Work Permits for Sweden

Applying for a work permit for Sweden shouldn’t be a difficult process, provided that you have received a firm job offer and have all the necessary documentation ready. The only problem you might run into is actually finding a job in the first place.

Swedish employers tend to favour Swedes, EU or EEA citizens, and foreigners already in the country over expats looking for work in Sweden from their home countries. That said, several trades lack expertise, and this is where new expats can find their niche.

Work permits for Sweden

If you want to work in Sweden, you should apply for a work permit before arriving there. All non-EU and non-EEA citizens will need a work permit to work in Sweden legally.

Work permit applicants will first need an offer of employment from a company in Sweden, with a salary that meets the Swedish collective agreements. Your employer must also provide health, life, employment, and pension insurance. This is essential as you can only be registered on the Swedish population register after a year of holding a work permit and living in Sweden, meaning you will be ineligible for social benefits until then. 

The Swedish employer initiates the application and fills out a written job offer. This gets submitted to the Swedish Migration Agency for approval. Thereafter, the Agency will email you the information required to continue the work permit application. At this stage, you must fill in your information and submit the necessary documents for approval.

If the position is longer than three months, the applicant is entitled to a residence permit. Those who can enter Sweden without a visa can apply for and obtain the residence permit once in Sweden. If you require a visa, you must make the residence permit application at your nearest embassy or consulate before leaving for Sweden.

It is important to note that once a work permit has been granted, it is only valid for the profession stipulated in the job offer and for that specific employer. You must also be aware that you need a work permit for Sweden whether you are working for a Swedish company or are living in Sweden and employed abroad. If you need to renew your work permit, you should do so at the Swedish Migration Agency.

Useful links 

• Swedish Migration Agency – How to apply for a work permit

EU citizens working in Sweden

EU or EEA citizens do not need a work permit for Sweden. They are free to work in Sweden without additional documentation and will only need a valid passport showing their citizenship. However, they should register their residency with the Swedish Migration Board within three months of arriving in the country.

Useful links

• Swedish Migration Agency – Work, study, or live in Sweden for EU/EEA citizens

*Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.