UK Visas from Sweden: Moving to UK

Moving to the UK from Sweden: Overview

The Swedish community in the UK is one of the largest in the world, only coming behind the US, Norway and Finland in terms of pure numbers.

Swedish immigration to the UK has a long history stretching back well over a thousand years. The origins can be traced back to initial Viking invasions of Great Britain of the 8th and 9th centuries, followed by the Norman invasions.

As a result of this large-scale historic migration, many people in the UK still retain some kind of Norse heritage. Native Swedes from Modern day Sweden are also well-represented in the UK, with many Swedes in the 19th and 20th centuries stopping over in British port cities before continuing on to the US by ship.

The main concentration of Swedes in the UK today is in London and the south-east of England, with some additional presence in the north, such as Liverpool and Middlesbrough.

The UK remains a popular destination for Swedes to move to, and there are a wide range of immigration routes and options available for those who wish to make the move.

UK Work Visas for Sweden

One of the most popular and common ways to move to the UK is through one of its many work visas.

Of these, the most popular is the Skilled Worker visa, which is the UK’s general work visa for most skilled and professional workers.

The Skilled Worker visa allows foreign workers in various industries and sectors to come and work in the UK on a long-term basis. In order to be eligible for this visa, you must:

• Work for a UK employer who has been approved by the Home Office
• Be sponsored by your employer to work in the UK through a certificate of sponsorship
• Work in a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
• Be paid a minimum salary, which will vary based on the type of job you wish to do

In order to be eligible for this visa, you must also apply through the UK’s points-based immigration system, where you become eligible by accruing points across a range of metrics. You can earn points through having certain educational qualifications, work experience or by meeting the minimum salary requirements, among other things.

The UK also has other, more specialised work visas that will allow you to settle in the UK long-term, such as by applying for indefinite leave to remain). These include the following:

• Health and Care Worker visa
• Senior or Specialist Worker visa
• Scale-up Worker visa
• Minister of Religion visa
• International Sportsperson visa

UK Business Visas from Sweden

The UK also has business visas available for entrepreneurs who wish to come to the UK and start up their own business. Innovator founder visa is suitable for businesspersons who are looking to set up an innovative business in the UK.

You will need to have sponsorship from an authorised endorsing body for this visa, as well as meeting minimum English language requirements.

The Innovator Founder visa requires your business plan to be viable. You will need to prove investment funds, but there is no longer a minimum amount. Previously, you needed £50,000 in investment funds in order to be eligible.

Like the work visas mentioned in the previous section, the Innovator visa will allow you to stay in the UK long-term and eventually allow you to apply for indefinite leave to remain.

UK Family Visas for Swedes

Aside from the many work visas available, the most common UK visas for foreign nationals to come to the UK are Family visas.

These allow family members of those who already hold British or Irish citizenship or settled status in the UK to come and join them in the UK.

Note that you will only be able to join certain family members in the UK, including the following:

• Spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner
• Child
• Parent
• Relative who’ll provide long-term care for you

You can also apply for a Fiance visa, which is a type of Family visa that will allow you to come to the UK and marry or enter into a civil partnership. You will then be able to apply for a long-term Family visa to stay in the UK with your spouse or partner.

There are a number of specific eligibility requirements for each category of Family visa. For example, if you wish to apply as a spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner, you must fulfil stringent relationship, language and financial requirements before you can become eligible.

Similarly, if you wish to apply as a parent who will join your child in the UK, your child must either be under the age of 18 or be over 18 and not lead an independent life. You’ll also need to prove that you’ll be taking an active role in your child’s upbringing.

All types of Family visa will eventually allow you to settle permanently in the UK, if eligible.

UK Spouse Visa from Sweden

If you are planning to move to the UK to unite with a spouse or partner, the UK spouse visa might be a viable option. This visa route is generally open to individuals whose spouse or otherwise recognised partner is a UK or Irish citizen or individual with settled status. 

