Residence permits for the self-employed

You should apply at least three months before you plan to go to Sweden. Your application will be sent to the Migration Board in Sweden, who will make the decision in your case.

You are required to enclose the following documents with your application (note that all documents must be submitted in original)

• Two fully completed and signed application forms.
  
  
• Two passport photos taken within the past six months. Photos that do not conform to these standards will be rejected and may cause delay in processing the application.
  
  
• A valid passport and two photocopies of the identity page of the passport. We only accept passports which have been signed by the holder of the passport. Please note that even if you are not yet a holder of a valid passport it is possible to apply for residence permit. You can forward your passport to the Embassy later.

• A commercial evaluation of your business plan, as the Migration Board needs to establish that they are realistic. The Migration Board must determine whether your business can be expected to achieve satisfactory profitability.
  
  
• Evidence that you have access to the capital needed to establish or purchase a company.
  
  
• Financial proof showing that you are able to support yourself and your family for at least one year in Sweden.
  
  
• Detailed documentation of your business plans: a market forecast, a profit and liquidity budget, a properly balanced budget sheet. You should also give details about customer references, banking connections, experience in the field concerned and any training or education you may have received. If you have purchased an existing company, you must enclose the two most recent annual reports with your application.
  
  
• A report/statement of opinion from an approved/authorized accountant in Sweden concerning your company plans. This should make clear whether the plans are realistic and whether the company can be expected to make a reasonable profit.
  
  
• You are required to pay an application fee. If your application is rejected, the fee will not be refunded. The application fee is currently 1720 RMB. The Embassy will only accept card payment. Please observe: cash payment can only be accepted, when card payment is not possible.
  

To make the process of obtaining the residence permit easier, we advice that you fill out a power of attorney enabling a person in Sweden (your partner or colleague who has knowledge about your case) to answer any questions the Migration Board might have regarding your application. On the right you can find a document, "Power of Attorney", which can be used for this purpose. Please note: this is not a requirement for your application. 

Your spouse/cohabitant and unmarried children under 18 are eligible for residence permits providing they can show that their upkeep is assured. They are granted permits for the same length of time as you. Your spouse/cohabitant cannot obtain a work permit, however. How to apply please read the relevant information:

> Co-applicants to employees and self-employed persons