than routine - for example, if you have been refused before, if your case involves self-employment, complex corporate transfers, criminal records, appeals, family reunification, or urgent deadlines. A lawyer experienced in Swedish immigration law can explain options, help prepare applications, and represent you in appeals.

Additional Resources

Useful Swedish and local bodies and organizations to contact or research include:

- The Swedish Migration Agency - the national authority that decides on residence and work permit applications.

- Swedish embassies and consulates - handle visa applications and initial submissions for short-stay permits in many countries.

- The Swedish Migration Courts - handle appeals against Migration Agency decisions.

- The Swedish Tax Agency - for personnummer, registration and tax guidance.

- The Swedish Companies Registration Office - for company formation and registration matters.

- The Swedish Public Employment Service - for labour market rules and vacancy advertising requirements related to some work permits.

- Solna Municipality - for local business support, permits and municipal information relevant to setting up or operating a business in Solna.

- Professional immigration lawyers and accredited advisors - for case-specific legal guidance and representation. When choosing an advisor, confirm their qualifications and experience in Swedish immigration law.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with a business visa or work permit in Solna, consider the following practical steps:

- Assess your nationality and travel status - check whether you need a Schengen visa or a residence/work permit for the intended length and type of activity.

- Gather documentation - collect passports, invitations, employment contracts, evidence of funds, proof of insurance and company documentation. Well-prepared files speed up processing and reduce risk of refusal.

- Contact the relevant authority - for short stays contact the nearest Swedish embassy or consulate. For residence and work permits consult the Swedish Migration Agency guidance.

- Consult an immigration lawyer - choose a lawyer with Sweden-specific immigration experience. Ask about fees, likely timelines and success rates. Request a written engagement letter describing services and costs.

- Prepare for appeals if necessary - if you receive a refusal, note appeal deadlines and seek legal help immediately to prepare an appeal or alternative application.

- Plan tax and employment compliance - coordinate with your employer or a local advisor to ensure correct salary, tax withholding and social security arrangements.

- Keep copies of all submissions and decisions - retain records of applications, receipts, correspondence and biometric appointments.

Disclaimer - This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration outcomes depend on individual facts. For case-specific advice, consult a qualified lawyer experienced in Swedish immigration and employment law.