Sweden – COVID-19: Updated Immigration/Travel Measures
Sweden – COVID-19: Updated Immigration/Travel Measures
On 27 August, the Swedish government decided to extend the current entry ban until 31 October. There have also been some changes in the list of countries whose residents are exempted from the entry ban. There may be some exceptions for people with an essential need or function in Sweden.
On 27 August, the Swedish government decided to extend the current entry ban until 31 October.1 There have also been some changes in the list of countries whose residents are exempted from the entry ban.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The extended exemptions from the travel ban could signify welcome relief for companies and individuals working and doing business in Sweden.
The Swedish Migration Agency’s 4-month deadline to start employment in Sweden after the approval of a work permit has been causing significant issues as a result of the travel restrictions.
The news that all work and residence permit holders will now be allowed entry is therefore a positive development.
The exemption for residents of additional countries also means a gradual opening for business travelers.
Background
A temporary entry ban was introduced on 19 March and has since then been extended on several occasions. A recent extension, announced on 2 July, was due to last until 31 August. The latest extension, announced on 27 August, now lasts until 31 October. However, the entry restrictions have also been reduced as of 4 July for certain categories of travellers.2 Consequently, European Union (EU) nationals, their family members, and work/residence permit holders are now allowed to enter Sweden regardless of the purpose of their visit. (For prior coverage, see GMS Flash Alert 2020-297, 26 June 2020.)
The group of people allowed to enter Sweden has also been further extended with residents of certain specified countries now being exempted from the previous entry ban. The exempted countries are:
Australia |
Rwanda |
Canada |
South Korea |
Georgia |
Thailand |
Japan |
Tunisia |
New Zealand |
Uruguay |
Residents of Algeria, Montenegro, Morocco, and Serbia were previously included on the list, but have now been removed. However, other exemptions may still apply to residents of these countries.
KPMG NOTE
In addition, the entry ban does not apply to people with an essential need or function in Sweden. These functions include highly-skilled workers, if the job cannot be postponed or performed remotely, and certain categories of health-care employees and researchers.
FOOTNOTES
1 See (in English) 27 August 2020 Ministry of Justice press release.
2 See (in English) 2 July 2020 Ministry of Justice press release.
RELATED RESOURCE
This article is excerpted, with permission, from “August Update Sweden: Immigration Restrictions Related to COVID-19,” (28 August 2020), an online publication of KPMG AB, a KPMG International member firm in Sweden.
VIEW ALL
* Please note that KPMG LLP (U.S.) does not provide any immigration services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Sweden.
SUBSCRIBE
To subscribe to GMS Flash Alert, fill out the subscription form.
© 2024 KPMG AB, a Swedish Aktiebolag and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.
For more detail about the structure of the KPMG global organization please visit https://kpmg.com/governance.
GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.