Under some circumstances, eligibility will also cover individuals with a different status in the UK, which might include your partner if they have protection status or other permission to stay such as a stateless person.

Should your partner qualify to have you join them under these conditions, you will usually need to submit evidence of your marriage or civil partnership, or you should have been living together for at least two years when you apply. If, for some reason, cohabitation was not possible, you should provide evidence of this, which might include education arrangements or cultural circumstances. In this case, other evidence of your relationship might be required, such as correspondence, shared financial responsibilities, or travel arrangements that show you have met up.

You may apply if you are still a fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner if you have plans to marry or become civil partners within 6 months of your arrival in the UK.

The application fee for a spouse visa in the UK will usually cost you around £1,938.

Our immigration specialists can help you decide what documents to provide to give you the best chance at proving your relationship and eligibility when you apply.

UK Student Visa from Sweden

If you are planning to move to the UK to study, you will need to apply for a student visa which will allow you to stay in the UK long-term for the duration of your course. To be eligible, you will need to have accepted a course by a recognised UK university or similar educational institution. You must have also paid your enrolment and student fees and show that you will be able to support yourself while you are in the UK.

When applying you will need to show that you meet the required criteria for the course that you are studying. This might include prior education or experience. 

Most student visas at university will allow you to stay and study for five years. If you are applying to study below degree level, student visas last two years. Once your visa nears its expiry you may be able to extend your visa if you are planning to continue to study or you may apply for a graduate visa to stay at least another two years after you have finished your studies.

While there might be differences depending on your circumstances, the standard student visa usually costs £524 to apply for.

If you are unsure how to apply for a student visa or if your studies have taken an unexpected turn, you can call our team of immigration specialists to make sure your visa issues are handled. You can speak to us via +44 (0)333 414 9244 and we will be happy to support you.

Entry Requirements for Swedish Citizens Moving to the UK

When applying for a visa to move to the UK from Sweden, you will be subject to basic entry and eligibility requirements. At a glance, these will usually aim to make sure that you are a law-abiding individual and that your presence in the UK will contribute positively to public interest.

You will need to show that you have a clean criminal record, that you have adequate English language skills, and that you have the financial means to support yourself while you are in the UK. Depending on your immigration path, certain requirements may vary. 

Beyond these aspects, you will also need to show that you have all intentions to adhere to your visa requirements and restrictions. Past visa and immigration infractions may reflect negatively here, but if you follow the overall immigration rules you shouldn’t worry.

The UK also requires foreign individuals to take out adequate health insurance and you may need to show that you have no serious health concerns which may pose a risk to the UK population. Depending on your background, a health certificate might be required when you are applying. Additionally, you will need to pay the UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) when applying to stay in the United Kingdom long-term. How much this is will vary based on your planned duration of stay but you could expect to pay around £1035 a year.

Understanding the UK Visa Application Process

When you are ready to start your UK visa application, you will usually need to visit the online applications portal on the Home Office website. Here, you will be able to select your visa category and follow the steps. As part of the process, you will be asked to provide your personal details, and evidence for your chosen visa pathway, and upload your documentation. 

You will also need to pay your application fee and provide your biometric details, which may be done via the UK Immigration ID Check app. Alternatively, you may need to visit a visa application centre to submit your fingerprints and photographs.

Cost of Moving to the UK from Sweden

The application fees for UK visas can vary based on your pathway and also depending on where you are applying from.

The specific visa fees will depend on the category and your circumstances when applying but as a general rule you will need to consider how your intended length of stay may factor into the visa application cost.

While short-stay visas may cost between £127 and £220, longer visas can be a more considerable financial commitment. In general you may apply for a short-term temporary work visa from about £319 but depending on the type of work and the duration of your stay this could go up to £1,519 for 3 years Skilled worker visa. While student visas may cost about £524 in most circumstances, additional costs will come with re-applying, making adjustments, or extending your permission. Family visas may cost about £1,938 depending on your circumstances but when applying to care for a dependent adult this may cost roughly £3,413 depending on the situation.

