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Trollhättan is a municipality in Västra Götaland County in Sweden. The rules that govern business visits and longer term business stays in Trollhättan follow national Swedish immigration and employment law. For short visits for business purposes most non-EU/EEA nationals apply for a Schengen short-stay visa - commonly called a business visa - which permits up to 90 days in any 180-day period. For longer stays to work, found a company or run a business from Sweden, non-EU/EEA nationals generally need a residence permit - either a work permit arranged by a Swedish employer, a permit for self-employment or a permit for company founders. EU/EEA nationals have free movement rights and do not need a visa to live or work, but they do need to register with local authorities if staying long term. Key Swedish authorities involved include the Swedish Migration Agency, the Swedish Tax Agency, and the Swedish Companies Registration Office.
Immigration and business matters often involve intersecting legal areas - immigration law, tax law, company law and employment law. A lawyer can help in situations such as:
- Preparing and reviewing complex residence permit or work permit applications to reduce risk of refusal.
- Drafting and assessing business plans and financial projections required for self-employment or start-up residence permits.
- Responding to a refusal from the Swedish Migration Agency or advising on appeals to the Migration Court.
- Structuring a company in Sweden with tax and compliance needs in mind, including F-tax and VAT registration.
- Drafting or reviewing employment contracts that must meet Swedish wage and collective agreement rules to support a work permit application.
- Advising on cross-border employment, secondments or intra-company transfers and related social security issues.
- Handling regulatory or administrative matters at a municipal level in Trollhättan - for example permits for premises, local business registrations or sector-specific approvals.
The most relevant legal areas and rules for business-related immigration in Trollhättan are national, applied locally by national and municipal bodies:
- Immigration law - The Aliens Act and related rules determine visas, residence permits and grounds for refusal. The Swedish Migration Agency administers most permits and residency matters. Short-stay Schengen visas are issued by Swedish embassies or consulates.
- Work permit rules - For non-EU/EEA employees a work permit is generally required. Employers must offer terms that meet Swedish wage and employment standards - commonly aligned with collective agreements or customary wages in the field.
- Self-employment and company start-up permits - Applicants must demonstrate a viable business plan, sufficient funds, and the ability to support themselves. Evidence of premises, contracts or orders can be important.
- Company law - Company formation and registration are governed by the Swedish Companies Registration Office. Structures commonly used include sole proprietorships, trading partnerships and limited liability companies.
- Tax law and social security - Registration with the Swedish Tax Agency is necessary to obtain a Swedish personal identity number or coordination number, VAT registration and F-tax for freelancers and business owners. Employer obligations include reporting, payroll tax and social contributions.
- Employment protection - Swedish employment law and union practices have strong employee protections and many industries operate under collective bargaining agreements which influence salary levels used for permit assessments.
- Data protection and commercial regulation - If your business will process personal data or operate in regulated sectors, compliance with data protection rules and sectoral regulations will apply.
A business visa commonly refers to a Schengen short-stay visa for business visits up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It permits activities such as meetings, conferences, negotiation and short-term client visits. It does not permit gainful employment in Sweden or taking up a Swedish employment contract. For longer work or running a business from Sweden a residence permit is usually required.
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you do not need a visa. If you are a non-EU/EEA national you may need a Schengen short-stay visa for visits under 90 days - whether you require one depends on your nationality. For stays beyond 90 days you will typically need a residence permit that matches your purpose - work permit, self-employment permit or similar.
Work permits are typically applied for by the employer on behalf of the employee through the Swedish Migration Agency. The employer must offer terms that meet Swedish standards. Self-employment or start-up permits require a business plan, proof of funds and documentation showing the business is viable. Applications are submitted to the Swedish Migration Agency and processing times vary.
Short-stay Schengen visa decisions are normally made within 15 calendar days, though complex cases can take longer. Residence permits and work permit processing times for Sweden vary by case and workload - commonly several weeks to a few months. Self-employment and company-related permits can take longer. Plan well in advance and check current processing estimates.
Requirements differ by type, but common documents include a valid passport, passport photos, invitation letters or contracts, proof of business purpose, travel itinerary, travel medical insurance for Schengen visas, proof of accommodation, financial statements or bank statements, a detailed business plan for self-employment permits, and employment contracts or evidence of salary for work permits. Documents not in Swedish may need certified translations.
Family reunification rules depend on the type of permit. For long-term residence permits and work permits, close family members may be eligible to join, subject to specific requirements such as proof of housing and income. Short-stay business visas do not confer family reunification rights. Check the specific rules for your permit type.
If a residence or work permit is refused by the Swedish Migration Agency you usually have the right to appeal the decision to the Migration Court within a limited time - commonly a few weeks from notification. For short-stay visa refusals at a Swedish diplomatic mission the options include requesting a statement of reasons and either reapplying with corrected documentation or pursuing any administrative review routes available. Consulting a lawyer quickly is advisable to evaluate appeal prospects and prepare necessary evidence.
If you plan to stay long term you should register with the Swedish Tax Agency to obtain a personal identity number or coordination number. Employers and business owners also need to register for tax and, where relevant, VAT. Trollhättan Municipality can advise on local matters such as permits for premises, municipal services and local business support.
Fees vary by type of application and applicant nationality. Short-stay Schengen visa fees are set at the Schengen level. Residence permit and work permit application fees are set by the Swedish authorities and may change, so check current fee schedules. There will also be other costs - translations, notarization, legal fees, travel insurance and business start-up costs.
EU/EEA citizens have the right to enter, live and work in Sweden without a visa. They do not need a work permit but should register with the Swedish Tax Agency if staying long term. Non-EU/EEA citizens generally require a Schengen visa for short visits and a residence or work permit for longer stays or employment. Documentation and procedural requirements are more extensive for non-EU/EEA nationals.
Helpful organizations and authorities to contact or research when preparing a business-related move to Trollhättan include:
- Swedish Migration Agency - for visa, residence permit and work permit rules and procedures.
- Swedish Embassy or Consulate in your country - for Schengen visa applications and local guidance.
- Swedish Tax Agency - for personal identity numbers, F-tax registration, VAT and employer reporting.
- Swedish Companies Registration Office - for company formation and registration rules.
- Trollhättan Municipality - for local business services, permits and information about operating locally.
- Regional business support and chambers of commerce in Västra Götaland for networking and local market information.
- Swedish Bar Association for finding a qualified immigration or business lawyer in Sweden.
If you need legal assistance with a business visa or related immigration matter in Trollhättan, consider the following practical steps:
- Assess your objective - short visit, employment, company formation or self-employment. Identify which permit or registration applies.
- Gather core documents - passport, invitation or employment offer, business plan, financial records and any municipal or sectoral permits you may need.
- Contact a qualified lawyer with experience in Swedish immigration and business law. Look for a lawyer who understands both migration procedures and commercial, tax or employment issues relevant to your case.
- Arrange an initial consultation to review your case, ask about likely outcomes, timelines, fees and whether an appeal may be necessary in case of refusal.
- If you proceed, authorize the lawyer to represent you where needed, make sure translations and notarizations are done correctly and respect application deadlines.
- While waiting for decisions, set up any required local registrations with the Swedish Tax Agency and Trollhättan Municipality so you can act quickly when permits are granted.
Early legal advice can reduce the risk of refusal, speed up the process and ensure that your business activities comply with Swedish requirements. If you are unsure where to start, a short consultation with an immigration lawyer who also understands business law is a practical first step.
