You have a permit in Sweden – Work You plan to travel abroad

You have a permit to work or run your own business in Sweden and want to travel abroad for any length of time.

If you have a work permit or a residence permit in Sweden, you can travel out of Sweden and back for as long as your permit is valid. You must have a valid passport and your residence permit card.

With your passport and residence permit card, you can enter Sweden and move freely within the Schengen area for 90 days within a 180-day period. If you plan to travel to a non-Schengen country, you may need an entry visa.

If you travel abroad after applying for an extension and your residence permit then expires, it may be difficult for you to enter Sweden before you have received your new permit. In that case, you may need to wait for the decision in a country other than Sweden.

In special circumstances, it is possible to apply for a national visa for entry.

You are waiting for a decision – You have applied for an extension

If you have left Sweden and your residence permit is no longer valid, you need to apply for a new one if you want to travel back to Sweden.

News

2026-06-01

New rules for work permits now apply

New rules for work permits are now coming into effect in Sweden. The changes include a new salary requirement, a requirement for comprehensive health insurance, and minimum salary levels for seasonal work permits and ICT permits.

2026-05-25

New rules for researchers and doctoral students

The Swedish Parliament has decided on new rules for researchers and doctoral students. The rules mean, among other things, that doctoral students with a hosting agreement can receive a residence permit for research, that it will be easier to receive a permanent residence permit, and that you can apply for another permit in Sweden in more situations.

2026-04-17

New rules for work permits from 1 June 2026

From 1 June 2026, new rules for work permits will begin to apply in Sweden. The rules affect those who are applying for or extending a work permit for employment in Sweden.

2026-04-13

Easier to renew your permanent residence permit card

It will now be easier to renew your permanent residence permit card. You will automatically receive information and a request to book an appointment via My page well in advance of your current card expiring.

2025-12-04

More Afghans may be able to receive passports from their home country

The Swedish Migration Agency estimates that Afghan authorities are now able to issue national passports to their citizens within a reasonable time. This means that Afghan citizens with a residence permit in Sweden no longer automatically have the right to an alien’s passport. Instead, the Swedish Migration Agency will review each application for an alien’s passport individually.

2025-12-03

The Migration Agency’s drop-in service closes on 1 January

On 1 January, the Swedish Migration Agency’s service centre will close for drop-in visits. If you have any questions about your case, please contact the Swedish Migration Agency by telephone or via My page. For guidance and assistance with your application, or with using the Swedish Migration Agency’s digital services, please visit the National Government Service Centre.

The Swedish Migration Agency is responsible for considering applications from people who want to live in Sweden, seek protection or become Swedish citizens. Our work is based on Swedish laws and international conventions, with a focus on legal certainty and effective reception and return.