🇸🇪 Sweden
How the 90/180 rule applies to Sweden, plus the tools you'll want before you go.
Joined Schengen
2001
Currency
SEK
Timezone
Europe/Stockholm
Calling code
+46
What counts toward your 90 days
Every day spent in Sweden counts toward the same Schengen-wide 90-day allowance. Days in Sweden are added to days in any of the other 28 Schengen countries when calculating the rolling 180-day window.
Entry and exit days both count as full days.
If you hold a Sweden national long-stay visa or residence permit, the 90/180 rule does not limit your stay in Sweden itself, but it does still cap your time in the rest of Schengen.
Nomading in Sweden, specifically
US, UK, and EU citizens walk into Sweden visa-free for 90 days. Indians need a Schengen visa.
Who Gets to Walk In and How
Most travellers from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can enter Sweden visa-free. That means no pre-application needed. You get stamped for 90 days within any 180-day period upon arrival. Be aware that border guards have discretion. They might ask for proof of onward travel, sufficient funds, and accommodation. Don't expect a stamp if you're an EU citizen; you just walk through. Indian passport holders, and many others, will need to apply for a Schengen visa before travelling. This process can take several weeks. Remember, ETIAS is coming, which will be an electronic travel authorisation, not a visa, for visa-exempt nationalities. It's still a few years away.
Dodging the 90-Day Trap
Sweden, like all Schengen countries, strictly enforces the 90/180 rule. This isn't a "90 days per country" rule; it's for the entire Schengen Area. Overstaying even by a day can lead to bans from re-entering the zone for years. Sweden isn't big on exit stamps at airports, so your entry stamp is key. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you'll need to apply for a residence permit before your initial 90 days are up. This is a complex process and usually requires a valid reason beyond just remote work, like employment or family ties. Don't rely on informal arrangements.
Where Nomads Actually Live and Work
Stockholm is the obvious choice. It's beautiful, efficient, and has fantastic infrastructure. Expect costs there to run €1800-€2500 per month for a decent single apartment outside the absolute centre, including utilities. Internet speeds are stellar everywhere, easily 100 Mbps+ in most apartments and cafes. Gothenburg is a popular second city, slightly more affordable and with a more laid-back feel. Many nomads find co-working spaces or simply work from cafes. Payment is usually card-based; cash is rarely used, and foreign cards generally work fine, though check your bank's foreign transaction fees.