Are you dreaming of working and living in the land of the Northern Lights, Sweden? Your dream might come true. But there’s a catch! This country in northern Europe is offering permanent residency to Indians, but only if they clear a tough financial hurdle. Here’s everything you need to know.
Sweden’s New Rules For Permanent Residency
Sweden, a country in northern Europe, is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. And now, Indians can get PR in Sweden, but only if they earn at least ₹2.7 lakh per month. For many Indians working in Sweden, getting a permanent residence permit is a dream. The first step is obtaining a work permit, and the next is securing permanent residency (PR).
As per a report by NDTV, the Swedish government has announced that foreign workers must earn a minimum of SEK 29,680 (₹2.7 lakh approx.) per month before tax to qualify for work permit extensions and stay on track for Sweden’s permanent residency. This is roughly 80% of the country’s median salary. The rule applies to both new applications and renewals. Reportedly, this decision will significantly affect many Indians working in Sweden’s IT, engineering and research sectors. However, some groups are exempt, such as EU/EAA citizens, blue card holders, seasonal workers, athletes, interns and au pairs.
Also Read: Indians Can Now Apply For Permanent Residency In Ireland For Under ₹52,000
What Are The Eligibility Rules?
To be eligible for PR in Sweden, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Held a work permit for 48 months (two consecutive two-year permits).
- Worked in Sweden for at least 44 months in the past seven years.
- Must be financially self-sufficient and meet housing requirements.
- Have no criminal record and proof of having lived a “decent life” in Sweden.
- Be eligible for work permit renewal, which means fulfilling all employment conditions.
As per reports, applications can be filed 30 days before the work permit expires. But since 2022, the Swedish Migration Agency no longer issues bridge permits to cover shortfalls in eligibility. This means that if an applicant does not meet the 48-month requirement, they will have to wait until their sixth year in Sweden before applying. The PR application fee is around SEK 1,500 (₹14,000 approx.). Furthermore, you should also know that the PR status can also be revoked if:
- The applicant no longer lives in Sweden or spends excessive time abroad.
- False or incomplete information was provided during the application.
From PR To Citizenship
After securing permanent residency in Sweden, Indians can apply for citizenship after five years. The requirements include:
- Valid identity proof and documentation.
- A clean record with no serious crimes.
- Continuous residence in Sweden.
Citizenship brings additional privileges like voting rights, a Swedish passport, and opportunities across the European Union. But the road to getting there isn’t easy.
Also Read: These Jobs Can Help You Get Permanent Residency In Canada
What do you think of these new permanent residency rules by the Swedish government? Let us know.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Koen Swiers (Representative Image)