Your immigration surcharge may depend on other variables but per year you will generally need to pay the following: £1035 per year.

Understanding the cost of moving to the UK can be difficult but our experts will be happy to help you gather an overview of what to expect.

Settlement and Citizenship in the UK

When coming to the UK on a valid long-stay visa, you will usually have the opportunity to apply for settlement and eventually naturalisation based on residential requirements. Settlement may be applied for after five years of continuous residence, provided that you continue to fulfil your visa eligibility requirements. But you should note that this duration may differ depending on circumstances. You will need to submit proof of your time spent in the UK to qualify.

Citizenship may be applied for after you have been settled for at least one year. You will need to pass the Life in the UK test to qualify. 

Depending on your visa pathway you may be able to apply for naturalisation sooner.

Expert Relocation Assistance for Your Move to the UK

While our services will always be tailored to your specific needs, here are some of the relocation services we can help with:

• Pre-departure planning: we will make sure everything is arranged and ready even before you leave
• Residence and visa applications: we will help you apply for your visa and residential permits
• Legal departure assistance: we can help with any legal issues before you move, such as lease terminations, taxes, utility shutdowns, and similar
• Logistics and shipping assistance: we can make sure your belongings are packed and transported by reliable moving services
• Home finding assistance: we can help you find your next place to live, both temporary or permanent
• Home sales and management: we can help you prepare and sell your current home
• School and education assistance: we can help you find a suitable school and understand your options
• Settling in services: we can help with anything you might need to settle into your new life, from postal matters, car rentals, setting up utilities or navigating healthcare arrangements
• Orientation and integration: we can help you get accustomed to your new life from cultural aspects to language training or finding local activities
• Travel and trip planning: we can help you arrange all aspects of your travel
• Pet relocation services: We can help you prepare and transport your pets overseas
• Corporate and business relocation: we can help you relocate employees or support you as you set up a business abroad

There are many ways our immigration lawyers can support you. If you are unsure or want to enquire about particular concerns, you can contact us today.

What Are the Benefits of Moving to the UK from Sweden?

Moving to the UK from Sweden can bring a variety of desirable options that might vary depending on your specific circumstances. From participating in a culturally diverse and vibrant professional opportunities, to exploring the UK’s rich history and unique landscape, relocation has the potential to open many doors to discover new experiences and lifestyles.

Whether you are moving closer to be with family, exploring new job opportunities, or setting out on a path to further your education at one of the UK’s renowned universities, you can rest assured that on top of all of the possible new adventures, the reasonably short travel distance back to Sweden will mean that you can always visit and enjoy this new life without worrying too much about what you are leaving behind.

Moving to the UK Checklist for Swedish Citizens

Overall, moving from Sweden to the UK can be an involved but worthwhile process. Consider the following points to check if you are ready:

• Have you applied for your visa?
• Have you made appropriate living arrangements?
• Have you decided what to pack, what to do with belongings you don’t want to take, and how you will transport your possessions?
• Have you prepared essential steps for your move-in such as utilities?

If you are unsure or need help with any aspect of your UK immigration journey, you can call our team of immigration specialists at IAS at +44 (0)333 414 9244. We will be happy to help you with any step of your relocation, to make sure that you are ready to start your new life in the UK stress-free.

How Can IAS Help?

One of the most important things about any large-scale move to another country is ensuring that you’re fully aware of the immigration and legal requirements you have to meet.

The process of applying for visas and organising important documents can be a stressful one, and it can be of great reassurance at times to know that you have expert help and assistance on hand to aid you when you need it.

This is where IAS can help.

We are a UK-based immigration law firm with decades’ worth of experience in helping people around the world relocate to the UK. We are well-versed in the UK immigration system’s intricacies, and can help make your move as smooth as possible.

Whether you need advice on how to maximise your chances of getting your visa approved, help with the UK immigration system, or concierge services to make the logistics of your move that much easier, we can help.

For more information about the services we offer, and what we could do for you, reach out to us today on +44 (0)333 414 9244, or contact us online.