Self-Employment Permit: Overview for Nigerians ₦313,761
The Self-Employment Permit is one of the main routes Nigerians use to relocate to Sweden. This overview covers the verified 2026 fees, processing time, and the documents you need to apply. All figures are pulled from our verified relocation database — no estimates.
Self-Employment Permit fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦313,761 (~$230 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Refundable to you | ₦28,523,770 (~$20,879 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦313,761 (~$230 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 21 June 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦313,761 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦313,761: Paid to the Sweden immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Proof of funds — ₦28,523,770: Your own savings — not paid to anyone. Must sit in your bank account, unencumbered, for typically 28–90 days before your application date.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: 1–2 months (average 4+ weeks for straightforward cases)
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the Self-Employment Permit requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦313,761 in government fees.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: 1–2 months (average 4+ weeks for straightforward cases).
Expert tip
Self-Employment Permit
The self-employment permit is Sweden's path for entrepreneurs, and it's one of the tougher visas to get. The application fee is SEK 2,200 (~$232 USD) when applying through an embassy. You must show SEK 200,000 (~$21,053 USD) in personal funds to cover your first two years, plus SEK 100,000 for a spouse and SEK 50,000 per child. You must own at least 50% of the business, have significant industry experience, and demonstrate Swedish or English proficiency. The permit is initially for 2 years (probationary period), during which your business must become financially viable. After 2 years, if your business is self-sustaining, you can extend. Unlike the UK or US, Sweden has no startup visa with venture capital backing requirements — this is for established entrepreneurs who can demonstrate a viable business plan with Swedish market potential. Be prepared for a thorough review: Migrationsverket will assess your business plan, market analysis, and budget. Consider joining the Swedish Chamber of Commerce or Business Sweden for networking and mentorship.
Where Nigerians settle in Sweden
Once your Self-Employment Permit is approved, most Nigerians head to Stockholm or Gothenburg. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- Stockholm: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,930,061/month · Lagos–Stockholm flights from ~$650 · Nigerian community: Small
- Gothenburg: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,200,708/month · Lagos–Gothenburg flights from ~$700 · Nigerian community: Small
- Malmö: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,286,707/month · Lagos–Malmö flights from ~$650 · Nigerian community: Small
Life in Stockholm
Stockholm is Sweden's capital and by far its most expensive city. A 1-bedroom apartment averages SEK 16,669/month in the city centre (~$1,754 USD) and SEK 10,391 outside (~$1,094 USD) according to Numbeo. The blended average is around SEK 13,500 (~$1,425 USD). Housing is Stockholm's biggest challenge — the official queue system (Bostadsförmedlingen) has wait times of 10–20 years for a first-hand rental contract. Most newcomers use sublets via Blocket.se, Qasa.se, or Facebook groups. The tech scene is world-class — Stockholm is Europe's second-largest tech hub per capita after San Francisco, home to Spotify, Klarna, and King. No direct flights from Lagos; connect through Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Amsterdam (KLM), or London. The Nigerian community is small (estimated 5,000–7,000 in all of Sweden) but growing, concentrated in suburbs like Kista and Södertälje. Public transport (SL) is excellent — a monthly pass costs SEK 970 (~$102). Learn basic Swedish — while Swedes speak excellent English, Swedish language skills dramatically improve your social integration and job market access.
3% of Nigerians who use Japa Calculator choose Sweden as their destination. Average Japa Score: 62/100. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦500K–₦1M.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Self-Employment Permit cost for Nigerians moving to Sweden?
- Total government fees for the Self-Employment Permit are ₦313,761 (about $230). This covers the visa application fee, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Self-Employment Permit processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Self-Employment Permit is 1–2 months (average 4+ weeks for straightforward cases). Apply from the Sweden High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos — book your appointment slot as early as possible, as backlogs frequently add 2–4 weeks beyond the official window.
- How much proof of funds do I need for the Self-Employment Permit?
- You need to show ₦28,523,770 ($20,879) in savings for the Self-Employment Permit. This money stays in your account — it is not paid to the government. Funds must be unencumbered: fixed deposits locked for a term or joint accounts with conditions may be queried by the officer.
- What documents do I need for the Self-Employment Permit application from Nigeria?
- Core documents include a valid Nigerian passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and proof of eligibility for this visa category. Include 6 months of bank statements showing the ₦28,523,770 proof-of-funds requirement is consistently met.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into Sweden.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 21 June 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-02