Before knowing how to get citizenship in Sweden for Indians, it is essential to know the eligibility criteria for applying for it. These are as follows.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
- They must be permanent residents of Sweden for the past five years.
- Having valid proof as evidence of identity is a mandatory requirement.
- They must not have any ongoing prison sentence or criminal conviction.
- Applicants must live an orderly life. In addition, they must show financial stability, with zero outstanding payments during their stay in Sweden.
There are different forms of getting citizenship in Sweden. For example, children can get citizenship by birth through legitimisation based on the citizenship of their parents. On the other hand, if you are married to a Swedish spouse, you will be able to apply for citizenship after living together in Sweden for three years.
Apart from that, individuals can also acquire Swedish citizenship by notification. However, this applies to applicants aged at least 18 years who hold permanent residence permits for at least three years in Sweden. Therefore, it is a more straightforward way of naturalisation. On the other hand, the naturalisation process is for individuals from different nationalities to apply for Swedish citizenship once eligible for it.
Documents Required to Apply for a Swedish Citizenship as an Indian
While completing the application process for Swedish citizenship from India, applicants must submit several documents to validate the application. The application can be rejected if these documents are not presented. These are listed below.
- Copy of passport
- Birth certificate
- Proof of residence in Sweden
- Documents to prove employment and stable livelihood
Does Sweden Allow Dual Citizenship?
Previously, Sweden did not permit dual citizens. However, an amendment made to the Swedish constitution in July 2001 has made it legal for Swedish citizens to hold another nationality. This makes it easier for the Indian applicants to avoid losing their Indian citizenship after becoming a citizen of Sweden.
How to Get Swedish Citizenship for Families?
If you live in Sweden on a residence permit, you can bring your entire family here. However, there are no specific means of getting citizenship for the whole family. If you are married to a Swedish spouse, you can apply for Swedish citizenship after three years. On the other hand, children can get citizenship after turning about 12.
If you have a residence permit or citizenship, your relatives can easily apply for a residence permit. First, however, you will need to show that you can support them financially.
Does a Child Born in Sweden Receive Citizenship by Birth?
A child born in Sweden can get Swedish citizenship by birth if at least one of the parents is a Swedish citizen. On the other hand, if Swedish parents adopt a child under 12 years, he or she receives Swedish citizenship automatically. However, if the child is 12 or more, he or she can sign the application stating his or her interest to become a Swedish citizen.
Work in Sweden
With a high standard of living and opportunities for international workers in cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö why not consider working in Sweden?
Located in northern Europe between Norway and Finland, Sweden is known as one of the world’s most innovative nations. Swedish inventiveness has led to the birth of the pacemaker, the zipper, the three-point seatbelt and modern necessities such as Spotify and Skype.
The Scandinavian country offers a high standard of living, with subsidised public services and a generous holiday allowance. While English is widely spoken, learning Swedish will open doors both socially and professionally. Many employers require you to have a working knowledge of the country’s official language, and being able to communicate with neighbours and co-workers in their native tongue will help you to make friends and settle in.
Jobs in Sweden
Sweden’s small, competitive economy relies heavily on foreign trade. The country is recognised for its good working conditions and practices and its jobs market is among the strongest in the world.
POPULAR GRADUATE JOBS
- Construction
- Engineering
- Healthcare specialists such as doctors and nurses
- IT specialists
Major industries include:
- iron and steel
- motor vehicles
- precision equipment
- processed foods.
Some of the world’s biggest multinational companies are based in Sweden, including:
- Electrolux
- Ericsson
- H&M
- Ikea
- Skype
- Spotify
- Volvo.
Skills shortages
Together with the Public Employment Agency the Swedish Migration Agency produces a list of in demand occupations.
According to the 2022 list Sweden needs:
- architects
- civil engineers
- construction workers
- dentists
- firefighters
- interpreters
- lawyers
- medical secretaries
- midwives
- pharmacists
- prison officers
- psychologists
- software developers
- surveyors
- teachers/headteachers.
Types of Visa for Indians in Sweden
Indians planning to travel, study and work in Sweden must apply for different types of visas based on their intent. Here are the different types of visas offered by the Swedish government:
- Student Visa
- Tourist (Schengen Visa)
- Business Visa
- Work Visa
- Transit Visa
Types of Swedish Work Permits
Before entering Sweden, all non-EU and EEA residents must first secure a job offer and a work permit. An employee cannot reside or work in Sweden unless he or she has a valid working visa. Your employee may be eligible for an EU Blue Card or an Intra Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit depending on their occupation or home country.
Requirements for Work Permit in Sweden
In order to obtain a work visa in Sweden, both employees and companies must meet certain conditions. Employees must meet the following requirements:
- A valid passport is required.
- Job offer with terms that are comparable to Swedish collective bargaining agreements or the industry norm
- A monthly income of at least 13,000 SEK (108,805 INR) before taxes or a compensation commensurate with the position is required.
- Health insurance, life insurance, and social security are all included in the job offer.
- Accommodation proof
- To leave the country once the job contract expires
Validity of Sweden Work Permit
Work permits can be issued for two years, with the option to renew for another two years. Individuals who desire to settle in Sweden can apply for permanent residency after four years of working under a work permit. If the individual finds a job with a new employer in Sweden during the two years that the work permit is valid, he should apply for a new permit. He can change jobs and request an extension once the work permit’s validity expires.
Extending a Work Permit in Sweden
If you have a work permit and wish to continue working after it expires, you will need to apply for a work permit extension. If you’ve had a permit as an employee for at least six months and apply before your current permit expires, you’re allowed to continue working while you wait for a decision.
Your wage and other terms of employment must have been at least equivalent to what is indicated in the collective agreement or is considered standard practice in your profession or industry to extend your work visa. You must also have worked to the point where your monthly earnings were at least SEK 13,000(108,805 INR) before taxes. These requirements must have been met throughout your term in Sweden as a work visa holder.
Sweden Business Visa
The Swedish government offers business visas for foreign nationals to encourage new businesses and entrepreneurs to settle in the country. The duration of the Business Visa in Sweden is 3 months or 90 days and the cost of the visa is INR 8,040. The eligibility criteria for business visas in Sweden is:
- Purpose: As s foreign national you must possess a valid reason and good intent to apply for Business Visa in Sweden.
- Sufficient Funds: You must possess sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents throughout the stay.
- Must Return: As foreign nationals, candidates are required to show the Visa office that they will return to their home country after their visa has expired.
- Character Certificate: You must have a clean criminal track record and be of good character. Applicants are required to submit a PCC (Police Clearance Certificate) for the same.
- Good Health: You must at least meet the minimum health requirements required by the authorities.
- Local Sponsors: You must possess a valid invitation from a genuine company located in the country with whom you are/will be doing business.
Documents Required for Swedish Business Visa
To apply for a Swedish business visa, you will need:
- a valid passport (valid for at least six months);
- a Swedish business visa application form;
- two passport photographs;
- a resident visa;
- a bank statement;
- income tax return:
- health insurance;
- proof of travel insurance;
- business references including an invitation from the Swedish company or organization;
- proof of a Swedish hotel reservation and an airline booking for Sweden.
Coraledu is dedicated to empowering international individuals to excel in their lives abroad. Through our tailored work and settlement services, we assist both individuals and employers globally, facilitating successful transitions and thriving experiences, particularly in Sweden. Contact us today to unlock opportunities and ensure success in both professional and personal endeavors abroad.
