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The term Golden Visa is commonly used internationally to describe residence-by-investment schemes. Sweden does not operate a formal Golden Visa program in the way some other countries do. Residence rights in Sweden - including in Trollhättan - are governed by national immigration law and administered by the Swedish Migration Agency. That said, non-EU nationals who want to move to Sweden for business, self-employment, work, or family reasons have several legal pathways to obtain residence permits. Buying property in Sweden alone does not give the buyer a right to live in the country.
For applicants who plan to invest in or start a business in Trollhättan, relevant routes include permits for self-employment, work permits tied to employment, and permits for entrepreneurs and key personnel. All permit applications and appeals follow Swedish national rules, while local authorities in Trollhättan handle municipal registration, local business support and practical settling-in matters.
Immigration and cross-border investment issues often involve complicated legal, tax and administrative steps. A lawyer can help you in many common situations, including:
- Choosing the correct immigration route and assessing eligibility for residence permits related to business or employment.
- Preparing and reviewing application material - business plans, financial projections, contracts, and supporting evidence - to meet Swedish Migration Agency standards.
- Structuring a business in Sweden - choosing between sole proprietorship, limited company (aktiebolag) or branch, registering the company with Bolagsverket, and advising on shareholder agreements.
- Navigating tax and reporting obligations - corporate tax, value added tax, payroll tax, and personal tax issues; coordinating with accountants and tax advisors.
- Handling employment law matters - drafting employment contracts, understanding collective bargaining and termination rules under Swedish employment law.
- Representing you in appeals and administrative proceedings if a permit is refused or if you face enforcement measures.
- Assisting with cross-border compliance issues such as anti-money-laundering checks, due diligence, and ensuring documentation is correctly translated and certified.
If your case involves significant investment, family reunification, complex corporate structures, or potential disputes, legal advice reduces the risk of delays and refusals and helps protect your rights.
Key legal and administrative areas that affect investors and would-be residents in Trollhättan are mostly national rules applied locally. Important aspects to know include:
- Immigration law - The Swedish Migration Agency decides residence permits and work permits. Permit types vary by purpose - work, self-employment, studies, family reunification. Requirements and processing times depend on the route you choose.
- Business registration - Companies are registered with the Swedish Companies Registration Office (Bolagsverket). You will need to register the business, appoint company representatives and comply with annual reporting duties.
- Taxation - The Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) manages taxation and personal identity numbers. Sweden has municipal and national taxes, and residency for tax purposes may differ from immigration residency. Proper tax planning is essential for investors.
- Employment law - Sweden has strong employee protections and established collective agreements. Termination, probation, notice periods and employer obligations are governed by national law and relevant collective bargaining agreements.
- Municipal registration - When you settle in Trollhättan you must register your address with Skatteverket to get a personal identity number (personnummer) if you qualify. The municipality provides local services and business support; some services require Swedish-language documentation.
- Property and land - Purchasing real estate in Sweden is possible for foreigners, but ownership does not confer immigration status. Due diligence and local planning rules must be checked with the municipality.
- Anti-money-laundering and banking - Banks perform strict customer due diligence. Expect identity checks, proof of source of funds, and documentation for business transactions.
No. Sweden does not have a formal Golden Visa program. Residence permits are granted under established immigration categories such as work permits, self-employment permits, study permits and family reunification. Any investment-based move must be structured under these legal routes.
No. Buying land or property in Sweden does not automatically grant you the right to live in Sweden. You must apply for the appropriate residence permit based on work, self-employment, family reunification or another legal ground.
Common options include a residence permit for self-employed persons or a work permit if you will be employed by a Swedish company. The right choice depends on how you plan to operate - as founder and manager, as an employee, or as an investor in a company. A lawyer or migration specialist can assess the best route for your circumstances.
Processing times vary by permit type and by how complete and persuasive your application is. It can take several weeks to many months. Complex cases, additional evidence requests, or appeals add time. Submit a well-prepared application to avoid predictable delays.
Residency for tax purposes is separate from immigration residency. If you live in Sweden and meet tax residency rules, you will generally be subject to Swedish taxation on worldwide income. Consult a tax adviser experienced with Swedish rules before relocating or structuring investments.
If you have a valid permit and intend to stay, register your address with the Swedish Tax Agency to obtain a personal identity number, which is essential for many services. The municipality can guide you on local services, schooling and healthcare registration.
You do not always need a Swedish-speaking lawyer, but many official processes and documents are in Swedish and some authorities prefer Swedish. Many immigration and commercial lawyers in Sweden offer services in English. If documents require certified translation, your lawyer can arrange that.
Common documents include a valid passport, a detailed business plan, proof of financial means, evidence of premises or agreements, contracts with clients or suppliers, and proof of relevant experience. Exact requirements depend on the permit type and your business model.
Family reunification rules allow close family members to apply for residence permits in many circumstances. Spouses, registered partners and children often qualify, but eligibility depends on your permit type and ability to support family members. Family members may need to apply simultaneously or shortly after the principal applicant.
If an application is refused, the decision will include information on appeal rights. You normally have the right to appeal to the Migration Court. A lawyer can advise on appeal prospects and represent you in the appeal process. In some cases re-application with stronger evidence is an option.
Helpful public bodies and organisations to contact for reliable information or administration include:
- Swedish Migration Agency - responsible for residence and work permits.
- Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) - personal identity numbers, tax registration and local tax information.
- Swedish Companies Registration Office (Bolagsverket) - company registration and filings.
- Trollhättan Municipality - local business support, municipal services and practical local information.
- Västra Götaland County Administrative Board - regional development and business support information.
- Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen) - information on local labour market and recruitment.
- Swedish Bar Association - directory to find licensed lawyers in Sweden who specialise in immigration, corporate and tax law.
- Information on legal aid - Rättshjälp - for possible financial support for legal costs depending on eligibility.
If you are considering moving to Trollhättan for business or investment, follow these practical steps:
- Assess your objective - clarify whether your goal is to run a business, invest, employ staff or obtain residency for family reasons. This determines the legal route.
- Schedule an initial consultation with an immigration or corporate lawyer - choose a lawyer who has experience with business-related residence matters and Swedish administrative law.
- Prepare documents - gather passports, CVs, business plans, bank statements, letters of intent, contracts and any existing Swedish company documents. Ask your lawyer which documents must be certified or translated.
- Confirm tax and corporate structure - coordinate with a tax adviser and accountant to understand tax residency, VAT, payroll and corporate reporting obligations.
- Make a written engagement agreement with your lawyer - agree scope, fees and timelines in writing so you understand costs and deliverables.
- Register locally after arrival - when your permit is granted, register your address with Skatteverket, apply for a personal identity number if eligible, and contact Trollhättan Municipality for local guidance.
- Keep copies and maintain records - retain all application materials, correspondence with authorities and legal advice in case of follow-up questions or audits.
Legal processes and outcomes depend on individual facts and the chosen permit route. Consulting an experienced Swedish lawyer early helps avoid mistakes, properly structure your move and increase the chance of a successful result.
