Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Sweden does not have a specific legal category called a "retirement visa" for non-EU/EEA citizens. Rules about who can move to Sweden and how long they can stay are governed by national immigration law, EU free-movement rules and local administrative procedures. If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland, you have the right to move to and live in Sweden under freedom-of-movement rules - you will need to register with Swedish authorities if you plan to stay. If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, the most common legal routes to live in Sweden long term are family ties, work, studies, asylum or other specific permit types such as self-employment. Many retirees therefore move under EU free-movement rights, spend limited periods on a Schengen visa, or seek family-based residence permits. Local services you will use if you settle in Trollhättan include the municipality for registration and elderly care assessments, Region Västra Götaland for healthcare access, and the Swedish Tax Agency for population registration and tax matters.
Immigration and residency matters can be complex - especially when retirement is the main reason for relocation. A lawyer with experience in Swedish immigration and administrative law can help in several situations:
- Clarifying eligibility and choosing the correct permit route for non-EU citizens.
- Preparing and reviewing applications so they meet evidentiary and procedural requirements.
- Handling appeals if a residence permit or family reunification application is refused by the Swedish Migration Agency.
- Advising on tax residency, reporting obligations, and cross-border pension taxation.
- Advising about social security, pension coordination and entitlement under bilateral agreements.
- Assisting with practical matters that intersect with law - for example, securing a personal identity number, dealing with municipal eldercare assessments, and interpreting entitlement to subsidized healthcare and social services.
- Representing you in disputes with public authorities or in courts if necessary.
Key legal and administrative points particularly relevant to retirees considering Trollhättan:
- Immigration and residence: National immigration law and EU law determine who can live in Sweden. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens use freedom-of-movement rules and can register as residents. Non-EU/EEA citizens generally need a specific residence permit to live in Sweden longer term; short stays are governed by Schengen visa rules.
- Population registration and personal identity number: The Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) manages population registration - folkbokföring. A personnummer (personal identity number) is crucial to access many services including healthcare, bank accounts and municipal services. Eligibility for a personnummer depends on length and type of residence.
- Healthcare and social services: Region Västra Götaland provides healthcare in Trollhättan. Access to subsidized healthcare normally requires a personnummer. Municipalities, including Trollhättans kommun, are responsible for social services and eldercare under the Social Services Act - they assess need and provide or arrange home care and residential care.
- Taxes and pensions: Tax residency is determined under Swedish tax rules - generally becoming a tax resident depends on length of stay and ties to the country. Pensions paid from abroad may be taxable in Sweden; bilateral social security agreements can affect contributions and benefits.
- Housing and property: Buying property in Sweden is open to foreigners, but long-term residence rights are separate from property ownership. Renting and consumer protections follow national and municipal regulations.
- Appeals and legal remedies: Decisions by the Swedish Migration Agency can be appealed to the Migration Court, and further to higher courts. Deadlines and formal requirements for appeals are strict.
No. Sweden does not have a dedicated "retirement visa" category for non-EU/EEA citizens. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens may move under freedom-of-movement rules and can register locally. Non-EU/EEA citizens need to use standard residence permit routes such as family reunification, work, study, asylum or self-employment where applicable. Many retirees therefore visit on a short-stay Schengen visa or move if they have family ties to Sweden.
An EU/EEA or Swiss citizen can move to Sweden and register their residence with the Swedish Tax Agency if they intend to stay. After registering and meeting certain conditions they may receive a personnummer, which opens access to healthcare, banking and municipal services. If you plan to stay long term, notify Trollhättans kommun for local registration and contact Region Västra Götaland for healthcare registration.
For non-EU/EEA citizens, common options are family reunification if you have a close family member who is a Swedish resident or citizen, applying for a work permit if you take paid employment, or applying as a self-employed person if you start a qualifying business. Short visits are possible on a Schengen visa. Each route has specific requirements and documentation, and a migration lawyer can help identify the best path.
Yes. Foreigners can buy real estate in Sweden. Ownership of property does not automatically grant residence or entitlement to public services. If you plan to live in the property long term, you should also secure the appropriate residence rights through immigration channels and register locally as required.
