Intra-Company Transfer Permit for Sweden

Sweden is home to many multi-national organisations, including well-known Swedish brands such as Ikea, Volvo, Electrolux, Ericsson, H&M, Skanska, Spotify, Klarna, iZettle, and Skype. Multi-national organisations regularly send existing employees to work in other branches or subsidiaries in other countries such as Sweden. The main way this is done is through intra-company transfer (ICT) immigration schemes. ICT visas or permits enable foreign workers to relocate to work in another country for their existing employer for a temporary period to deliver specific projects. This may include rolling out a new product line in a new country, setting up new facilities, or training staff on new products or services. In this article, we will explain the eligibility criteria for the Intra-Company Transfer Permit for Sweden and how to apply.

What is an intra-company transfer (ICT) permit for Sweden?

Swedish ICT permits enable citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland who are employed by a company outside the EU/EEA to work in a Swedish branch or subsidiary for a temporary period. The scheme is typically available to those in more senior-level positions, including managers and specialists, however, it is also open to trainees wishing to gain practical training with the company. As the Swedish Migration Agency states, “An ICT permit gives you as a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland the right to travel into, stay and work in Sweden at a company that is established in Sweden within the same corporate group as the host company. If you have already been granted an ICT permit by a different EU Member State but are to work in Sweden, you can get an ICT authorisation for long-term mobility”.

Am I eligible for an ICT Permit to work in Sweden?

Applicants for an Intra-Company Transfer Permit for Sweden must:

• Be employed by an international business with a branch or subsidiary in Sweden
• Receive compensation that is at least on the same level as the Swedish collective agreements or what is customary in the profession or industry
• Enjoy terms of employment that are at least on the same level as for employees who are posted in Sweden
• Have a valid passport
• Have a role as a manager, specialist or trainee for more than 90 days at the company in Sweden
• Possess the professional qualifications and experience required for the assignment as a manager or specialist, or have the training required for a trainee position
• Have a trainee agreement for the traineeship in Sweden (this only applies to trainees)
• Have been employed for at least three months without interruption at the time of the relocation within the company
• Be able to be moved after the period of relocation to a company in a country outside the EU that belongs to the same company or to a company in the same corporate group
• Be able to verify the qualification to practice the profession in Sweden if the relocation concerns a regulated profession.

In order to secure an ICT permit, the Swedish Migration Agency will need to see a copy of the applicant’s employment contract and trainee agreement (where applicable) showing:

• employer’s name and address outside the EEA
• employee’s name and address
• when the employment outside the EEA began
• the city where the work/training will take place
• brief description of the employee’s duties
• salary and other payroll benefits
• the employee’s professional designation or job title (not applicable to trainees).

The rules also state that the employment contract and trainee agreement must be translated into Swedish or English.

How do I apply for an Intra-Company Transfer Permit for Sweden?

The application process for an Intra-Company Transfer Permit for Sweden is completed online on the Swedish migration services website (Migrationsverket). The application process for an Intra-Company Transfer Permit for Sweden is as follows:

1. Your employer in Sweden starts the application process – your employer will need to submit an offer of employment to the Swedish Migration Agency.
2. Prepare any required documents
3. Pay the application fee and submit the ICT permit application – you will receive an email explaining how to apply if the offer of employment is approved by the Swedish Migration Agency.
4. Wait for your application to be processed

Once a decision is made, it is sent to your local embassy (as stated in the application). You can then collect your ICT residence permit or have it delivered. Decisions are typically made within 90 days, and your permit must be granted before you can travel to Sweden to start work.

Can I bring my family members with me to Sweden?

Yes, in most cases, you will be able to bring your partner/spouse and dependant children with you to live in Sweden. You can apply at the same time as submitting your Intra-Company Transfer Permit application form. You will need to ensure that the following documents are submitted:

• copies of the pages in their passports that show personal data, photo, signature, passport number, issuing country, period of validity, the machine-readable code on the identity page and if they have permission to live in countries other than their home country
• a copy of the marriage certificate or the equivalent (for married couples and registered partners)
• documents that show that you have lived together in the home country (for live-in partners)
• birth certificates for children
• consent from the other guardian if he or she is not accompanying you to Sweden, which states that the child may move to Sweden
• adoption documents if the child is adopted
• authorisation if you are a representative for your partner.

If your family plan to arrive in Sweden at a later date, they can submit a separate online application from their home country.

Reiss Edwards has the resources and expertise to assist with all aspects of Swedish immigration. If you need assistance with your Intra-Company Transfer Permit for Sweden or any other immigration matter, contact our Swedish Immigration Lawyers on 020 3744 2797 or by email at info@reissedwards.co.uk