Swedish Migration Agency Resumes Residence and Work Permits in Pakistan – Apply Now from April 9, 2025

Good news for Pakistani nationals who have been waiting to apply for residency or work visas in Sweden! The Swedish Migration Agency will formally resume migration services in Pakistan on April 9, 2025. This is a big milestone after a year-long suspension, as applicants will no longer be required to travel to other countries to have their applications processed.

A Brief History of the Suspension

In April 2024, the Swedish Embassy in Islamabad briefly ceased in-person services due to unforeseen circumstances. As a result, the Swedish Migration Agency has suspended the processing of residence and work permit applications in Pakistan, redirecting applicants to other Swedish missions in countries such as Ethiopia. Pakistani citizens were encouraged to seek assistance from the Swedish Embassy in Addis Abeba or one of the numerous VFS Global centers located throughout Southeast Asia.
While this method worked for some, many candidates, particularly those in rural locations, had difficulties and delays. The good news is that by April 9, 2025, this will no longer be the case.

What This Means for Applicants

With the reactivation of services, Pakistani individuals can now submit residence and work permit applications directly to the Swedish Migration Agency from within Pakistan. There will be no more long-distance travel for interviews or biometric data gathering!

Here's what to expect from the process:

1. Submit Your Application Online: The first step is to submit your application online using the official Swedish Migration Agency website. This includes all of the essential forms and documents for residence or work permit.
2. Schedule Your Interview: After submitting your online application, you may be required to visit the Swedish Embassy in Islamabad for a personal interview, passport verification, and biometric.
3. Stay Informed: Check your email for updates and instructions from the Migration Agency. It is important to adhere to all standards to minimize delays in the process.

The change simplifies the process for candidates in Pakistan. Previously, applicants had to travel to countries nearby to process their permits, which often resulted in delays and additional fees. The entire process will now be consolidated in Pakistan, providing candidates with a far more efficient and accessible experience.

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