Short-term visitors typically need comprehensive travel or private health insurance. For long-term residents, eligibility for publicly funded healthcare generally requires a personnummer or other proof of legal residence. If you do not immediately qualify for the Swedish health system, arrange private health insurance until you are covered by Region Västra Götaland or through international agreements.
Tax residence in Sweden usually depends on how long you stay and whether you establish significant ties. If you become tax resident, your worldwide income, including pensions from abroad, may be subject to Swedish tax rules. Bilateral tax treaties and social security agreements can alter where pensions are taxed and whether contributions continue in the home country. Consult a tax advisor experienced in cross-border pensions for specifics.
A personnummer is a Swedish personal identity number used for healthcare, banking, employer registration and municipal services. EU/EEA citizens who register as residents with the Swedish Tax Agency may obtain a personnummer if they can show intention to stay and means of support. Non-EU/EEA residents usually need a residence permit valid for at least one year to be eligible. Contact the Swedish Tax Agency for the exact documentation needed.
Municipal social services provide elderly care assessments and services to those legally resident in the municipality. If you have legal residency and a personnummer, you can request an assessment from Trollhättans kommun for home care or residential care. Entitlement and fees depend on the assessment and national rules. Visitors without legal residency will generally not be entitled to municipal elderly care services, and should arrange private care or insurance instead.
If the Swedish Migration Agency refuses your application, you will receive a written decision explaining reasons and appeal deadlines. You have the right to appeal the decision to the Migration Court within the stated timeframe. A migration lawyer can help prepare the appeal, collect supporting evidence and represent you in proceedings. Acting quickly is important because appeal deadlines are short.
Look for lawyers or law firms with experience in immigration law, family reunification and tax or social security matters. Check credentials with the Swedish Bar Association and seek a lawyer who speaks your language if needed. Ask about experience with Migration Agency cases and Migration Court appeals, as well as cross-border pension and tax issues. Initial consultations can help you understand options and likely costs.
Recommended Swedish authorities and organizations to consult or contact when considering retirement relocation:
- Swedish Migration Agency - national authority for residence permits and immigration questions.
- Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) - handles population registration, personnummer and tax residence matters.
- Region Västra Götaland - regional health authority responsible for healthcare services in Trollhättan.
- Trollhättans kommun - local municipality for registration, social services, elderly care assessments and local integration support.
- Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan) - handles social security matters and certain benefits.
- Swedish Pensions Agency (Pensionsmyndigheten) - information on national pensions and international coordination.
- National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) - national guidance on health and social care standards.
- Swedish Bar Association - to find and verify qualified lawyers and lawyers specialized in immigration and administrative law.
- Your country consulate or embassy in Sweden - for consular guidance and lists of local professionals who speak your language.
Practical guide for moving forward if you are considering retirement relocation to Trollhättan:
- Assess your legal status: Determine whether you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen or non-EU/EEA citizen, and which residence route applies to your situation.
- Gather documentation: Collect passports, proof of income or pension, housing arrangements, marriage or family documents if applicable, and any insurance evidence. Obtain certified translations where required.
- Contact authorities: Reach out to the Swedish Migration Agency for permit rules relevant to you and to Skatteverket for registration and personnummer requirements if you intend to stay long term.
- Arrange health coverage: Secure adequate health insurance for the period before you are eligible for Swedish healthcare and register with Region Västra Götaland after you have legal residency.
- Seek professional advice: Consult a migration lawyer for complex cases, an international tax advisor for pension and tax issues, and a municipal contact in Trollhättan for social services and housing guidance.
- Plan a visit: Consider a short exploratory visit to Trollhättan to meet municipal staff, view housing and get to know local services before finalizing plans.
- Prepare for appeals: If you apply for a permit and it is refused, know the appeal deadline and consult a lawyer immediately to preserve your rights.
Taking these steps will help you understand your options and prepare the legal, financial and practical arrangements needed to retire in Trollhättan, Sweden with a clear view of your rights and obligations.
