Islamabad – In a major development for Pakistani citizens seeking to move to Sweden, the Swedish Migration Agency has announced the resumption of residence and work permit case processing in Pakistan, starting April 9, 2025.
This long-awaited update means that applicants can now complete mandatory steps such as biometrics, passport verification, and interviews at the Swedish Embassy in Islamabad. The new policy removes the previous requirement of traveling to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which had been a major hurdle for many applicants.
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Who is Affected?
The changes apply to:
- Individuals applying for residence permits for work or study
- People seeking to join family members in Sweden
- Pakistani citizens and legal residents of Pakistan who were previously asked by the Swedish Migration Agency to complete biometric or passport verification steps
These applicants are now allowed to complete their formalities locally in Islamabad, significantly reducing travel costs and delays.
No Changes for Schengen Visa Applicants
However, it’s important to note that this development does not impact short-term Schengen visa applications for visiting Sweden.
Applicants looking for visit visas of up to 90 days must still apply through VFS Global offices in select Asian cities, including:
- Bangkok
- Manila
- Jakarta
- Kuala Lumpur
These applications continue to be processed by the Swedish Embassy in Bangkok.
Future Possibility of Local Visa Services
According to the Swedish Migration Agency, the authority is currently assessing the possibility of restarting Schengen visa services in Pakistan. While no timeline has been provided, updates are expected in the coming months.
Key Highlights:
- Residence and work permit cases will resume in Pakistan starting April 9, 2025
- Applicants no longer need to travel to Ethiopia for embassy formalities
- Swedish Embassy in Islamabad will handle biometrics, passport checks, and interviews
- Schengen visa applications must still be processed through VFS Global in Asia
- Swedish authorities are evaluating local Schengen visa services for the future
Why This Matters for Pakistani Applicants
For students, professionals, and families planning a move to Sweden, this update is a positive step forward. With processing returning to Islamabad, the application journey becomes faster, more convenient, and cost-effective.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Swedish Migration Agency continues to improve services for applicants in Pakistan.
