Sweden Work Visa

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 12, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Those who are non-EU citizens and have a job offer in Sweden can apply for a Work Visa, allowing them to live and work in Sweden.

If you want to move to the country, build a career, experience Swedish culture, and potentially stay in Sweden long-term, this visa is for you.

 

Eligibility criteria

It's important to note that your ability to obtain a work visa in Sweden depends on your citizenship, so you must check the current rules to see which regulations apply to you and your individual case.

You can find a complete list of these variations here. However, some general key requirements that apply across the board include:

• An employment contract: You must have a valid employment contract signed by both you and your Swedish employer. This contract should clearly outline the terms and conditions of your employment, including your job title, salary, working hours, and duration of the contract.
• Proper job advertisement: There are some rules that apply to how the job is advertised. For example, the employer must have advertised the job in the EU/EEA and Switzerland for at least ten days. You can find a list of proper job advertisement guidelines here.
• Salary and terms: Your employment contract must offer terms of employment and a salary that aligns with those established by Swedish collective agreements or those customary within your occupation or industry. This ensures fair and equitable treatment for foreign workers in Sweden.
• Minimum salary: Your salary must be at least 80% of the Swedish median salary. This requirement guarantees that you can support yourself financially in Sweden without relying on social welfare benefits. The specific median salary threshold is subject to change, so it's important to check the latest figures on the Swedish Migration Agency website.
• Insurance: Your employer must provide you with insurance coverage that includes health, life, employment, and pension benefits. This comprehensive insurance package safeguards your well-being and financial security while working in Sweden.
• Valid passport: You must possess a valid passport from your country of origin. This passport should be valid for at least the duration of your intended stay in Sweden.

There are also some requirements your employer must follow, the guidelines of which can be found here. As mentioned above, some countries and occupations have different rules to follow.

These include:

• Performer
• Au pair
• Berry picker
• Seasonal work
• Researcher
• Athlete or coach
• Trainee (traineeship through international exchange and traineeship with ties to higher education)
• Volunteer

You can find all the information on this here.

Family members

If you're a family member of someone with a work permit in Sweden and you're not from the EU, you can also get a residence permit. This permit will last for the same amount of time as the work permit.

Family members are:

• Wife, husband, or partner (including registered partners and cohabiting partners)
• Unmarried children under the age of 21
• In some cases, unmarried children who are 21 or older can also get a permit if they are financially supported by you or your partner.

There are some special cases in which to consider:

• Children of asylum seekers: If your child is under 18 and you previously applied for asylum in Sweden, they can get a residence permit even if you're now applying for a work permit without leaving the country.
• Children born in Sweden: If you have a child born in Sweden, you'll need to apply for a residence permit for them. They can't get a permit until they have a passport, but you can start the application and add the passport copy later. You'll also need to register your child's nationality with the Swedish Tax Agency.

Please note: your relative who has a work permit needs to have enough money to support themselves and their family members in Sweden.

This is called the "maintenance requirement."

The maintenance requirement doesn't apply when applying to extend your family's residence permits.

If you need more information on bringing family across, as well as information on how to apply, you can read the complete guide here.

Documentation

It's a good idea to get the documents you need to send with your application ready as soon as possible. The documents required include:

• Your employment contract
• Copies of the important pages in your passport: personal information, photo, signature, passport number, issuing country, validity dates, barcode, and any permission to live in other countries. Make sure your passport is signed.
• If someone else is applying for you, they'll need a power of attorney (see below).

Important points:

• If your passport is expiring soon, renew it first. Your permit can't be longer than your passport is valid.
• If you're extending your work permit, you'll need extra documents.
• If you're applying as a personal assistant, you'll need a decision from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency showing you have someone to work for and they're entitled to assistance benefits.

What is power of attorney?

It's a signed letter letting someone else apply, get updates, or even appeal on your behalf. You can find a power of attorney form on the Swedish Migration Agency website.

If your family is coming too

You'll need to submit additional documents for their residence permit applications:

• Passport copies for each family member, similar to the requirements for your own passport.
• Marriage certificates or equivalent documents for married couples or registered partners.
• Documents showing that you have lived together for cohabiting partners in your country of origin.
• Birth certificates for children.
• Consent from the other custodial parent if they are not accompanying the child to Sweden.
• Documents showing that children over 21 are financially dependent on their parents.
• Adoption documents if the child was adopted.
• Power of attorney if you are representing any family members who are over 18 and are co-applicants.

Important things to remember:

• All documents should be translated into Swedish or English by an authorised translator.
• Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and up-to-date.
• Double-check the specific document requirements on the Swedish Migration Agency website, as they may vary depending on your circumstances.
• Send both the original and the translated copy.
• If a child comes without one parent, you'll need a signed consent letter from the other parent.

