Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
The term Golden Visa commonly refers to formal residence-by-investment programs offered by some countries. Sweden does not operate a separate Golden Visa program in the same way some other countries do. Residence and work rights in Sweden - including in Östersund - are governed by national immigration law and related rules. That means you cannot obtain a residence permit here simply by buying property or placing passive capital in a bank account.
If you are seeking to live in Östersund because of investment, business activity or work, the usual legal pathways include work permits, EU Blue Card applications for highly skilled workers, residence permits for self-employed persons or founders, family reunification permits, and study permits. Each route has its own eligibility criteria, documentation and timeframes. Local factors - such as the labour market in Jamtland and municipal services in Östersund - affect practical integration, but the legal rules are national and applied by the Swedish Migration Agency and other Swedish authorities.
Immigration and investment-related moves involve legal, tax and procedural complexity. A lawyer can help in many situations - including when you plan to invest in or start a business in Östersund, when you need to structure investment to support a residence application, or when an application is refused and you need to appeal. Lawyers also add value for transactions that intersect with other legal areas - for example real estate purchases, corporate formation, employment contracts, tax residency planning and compliance with local regulatory requirements.
Specific situations where legal help is often needed include:
- Preparing and documenting a business plan and financial forecast that supports a self-employment or founder residence permit application.
- Drafting employment contracts and ensuring salary and working conditions meet Swedish permit requirements.
- Managing appeals and administrative review if a residence or work permit is denied.
- Coordinating cross-border tax planning and social security questions to avoid unexpected liabilities.
- Performing legal due diligence on property and corporate acquisitions in Sweden.
Key legal areas relevant to a Golden Visa-style move to Östersund include immigration law, tax law, corporate and commercial law, property law and local municipal rules. Below are the principal elements to be aware of.
- Immigration law - Sweden applies a national Aliens Act and related regulations that govern residence permits, work permits and family reunification. The Swedish Migration Agency handles most applications, and administrative courts handle appeals. Eligibility rules differ by permit type and are based on factors such as employment, education, business viability and family connections.
- Work and EU Blue Card rules - non-EU nationals generally need a work permit tied to an employer. The EU Blue Card is available for highly skilled workers who meet educational and salary thresholds. Employers and employees must meet specific conditions about wages and working conditions.
- Self-employment and business formation - Sweden permits residence for persons who intend to run their own business, subject to proof of sufficient means, a credible business plan and evidence that the business can support the applicant. Business registration is handled via Bolagsverket and local tax registration via Skatteverket.
- Tax residency - Swedish tax residency rules are important because residency impacts income tax, capital gains and social security obligations. Generally, staying in Sweden for more than six months can trigger tax residency. You should coordinate immigration planning with tax advice to avoid double taxation and ensure compliance.
- Property and real estate - Foreigners can buy property in Sweden, including in Östersund, with relatively few nationality-based restrictions. There can be particular rules for agricultural or forest land that require notification or approval. Purchasing property alone does not grant a residence permit.
- Local municipal rules - Local planning, building permits and municipal registration matter for living in Östersund. Once you intend to stay long-term you will generally need to register with the Swedish Tax Agency to obtain a personal identity number for access to healthcare and other services.
No. Sweden does not have a formal Golden Visa program that grants residence solely in exchange for investment in property or passive capital. Residence routes are based on work, business activity, family ties or study and are governed by national immigration law.
No. Buying real estate in Sweden does not, by itself, create a right to a residence permit. If you want to live in Sweden you must apply for an appropriate residence permit under the existing immigration categories.
Common options include applying for a residence permit as a self-employed person or business founder, or obtaining a work permit through a job with a Swedish employer. Successful applications typically require a solid business plan, proof of sufficient funds, registration of the company and compliance with Swedish employment and tax rules.
Processing times vary depending on the type of permit, completeness of the application and current caseloads at the Swedish Migration Agency. Some straightforward work permits may be processed more quickly, while business-related permits or appeals can take longer. Expect several weeks to several months in many cases.
Yes - family reunification is possible for many types of permits. Spouses and minor children usually qualify to apply to join a residence permit holder, but specific requirements and documentation are required. Family members generally apply separately and must meet the criteria set out by the Migration Agency.
Possibly. Tax residency depends on length and nature of stay and personal ties to Sweden. Staying in Sweden for six months or more often leads to tax residency, but there are nuances depending on employment, property and family ties. You should consult a tax advisor before moving to understand obligations and options for tax planning.
If a residence or work permit is refused you typically have the right to appeal the decision to an administrative court within a defined time. Administrative appeals have deadlines and formal requirements. A lawyer can advise on the merits of an appeal and represent you in the process.
For matters in Östersund it is usually best to work with a lawyer who is qualified to practice in Sweden and who has experience with Swedish immigration and administrative law. A local lawyer can also coordinate with accountants, real estate advisors and municipal contacts in Östersund.
Östersund is the county seat of Jamtland and has its own local labour market characteristics. Practical considerations include housing availability, local schooling, and access to services. While the legal rules are national, local municipal contacts and local business networks can be helpful for integration and establishing a business.
Legal fees vary by complexity and provider. Simple consultations or document reviews cost less than full application preparation, appeals or combined immigration-tax-business packages. Ask for clear fee estimates and scope of work up front, and consider fixed-fee arrangements for specific tasks where possible.
Key Swedish authorities and organizations that are relevant for anyone seeking residence or planning investment in Östersund include:
- The Swedish Migration Agency - Migrationsverket - handles residence and work permit applications.
- The Swedish Tax Agency - Skatteverket - handles tax registration and residence cards.
- The Swedish Companies Registration Office - Bolagsverket - for business registration.
- Östersund Municipality - for local municipal services, planning and schools.
- The Swedish Police - for criminal record checks and identity matters.
- The Swedish Public Employment Service - Arbetsformedlingen - for job market information and employer matching.
- The Swedish Bar Association - for finding qualified lawyers who are authorised to practice in Sweden and who specialise in immigration, corporate or tax law.
If you are considering moving to Östersund for investment, business or work, use this practical roadmap:
- Assess your goals - determine whether you seek to live in Östersund long-term, to establish a business, or to work for an employer.
- Check eligibility - review the main national permit categories to see which one fits your situation.
- Get a legal consultation - contact a Swedish immigration lawyer with experience in investor and entrepreneur cases. Prepare a summary of your intended investment, business plan or job offer and relevant documents for the consultation.
- Coordinate tax and corporate advice - engage an accountant or tax lawyer to address Swedish tax residency, company structure and social security implications.
- Prepare your documentation - arrange certified translations, notarisation or apostilles where required and collect financial records, contracts and background documents.
- File the application - have your lawyer review the application and submit it to the Swedish Migration Agency. Monitor timelines and be ready to provide supplementary information.
- Plan for practical relocation - register with the Swedish Tax Agency upon arrival, obtain a personal identity number if eligible, and register for local services in Östersund.
If you need help identifying qualified local counsel in Östersund, start by asking the Swedish Bar Association for recommendations, or contact municipal business support in Östersund for guidance on local advisors and networks.
