Sweden is one of the most prosperous countries in Europe. Its high standard of living and socio-political stability make this state very attractive for the emigration of residents of the countries of the former Union. However, the strict immigration policy and the wary attitude of the Swedish authorities towards foreign immigrants seriously complicate the move to the country. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to emigrate to Sweden, although this process may take a long time.
Instruction manual
1
First of all, it should be borne in mind that Sweden does not pursue any immigration policy in Russia and does not seek to provide on its territory the right to reside for Russian citizens. You can legally emigrate to Sweden through only four channels: marry a Swedish citizen, go to study at Sweden State University, get an employment contract with a Swedish company, or seek political asylum.
2
When marrying a Swedish citizen (or living together), you can apply for a temporary residence permit for family reunion. The application is submitted to the Swedish embassy in the country of residence and you need to expect an appropriate decision also outside of Sweden. An interview will be held at the embassy regarding your relationship with your Swedish partner. Then your questionnaires with completed answers will be sent to Sweden, where they will be compared with the answers of your partner. With the successful development of events, a temporary residence permit for a period of six months will be issued.
3
After six months, while in Sweden, you will need to submit an application for the extension of a residence permit. The same interview will be held again with you and your marriage partner. Temporary residence permit will have to be renewed for two years 4 times. After two years, it will be possible to apply for a long-term residence permit (PUT). A permanent residence permit gives the same rights as indigenous citizens, with the exception of the right to vote.
4
After three years in the country, if you are still married, you have the right to apply for Swedish citizenship. If the marriage has broken up, then a similar application can be submitted only after 5 years of residence in Sweden.
5
A similar scheme applies to people who are studying in Sweden. Every six months, for two years, you need to renew a temporary residence permit, and after 24 months, apply for a permanent one. The same rules apply for people who have left for Sweden under an employment contract: for the first two years, temporary six-month residence and work permits, then obtaining a permanent PUT.
6
However, for those wishing to leave for Sweden as a specialist, one must remember that before obtaining a temporary residence permit, a foreigner does not have the right to be in the country and, accordingly, it will be necessary to seek work and enter into an employment contract in absentia without entering Sweden. Of course, this requirement greatly complicates the search for a job. But in this case, you can try using Swedish newspapers, which often print job postings, or online portals to contact potential employers.
