Moving to Sweden from India: Work Permit, Biometrics and Arrival Guide (2026)

This guide is for Indian professionals moving to Sweden and the employers hiring them. The process is the same as for any non-EU citizen, but a few India-specific steps (biometrics, collecting the card, family documents) affect how long the move takes.

1. The permit conditions

• Monthly salary of at least SEK 34,470 (90% of the median, for applications from 16 June 2026), and in line with the collective agreement or common practice in the occupation. IT support and operations roles under some SSYK codes have a lower 75% level.
• For highly qualified roles, compare with the EU Blue Card (SEK 53,625 a month from 15 July 2026). Since 1 June 2026 it can be granted for up to four years at a time.
• The permit can't last longer than the passport. Renew an Indian passport that expires within two years before applying.

Full details: Sweden's June 2026 rules.

2. Biometrics and the passport check

Indian citizens need a visa for Sweden, so biometrics are taken before travel. According to the embassy, permit biometrics can only be given at the Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi, without an appointment. Since November 2022 applicants must also show their passport in person at the embassy before Migrationsverket can grant the permit. Migrationsverket tells you by email when to come.

3. Collecting the residence permit card

• Collect the card in person at the embassy in New Delhi, where a representative with a signed power of attorney can also collect it. Or pay a courier fee to have it sent to the consulate in Chennai or Kolkata.
• At the consulates you must collect it yourself, within one month of it arriving.
• The card normally takes about four weeks after approval and biometrics. Don't book flights until you have it.

4. Family documents

• Proof of the relationship, such as a marriage certificate, and children's birth records, are needed for the family's permits and again for registration in Sweden.
• When we checked, registering a marriage from abroad with Skatteverket took about 14 weeks before a case officer picked it up, so bring good originals.
• Ask the embassy or Migrationsverket whether your documents need legalisation or an apostille. It depends on the document.

5. Social security: the India–Sweden agreement

The India–Sweden social security agreement has been in force since 1 August 2014. An employee posted from India can keep paying into the Indian system for up to 24 months, with a certificate of coverage. The agreement only covers retirement and survivors' pensions and sickness and activity compensation.

6. Tax

If you live in Sweden, or stay for six months or more in a row, you are taxed under the Swedish Income Tax Act. Sweden has tax treaties with many countries so the same income isn't taxed twice. Senior hires should check whether they qualify for expert tax relief. The application must reach the board within three months of the start date.

7. After arrival

1. Register at Skatteverket for your personnummer (how).
2. Get your ID card, bank account and BankID (how).
3. Driving: an Indian licence stops being valid once you have been registered in Sweden for more than a year, and it can't be exchanged. To keep driving, get a learner's permit (körkortstillstånd), do the risk-awareness training and pass the Swedish theory and driving tests. Start early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do Indian applicants give biometrics for a Swedish work permit?

According to the Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi, residence permit biometrics can only be given at the embassy in New Delhi, without an appointment. Applicants must also show their passport in person before the permit can be granted. Check swedenabroad.se for current opening hours.

Can I use my Indian driving licence in Sweden?

Until you have been registered in Sweden for more than a year. Indian licences can't be exchanged, so to keep driving you must take the Swedish theory and driving tests.

Does the India–Sweden social security agreement mean I don't pay Swedish social fees?

Only for posted workers, for up to 24 months, with a certificate of coverage, and only for the parts the agreement covers (retirement and survivors' pensions and sickness and activity compensation).

Moving for work? How Settio helps

Settio helps employers and immigration and relocation agencies run the whole move in one place, so the person moving can focus on settling in:

• Before the move: one plan for the permit and the move, with every step and deadline. A partner and children get their own steps in the same household.
• After arrival: the employee portal shows the newcomer their next steps on their phone, in their language, from registering after arrival to help for settling in.
• When the permit runs out: permit monitoring flags the extension in good time.

HR teams and agencies can start for free. Moving yourself? Try our free tools for life in Sweden.

Sources

12 official sources

• Government Offices of Sweden: List of third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when entering Sweden
• Embassy of Sweden, New Delhi: Biometrics and passport checks
• Embassy of Sweden, New Delhi: Receiving your decision and card
• Migrationsverket: Work permits for employees
• Migrationsverket: EU Blue Card
• Skatteverket: Processing times for folkbokföring
• EPFO: India–Sweden social security agreement
• Skatteverket: Countries with social security agreements
• Skatteverket: New in Sweden and working as an employee
• Forskarskattenämnden: Apply for tax relief
• Transportstyrelsen: Foreign driving licences
• Transportstyrelsen: Driving licence category B