Relocating to Sweden from Nigeria is a dream many professionals, students, and families share. Whether your goal is to work, study, or reunite with loved ones, Sweden stands out for its high standard of living, progressive values, and globally respected education system.
However, the relocation process requires clarity, financial preparation, and careful adherence to immigration procedures.
This comprehensive guide explains all the major routes, costs, and requirements for Nigerians planning to move to Sweden, including the current naira equivalents for easier financial planning.
Step 1: Identify Your Purpose and the Right Permit
The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) offers several routes depending on your reason for relocation.
Work Permit: For Nigerians with a job offer from a Swedish employer. The employer must meet Sweden’s salary and work condition standards. This route suits skilled professionals in ICT, healthcare, and engineering.
EU Blue Card / Highly Skilled Permit: For highly educated professionals earning above a specified salary threshold. It offers benefits like quicker family reunification and mobility within the EU.
Study Permit: For students admitted to Swedish universities or colleges. You can work part-time while studying and later apply for a job-seeker permit after graduation.
Family Reunification Permit: For spouses, partners, or parents joining relatives already residing in Sweden. The family member in Sweden must prove adequate income and accommodation.
Job-Seeker Visa: For graduates or highly skilled individuals seeking employment in Sweden without an existing job offer.
Step 2: Gather All Required Documents
Before applying, ensure all your documents are complete and valid. Core requirements include:
- Valid international passport (minimum six months validity).
- Recent passport-sized photos that meet embassy standards.
- Proof of purpose (job offer, admission letter, or marriage certificate).
- Financial proof, such as bank statements showing sufficient funds.
- Proof of accommodation in Sweden.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Certified translations for documents not in English or Swedish.
Additional documents may include educational certificates, transcripts, or police clearance reports. Ensure all details are accurate and verifiable to avoid rejection.
Step 3: Apply Online and Pay the Application Fee
Applications are made online via the Swedish Migration Agency’s website. After creating an account, fill in your personal details, upload required documents, and pay the necessary fee.
Application fee: Around SEK 2,000 – 2,200 (N300,000 – N330,000) for adult applicants.
Payments are made online using Visa or MasterCard.
The online route is faster and allows applicants to track the progress of their applications directly.
Step 4: Attend the Embassy Appointment
After submitting your online application, the Embassy of Sweden in Abuja will contact you to schedule an appointment. You must bring all original documents, including your passport and proof of payment.
During the appointment:
- Your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be taken.
- You may be interviewed about your application.
- Family members applying with you must attend as well.
Appointments can take several weeks to secure. Applicants should email migration.abuja@gov.se early, including their name, date of birth, passport number, and purpose of visit.
Step 5: Wait for Decision and Prepare for Travel
Once interviewed, your application is processed by Migrationsverket in Sweden. Decisions can take weeks or months depending on the type of permit.
If approved, you’ll be informed on when and where to collect your Residence Permit Card. Upon arrival in Sweden, the first crucial step is to register at the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) to obtain your personal identity number (personnummer).
This number grants you access to healthcare, banking, education, and other essential services.
Financial Planning and Cost of Living in Sweden
Moving abroad is a major financial commitment, and Sweden’s high living standards come with significant costs. Proper budgeting is essential.
Rent: Stockholm (city centre): SEK 10,000 – 18,000 per month (N1.5 million – N2.7 million).
Smaller cities (Malmö, Gothenburg, Uppsala): SEK 6,500 – 12,000 (N975,000 – N1.8 million).
Living expenses (food, transport, utilities): SEK 8,000 – 12,000 monthly (N1.2 million – N1.8 million).
Salary requirement for work permits: Sweden now requires a minimum monthly salary of SEK 29,680 (N4.45 million), equivalent to 80% of Sweden’s median wage.
Applicants are advised to budget for at least three to six months of living costs before securing employment or stable income in Sweden.
High-Demand Skills in Sweden
Sweden continues to attract global talent in innovation-driven sectors. Nigerian professionals with expertise in these fields stand a high chance of success:
Information Technology: Software developers, system analysts, data scientists, cybersecurity experts.
Healthcare: Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and caregivers.
Engineering: Electrical, civil, and mechanical engineers.
Construction and Trades: Electricians, welders, machine operators, plumbers.
Green Energy & Climate Technology: Environmental scientists and project managers.
Education: Qualified teachers in mathematics, science, and language studies.
While English is widely spoken, learning basic Swedish improves employability, workplace integration, and access to local opportunities.
Arrival and Integration in Sweden
Once you arrive in Sweden:
- Register with Skatteverket for your personal number (personnummer).
- Apply for a Swedish ID card to open a bank account.
- Obtain e-ID for digital transactions and government services.
- Register for healthcare with your regional authority.
- Seek assistance from Arbetsförmedlingen (Swedish Public Employment Service) if job hunting.
This administrative process allows newcomers to fully access Sweden’s comprehensive welfare, healthcare, and digital infrastructure systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Relocating to Sweden
How long does it take to get a residence or work perit?
It depends on the application type and season. On average, processing may take several weeks to a few months, plus the embassy appointment period.
Can I bring my family along?
Yes. Spouses and children can apply for family residence permits, provided you meet Sweden’s income and housing requirements.
Do I need to speak Swedish?
While many companies use English, Swedish proficiency significantly increases employment and integration prospects.
How much money do students need to show?
The Swedish Migration Agency requires proof of funds covering at least SEK 9,700 per month (N1.45 million) for living expenses. This may vary depending on your program and city.
Is housing difficult to find?
Housing in cities like Stockholm is competitive. Students and newcomers should begin their search early through trusted platforms like Bostad, Blocket, or university housing offices.
What are common reasons for rejection?
Incomplete or falsified documentation, insufficient funds, and job offers that fall below the salary requirement are the main reasons for rejection.
Where can I find official information?
- Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket): www.migrationsverket.se
- Embassy of Sweden in Abuja: www.swedenabroad.se/abuja
- Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket): www.skatteverket.se
- Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen): www.arbetsformedlingen.se
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