Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Borgholm

About Residence by Investment Law in Borgholm, Sweden

Sweden does not have a golden visa or a pure residence-by-investment program. Buying real estate or making a passive financial investment in Sweden does not by itself grant a residence permit. The viable investment-related route for many non-EU citizens is the self-employed residence permit, which allows you to live in Sweden if you own and actively run a Swedish business that can support you. Some applicants also qualify through a standard work permit if they are formally employed by a Swedish company and meet salary and other conditions. EU and EEA citizens have free-movement rights and can reside in Sweden if they work, are self-employed, study, or have sufficient means and comprehensive health insurance.

Borgholm is a coastal municipality on the island of Öland in Kalmar County. Migration rules are national and handled by the Swedish Migration Agency, but many practical steps after approval happen locally, such as registering your address, dealing with municipal planning and building rules, and running a business in the local market.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you assess eligibility for the self-employed permit or a work permit, structure your investment and company correctly, and prepare a business plan that aligns with Swedish Migration Agency standards. Legal guidance is valuable for due diligence on property and land use, especially near coastlines and protected areas common on Öland. A lawyer can coordinate tax planning with a licensed tax advisor, prepare family members applications, address document legalization and translations, manage processing timelines, respond to evidence requests, and lodge appeals if a decision is negative. Local counsel can also guide you through municipal building permits, shoreline-protection dispensations, and contract reviews with brokers, landlords, suppliers, and employees.

Local Laws Overview

Residence permits are governed nationally under the Aliens Act and administered by the Swedish Migration Agency. For non-EU investors, the principal pathway is the self-employed residence permit. You typically must own at least 50 percent of a viable business, demonstrate relevant industry experience, present a credible budget and customer pipeline, and show sufficient funds to support yourself and any accompanying family during the start-up period. Initial permits are commonly granted for up to two years, after which you must show actual operations, proper accounting, tax compliance, and that the business can sustainably support you.

Company formation is regulated by the Swedish Companies Registration Office. Many investors incorporate a limited company called an aktiebolag. You will usually need an F-tax approval for business taxation, VAT registration where applicable, and compliant bookkeeping under the Swedish Bookkeeping Act. Depending on size, audited accounts may be required. Opening a bank account can be easier once you have a Swedish personal identity number, but it is possible to start corporate steps earlier with a coordination number.

Property purchase is recorded by the land registration authority. Sweden uses a deed and title registration system and typically does not require a notary. Buyers pay stamp duty on title registration and a separate mortgage deed tax when creating new mortgage deeds. Licensed real estate agents are regulated by the Swedish Real Estate Inspectorate. Purchasing a home does not provide residence rights.

Planning and environmental rules are crucial on Öland. Building, extensions, or change of use often require a building permit from Borgholm Municipality. Shoreline protection often extends 100 to 300 meters from the coast and around lakes and streams, so new construction or alterations in these zones usually require a special dispensation. The County Administrative Board in Kalmar County oversees many environmental and heritage matters, and parts of Öland have strong cultural landscape protections. Always verify zoning, heritage status, and water-sewer arrangements before committing to a project.

After receiving a residence permit and moving for at least 12 months, you should register in the Swedish Population Register to obtain a personal identity number. This is needed for healthcare enrollment, banking, mobile contracts, and many everyday services. If you employ staff, Swedish labor law, market-salary standards, and occupational safety rules apply. For work permits, salary and terms must meet collective agreement or market norms and are usually vetted by a relevant union.

Taxation depends on residence and income sources. You may become tax resident based on time in Sweden or essential ties. Business income is taxable, VAT may apply, and social security affiliation depends on your work situation. There is no general wealth tax in Sweden. Real estate owners pay an annual municipal property fee, and capital gains tax applies on sale. Early tax planning with a qualified advisor is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Sweden offer a residence-by-investment or golden visa?

No. Sweden does not grant residence for passive investments or property purchases. Investment-related residence is generally through the self-employed permit where you actively run a viable business, or through a standard work permit if you are employed by a Swedish company and meet all requirements.

Can I get a residence permit by buying a home in Borgholm?

No. Foreigners can buy property in Sweden, including in Borgholm, but ownership does not provide a right to live in Sweden. You still need a qualifying residence permit or EU free-movement right.

What is the main route for investors who are not EU citizens?

