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Sweden does not operate a formal or dedicated "residence by investment" program like some other countries. Instead, residence options for non-EU/EEA nationals who want to move to Sweden are based on standard immigration categories - for example work permits, self-employed or entrepreneur permits, family reunification, studies or research. In practice, investors who want to live in Trollhättan or elsewhere in Sweden typically pursue one of these routes by starting or buying a business, taking a salaried job in Sweden, or qualifying under family or study grounds. Buying real estate or investing in a company alone does not automatically create a right to residence. All applications for residence permits and work permits are handled by the Swedish Migration Agency - Migrationsverket - and decisions are made under Swedish national immigration law and EU-related rules.
Immigration and business law intersect in complicated ways when your aim is to move to Sweden through a commercial activity. A lawyer can help you identify the right legal route and reduce problems at each stage.
Common situations where legal help is useful include:
- Assessing which permit type fits your circumstances - self-employed entrepreneur, employer, highly-skilled worker, researcher or family reunification.
- Preparing a convincing business plan and supporting financial documents to show that your business is viable and can support you.
- Ensuring employment contracts and salary terms meet Swedish requirements and collective agreement standards when applying for a work permit and when sponsoring employees.
- Navigating company formation, registration with Bolagsverket, tax registration with Skatteverket, and F-tax and VAT requirements when you will run a business.
- Handling complex document requirements and translations, criminal record or health documentation, and presenting the strongest possible case to Migrationsverket.
- Representing you in appeals to the Migration Court if an application is refused or if there are delays or procedural mistakes.
Key legal points to understand when seeking residence by business or investment in Trollhättan are drawn from national Swedish rules and local administrative practices:
- No investor visa: Sweden has no specific citizenship or residence-by-investment visa. Residence must be based on standard permit categories.
- Self-employed or entrepreneur permit: Applicants must show a credible business plan, sufficient means to live on their own or with family, and that the business will be viable. The Migration Agency assesses the enterprise and your role in it.
- Work permits for employed positions: Non-EU/EEA nationals generally need a job offer from a Swedish employer that meets market salary and employment conditions. The employer must normally offer terms in line with collective bargaining agreements or customary terms for the occupation.
- Property ownership: Owning property in Sweden does not by itself entitle a non-EU/EEA national to a residence permit.
- Registration and personal identity number: If you plan to stay and live in Trollhättan long-term, you must register your address with the Swedish Tax Agency - Skatteverket - to get a personal identity number. The personal number is essential for banking, healthcare, taxation and many public services.
- Taxation and social security: If you live and work in Sweden, you become subject to Swedish tax and social security rules. You should register your company and obtain the necessary tax registrations such as F-tax for business owners. Local payroll, employer contributions and VAT rules apply.
- Local municipal services: Trollhättan kommun administers local housing, schooling and integration services. Local practice can affect housing availability and municipal social services for newcomers.
- Appeals and legal remedies: Decisions of Migrationsverket can be appealed to the Migration Court and, in some cases, to the Migration Court of Appeal. Legal representation improves navigation of these procedures.
No. Sweden does not grant residence permits solely on the basis of capital investment or property purchase. You can seek residence if you will be self-employed, start a business, take a qualifying job, or qualify under family reunification or study rules.
There is no single-easiest route because each applicant's circumstances differ. Common approaches are starting or running a viable business and applying as self-employed, or finding a qualifying job in Sweden and applying for a work permit. Which route is most appropriate depends on your investment size, business plan, skills and family situation.
You will usually register a company with Bolagsverket if you intend to conduct business in Sweden. The Migration Agency expects a clear legal and operational structure and evidence that the business can support you.
Processing times vary by type of permit and complexity. Some straightforward applications take a few weeks to a few months, while complex entrepreneur or appeals cases can take considerably longer. Expect possible delays and plan accordingly.
Buying an existing business can strengthen a case if you can show continuity of revenue, a credible plan for your role and evidence that the business will provide you with sufficient income. The Migration Agency examines the business bona fides and your economic dependence on it.
Yes. If you receive a residence permit as a self-employed person, employee or student, close family members such as spouse and children under certain ages can often apply for residence by family reunification. Each family member must meet the legal conditions for reunification.
Ownership alone does not create entitlement to public services reserved for residents. To access many local services like schooling, healthcare and certain benefits you need to be registered with Skatteverket and hold a valid residence permit or personal identity number.
Typical documents include a valid passport, a detailed business plan, financial projections, evidence of funds or capital, company registration documents, leases or property ownership papers if relevant, CV and proof of relevant experience, and any required criminal record or health documents translated into Swedish or English as requested.
You can use either. A Swedish lawyer or an international firm with Swedish immigration expertise will be familiar with local procedures, supporting documents and appeals. Local counsel can also assist with municipal and tax registrations that follow approval.
If Migrationsverket refuses your application you generally have the right to appeal to the Migration Court within a set deadline specified in the decision. A lawyer can prepare the appeal and supporting evidence to improve the chances of reversal or of obtaining an alternative permit.
Key Swedish authorities and organizations that are important when considering residence and business activities in Trollhättan include:
- Swedish Migration Agency - Migrationsverket - handles residence and work permits, appeals and guidance.
- Swedish Tax Agency - Skatteverket - registration for personal identity numbers, taxation and population registration.
- Swedish Companies Registration Office - Bolagsverket - company formation and registration records.
- Swedish Public Employment Service - Arbetsförmedlingen - job matching and local labor market information.
- Trollhättan Municipality - Trollhättan kommun - local municipal services, housing and integration services for newcomers.
- Local chambers of commerce and business support organisations - for advice on starting and running a business locally and local industry networks.
- Migration courts - for appeal procedures when administrative decisions are contested.
- Local immigration lawyers and law firms specialising in immigration and corporate law - for professional legal representation and case preparation.
If you are considering moving to Trollhättan through business activity or investment, follow these practical steps:
- Start with an initial assessment: Review your eligibility for the main permit types - self-employed, work permit, family reunification or study - and decide which route best matches your circumstances.
- Consult an immigration lawyer: Book a consultation with a lawyer experienced in Swedish immigration and business law to map risks, document requirements and timelines.
- Prepare a business plan and financial evidence: If you intend to apply as a self-employed person or entrepreneur, prepare a clear business plan with realistic financial projections and proof of available capital or funding.
- Register any company or business entity: If appropriate, register with Bolagsverket and obtain necessary tax registrations with Skatteverket - consider engaging an accountant familiar with Swedish rules.
- Apply to Migrationsverket with correct documentation: Follow the Migration Agency application requirements closely, provide certified translations as required and keep copies of everything submitted.
- Register locally if approved: After you receive a permit, register your address with Skatteverket to obtain a personal identity number and contact Trollhättan kommun for local integration and housing information.
- Plan for taxes and compliance: Ensure payroll, employer contributions, VAT and other regulatory obligations are understood and managed from the outset.
If you need help finding a qualified lawyer, contact a reputable law firm in Sweden that specializes in immigration and corporate matters or consult local business support organisations in Trollhättan for recommended advisers.
