Last Updated on February 23, 2023
UK nationals who have been legally living in Sweden before December 31, 2020 when the UK withdraws from the EU may continue to live, study, and work in Sweden through rights established through the Withdrawal Agreement. UK nationals who are residents of Sweden by the end of the Brexit transition will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and their rights will be protected if they remain a resident. UK nationals should make sure they are registered as residents.
Entry and Residency Requirements
UK nationals will be able to stay in Sweden if they were residents before December 31, 2020. However, UK nationals must apply for updated residency status by September 30, 2021 to remain Swedish residents under the Withdrawal Agreement.
UK nationals who intend to live in Sweden for more than 12 months must register with the Swedish Population Register. They will then be issued a government ID number (personnummer). UK nationals should note that they can only register if they have a right of Swedish residency for 12 months or more and comprehensive travel insurance. UK nationals will automatically have right to residency under the Withdrawal Agreement if they can support themselves or if they are studying in Sweden. UK nationals cannot register as residents if they are still seeking employment when they are planning to move to Sweden and/or if they do not meet the other residency requirements. Individuals who plan to move to Sweden as dependents must apply for a residence permit.
Starting on January 1, 2021, travel is permitted in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa to visit family or friends; attend business meetings, sports events, or cultural events; for tourism, and for short-term study or training. Travelers should note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days also count towards the 90-day maximum stay. Any days spent in Sweden before January 1, 2021 will not count towards the 90-day limit.
Working in Sweden
UK nationals who are registered as residents of Sweden by December 31, 2020 have the right to work in the country if they remain residents.
UK nationals should note that some jobs may require a UK police certificate. Information about UK police certificate requirements is provided by the Swedish Public Employment Service.
All UK nationals who plan to work in Sweden should check the Swedish Migration Agency website for more details on when and how to apply for a work permit.
Individuals who live in Sweden and commute to work in another EU/EFTA country may need a permit proving that they are a frontier worker starting in January 2021. The Home Office will provide further details when guidance is available.
Passports
Travel rules will remain the same between Sweden and the UK after the end of the Brexit transition. Rules on travel within the EU will stay the same through December 31, 2020. During that time, UK nationals may travel to countries in the EU and Schengen area with their UK passport. UK nationals should ensure that their passport is valid for the duration of their trip.
Starting on January 1, 2021, travel is permitted in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa to visit family or friends; attend business meetings, sports events, or cultural events; for tourism, and for short-term study or training. Travelers should note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days also count towards the 90-day maximum stay. Any days spent in Sweden before January 1, 2021 will not count towards the 90-day limit.
