Permanent residence permit for work permit holders
Work permit holders who have worked in Sweden with a permit for four of the past seven years can apply for a permanent residence permit (PUT) when they apply to extend their work permit. They must show sustainable self-support from employment or their own company and a well-behaved life. Sweden changed its rules in 2026: from 12 July 2026 permanent permits are generally no longer granted on protection grounds, and long-term resident status now gives a five-year permit instead of a permanent one.
Life in Sweden
Money
3
Currency
Swedish Krona
SEK
Swedish Krona
Cost of living
91
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
20%
Income tax (national)
VAT 25% · social security 7%
No state income tax below SEK 643,000 taxable income; 20% above. Municipal tax averages 32.38% on all earned income.
Living
1
Happiness
#5 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Premium
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Working in your field Premium
Whether you need a licence or registration to work in your field here
Who it’s for
Non-EU employees (and self-employed people with their own company) who have held Swedish work permits for at least four years.
Eligibility
Four years of work permits
You must have had, and met the conditions for, a permit for work and have worked in Sweden for four of the past seven years.
Sustainable self-support
- Support yourself through employment or your own company (part-time jobs can be combined).
- Only current, taxed income from legal work counts; future raises or new jobs do not.
- Without a permanent position the agency assesses reliability individually.
- Business income counts only if you own at least half of the company and run it.
Income level
- SEK 6,243
- per month for a single adult
After tax and monthly housing costs you must have at least the standard amount left; in 2026 this is SEK 6,243 per month for a single adult, plus any child maintenance you pay.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Document checklist
- Fees
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 2 more requirements
- 8 documents
- 3 fees
- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Sweden
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Sweden
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- StudyResidence permit for higher education studies
- Work permitsWork permit for employees
- 3 more routes with Premium