The self-employed residence permit. You must own and manage a Swedish business, show relevant experience, present a credible business plan and budgets, and prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any family during the start-up period. After the initial period, you must demonstrate real operations, tax compliance, and the ability of the business to support you.

Is there a minimum investment amount?

There is no fixed statutory minimum. The Swedish Migration Agency reviews whether your capital and projected revenues are realistic for your specific business and whether you can support yourself and any family during the first years. Guidance commonly expects substantial start-up capital and personal maintenance funds. Your lawyer can help tailor budgets to your sector and the local market in Borgholm and Kalmar County.

Can my spouse and children join me?

Yes, eligible family members can usually apply for residence permits to accompany or join you. You must show that your business and finances can support the household. Family members generally gain access to healthcare and schooling once registered in Sweden. Your lawyer can advise on evidence and timing so the family can move together.

How long does the process take, and can I wait in Sweden?

Processing times vary and can be several months or longer. First-time permits for non-EU citizens are usually decided while you are outside Sweden, and you normally must wait for approval before moving. There are limited exceptions for applicants who already have lawful residence in Sweden on another basis. Plan timelines carefully and avoid travel that could jeopardize your status.

Do I need to live full-time in Borgholm to keep my permit?

You must genuinely run your Swedish business and maintain your main residence in Sweden if your permit is based on self-employment. Periodic travel is allowed, but long absences can raise questions about where you actually live and operate. If you plan to split time among locations, document your Swedish operations, presence, and tax compliance.

What taxes will I face if I move and invest?

Expect income tax on salary and business profits, social security contributions depending on your work status, VAT for many businesses, an annual municipal property fee if you own a home, and stamp duty and mortgage deed tax on property acquisitions and new mortgages. Whether you are treated as tax resident depends on presence and ties. Obtain individualized tax advice before investing or relocating.

Are there special coastal or heritage rules on Öland?

Yes. Shoreline protection commonly restricts building within 100 to 300 meters of coasts and waterways, and you typically need a dispensation for new builds or changes. Parts of Öland have cultural and environmental protections that limit alterations. Always confirm zoning, shoreline restrictions, heritage status, and utility connections with Borgholm Municipality and, where relevant, the County Administrative Board before you buy or build.

I am an EU or EEA citizen. What are my steps if I buy a home and move to Borgholm?

EU and EEA citizens can reside in Sweden if they are workers, self-employed, students, or have sufficient resources and comprehensive health insurance. If you intend to live in Sweden for at least 12 months, register in the Population Register to obtain a personal identity number. Buying a home alone does not establish a right of residence, so ensure you meet one of the qualifying categories.

Additional Resources

The Swedish Migration Agency handles residence permits and publishes current eligibility and document requirements. The Swedish Companies Registration Office registers companies. The Swedish Tax Agency manages population registration, personal identity numbers, F-tax approvals, VAT, and income tax. The Land Registration authority records title and mortgage deeds. Borgholm Municipality oversees local planning, building permits, and environmental matters. The County Administrative Board in Kalmar County handles shoreline protection and some heritage and environmental decisions. The Swedish Real Estate Inspectorate regulates real estate brokers. Business Sweden, Almi, and the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth provide enterprise support and guidance for entrepreneurs.

Next Steps

Clarify your goal, timeline, and family situation, and decide whether you intend to pursue a self-employed permit, a work permit, or EU free-movement rights. Book a consultation with a Swedish migration lawyer who also understands company formation and tax coordination. Prepare a realistic business plan tailored to Borgholm and the broader Kalmar region, including budgets, market analysis, supplier and customer leads, and your relevant experience. Choose a suitable legal form and start preliminary registrations and banking arrangements as advised. If you plan to buy or build property, instruct local counsel and a technical expert to review title, zoning, shoreline protections, utilities, and building-permit feasibility before you commit. Assemble required documents such as passports, corporate records, financial statements, proof of funds, contracts, and family civil status documents, and arrange sworn translations where required. File your application in the correct category and jurisdiction, monitor processing, and respond promptly to any evidence requests. After approval, move within the validity period, register with the Swedish Tax Agency, obtain your personal identity number, and enroll in healthcare and social insurance. Maintain meticulous accounts, pay taxes on time, and keep evidence of genuine operations to support extensions and, when eligible, permanent residence or citizenship.

This guide provides general information only. Swedish rules evolve, and local conditions in Borgholm can affect outcomes. Always obtain advice tailored to your facts from a qualified Swedish immigration and business law professional.