What is the process for immigration into Sweden?

Question

I am a citizen of the United States interested in permanently emigrating to Sweden. What is the process required to obtain permanent residence and work permits for natives of non-EU countries?

Answer 1

Hi,

Immigration controls
Swedish industry expanded heavily after the Second World War. Working hours were reduced at the same time, and this created a big demand for immigrant labour. Many Swedish companies therefore actively recruited workers from various European countries. This uncontrolled immigration continued until 1967, when Sweden introduced immigration controls.

Already in the 1950s, though, the Nordic countries had signed agreements between themselves setting up a free, common labour market, which means that citizens of one Nordic country are at liberty to work or study in any other Nordic country Labour immigration practically ceased in the mid-1970s. Instead a growing proportion of immigrants now came to Sweden as refugees.

Rules of immigrations
The rules of immigration mean among other things that a person from a non-Nordic country wishing to settle or work in Sweden must obtain a residence and work permit first, before coming here. If he applies for a permit after entering the country, the Immigration Board can refuse his application for that reason alone, without examining his grounds for applying. There are exceptions to this rule, as will be explained below.

Immigration controls have been adapted to the EEA Agreement, which came into force on 1st January 1994. One important provision of that agreement is that citizens of any one EU/EEA country may live in any other, Sweden included, in order to work, start a business, study etc. The EEA Agreement does not affect the immigration rules applying to Nordic citizens.
This page briefly describes the grounds on which citizens of countries outside the Nordic area are permitted to settle in Sweden. It also describes the role of authorities involved.
Immigrants from the European Union coming to Sweden can check the Union's information "Dialogue with citizens" to settle or study in another EU-country. Check here and choose your own language.


Ref : http://www.immi.se/migration/control.htm

Answer 2

If you are getting married to a US citizen, you will not have to go back to Sweden. You can get married and immediately move to adjust your status. I would strongly recommend getting an immigration lawyer to help you prepare all the paperwork in advance. That way, when you get married, your immigration attorney can file all the paperwork the very next day instead of you having to prepare all the paperwork and then file.

Answer 3

All information, rules, contact information and most of the forms you need are available here:

http://www.migrationsverket.se/english.jsp