What is the duration of a Sweden Work Visa?

Your work visa usually lasts as long as your job contract, but there are nuances to this.

• First work permit: If your contract is open-ended, you might get a permit for up to two years. If it's for a shorter time, your permit will match the contract length.
• Extending your permit: If you want to keep working after your first permit ends, apply for an extension before it expires. You can keep working while you wait for a decision. The extension's length will depend on your current or new job contract.
• Permanent residency: After working and living in Sweden for four years, you might be able to apply for permanent residency. This lets you stay and work in Sweden without needing more permits.

How to apply for a Sweden Work Visa

It's important to note that it will be your employer who starts the application process on your behalf, although you will need to be involved in the process. Fortunately, most of the process is conducted online, meaning it can be completed quickly and efficiently.

1. Secure an employment contract: The first step is to secure a job offer and sign an employment contract with a Swedish employer. Your employer must also have advertised the job in Sweden, the EU/EEA, and Switzerland for at least ten days before offering you the contract.
2. Employer initiates the application: Your employer in Sweden will initiate the work permit application process by providing information about your employment to the Swedish Migration Agency. They'll need details such as your name, date of birth, citizenship, education, and email address.
3. Receive an email: Once your employer has submitted the initial information, you'll receive an email with instructions on proceeding with your application.
4. Complete the online application: Access the online application form and provide all the required information about yourself and your employment. If your family members are joining you, you can include their applications as well.
5. Attach documents: Scan or photograph the necessary documents, including your employment contract, passport copies, and any additional documents required for family members (if applicable).
6. Pay and submit: Pay the application fee online using a Visa or Mastercard. Once the payment is processed, submit your application. You and your employer will receive confirmation emails.
7. Processing: The Swedish Migration Agency will process your application. Ensure you've provided all the necessary information and documents to avoid delays. You can check the current processing times on the Migration Agency website.
8. Show your passport: The Migration Agency may require you to show your passport in person at a Swedish embassy or consulate-general or at one of their service centres in Sweden. In some cases, you may be able to complete this step digitally.
9. Receive the decision: You'll receive an email notification when a decision has been made. The actual decision will be sent to the embassy or consulate-general you specified in your application. You'll need to collect it in person and bring your passport.
10. Residence permit card: If your application is approved and you're granted a permit for more than three months, you'll receive a residence permit card. You may need to provide your fingerprints and photograph at the embassy or consulate-general for the card issuance.

Alternative (non-online) application

If you cannot apply online, you can fill out a paper application form and submit it to a Swedish embassy or consulate-general. Each family member accompanying you will also need to submit their own application.

Application costs for the Sweden Work Visa

Applying for a work visa costs money, and the amount can change depending on your situation. In 2024, it costs SEK 2,200 (about €190).

But, the fee might be different if:

• You're from a particular country: Some countries have agreements with Sweden that lower or even remove the fee.
• Your family is applying, too: There are extra fees for each family member who wants a residence permit.
• You're extending your permit: The fee is usually the same as when you first applied.

Important: Always check the Swedish Migration Agency website for the latest fees, as they can change. You can find that here.

Other important things to know

Besides the basics like who can apply, how to apply, and the fees, here are some other important things to know about the Sweden Work Visa:

• Job advertising: Before your employer can offer you a job, they must advertise it in Sweden and the EU/EEA for at least ten days. This makes sure everyone has a fair chance to apply.
• Processing time: How long it takes to get your visa can vary. It depends on things like how complicated your application is and how busy the Swedish Migration Agency is. Check their website for the latest processing times and apply well in advance of when you want to start working.
• Special rules: Some jobs and countries might have extra rules. For example, certain professions might need specific qualifications. Do your research to see if any special rules apply to you.
• Residence permit card: If you get a work permit for longer than three months, you'll also get a residence permit card. This is proof you can live in Sweden and has your fingerprints and photo on it. You might need to visit a Swedish embassy or consulate to get your fingerprints and photo taken.
• Getting help: Applying for a visa can be confusing, even though it's mostly done online. If you have questions or want to make sure everything goes smoothly, you can get help from an immigration consultant.

Talk to a visa consultant

Staying informed and getting expert advice can make your visa application much easier and help you start your new life in Sweden without any problems.

Altogether, it's easy to see that the Sweden Work Visa is your chance to build a great career and life in Sweden, but the visa process can be tricky with so many moving parts.

Fortunately, an immigration consultant can make it easier. They'll guide you, help you avoid problems, and increase your chances of success.

Need visa assistance/immigration advice?

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