Starting Your Own Business in Sweden

Please ensure that your passport does not expire during your stay in Sweden. The expiration date of your permit (if granted) may not extend beyond the expiration date of your passport. Also note once your application has been submitted to the Consulate General you are not allowed to enter Sweden until a decision has been made.

Please submit the following documents:

• Application by Self-Employed Person (form #125011), completed, signed and dated, and including detailed contact information.
  
  
• National passport or other travel document.
  
  
• Notarized copy of US Alien Registration Card or other valid resident visa (type A, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, O, or R), if applicable.
  
  
• 2 passport photos, in color, taken from the front with the face depicted at a straight angle. Digital files and photocopies of passport pictures will NOT be accepted.
  
  
• Documentation proving that you have access to the capital needed to establish or purchase a company.
  
  
• Documentation proving that you have financial resources to support yourself and your family for at least a year in Sweden.
  
  
• Detailed business plan with market forecast, a profit and liquidity budget, and a properly budgeted balance sheet. You must also give details of your 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.
  
  
• Application fee, in the form of one money order or certified bank check, payable to Consulate General of Sweden or Embassy of Sweden, depending on where you file the application. 
  
  
• Self-addressed stamped envelope or self-addressed pre-paid FedEx packing slip for return of passport.

How much does it cost?

The non-refundable application fee is $250.

How do I submit my application?

Applications with all required documents may be delivered in person during visiting hours or mailed directly to the following address:

Embassy of Sweden
Attn: Visa Section
2900 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007

Applications must include a self-addressed stamped envelope or self-addressed pre-paid FedEx packing slip for return of passport.

Due to the large number of applications, the embassy will NOT be able to confirm receipt of your documents. If you would like acknowledgement that your application has been received, please use registered mail or a delivery service such as FedEx that enables you to track packages online.

Please note that you might be requested to provide additional documentation.

Processing your application

Once all the documents have been received your case will be forwarded to the Swedish Migration Board. Your passport will be kept at the Embassy of Sweden until a decision has been made. Your permit, if granted, will be attached to your passport and returned.

A commercial evaluation is needed in order to establish that your business plans are realistic. In addition, it must be determined whether your business can be expected to achieve satisfactory profitability.

If you enclose an evaluation of your business plans from an approved/authorized accountant in Sweden your decision may come through sooner. This document should clearly state whether the plans are realistic and whether the company can be expected to make a reasonable profit.

You can request the return of your passport anytime during the application process. If you wish to have your passport returned immediately include a written request with your application. Please note that you will be required to pay double postage.

May my family come with me?

Your family, i.e. spouse/cohabitant and children under 18, can obtain residence permits for the same period as you.

The co-application must be completed and submitted with the primary application. Please refer to the section on co-application for detailed instructions.