Once you have a job offer in Sweden, you can apply for a work permit. The process is mainly digital and completed in stages by both you and your future employer, with guidance from the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket).
This guide explains how it works, what applies to you, and if your family is moving with you.
Who you will be in contact with
- Your main contact is the Swedish Migration Agency, and you complete your part of the application online.
- You will also have your fingerprints taken be photographed for your residence permit card at a Swedish mission.
Who needs a work permit?
If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA, you normally need a work permit to live and work in Sweden. The overview below shows the general rules.
Check what applies to you on the Swedish Migration Agency’s website.
Some citizens aged 18–30 from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea may apply for a working holiday visa for up to one year. If you are coming to Sweden for a short assignment, other rules may also apply.
How the application works
The application process is completed in several stages. The Swedish Migration Agency provides detailed guidance for each type of work permit, but these are the main steps.
- Your employer starts the application by submitting the first part through the agency’s online service and provide details about the role and employment conditions.
- You complete your part after your employer has submitted their information. You receive a link to fill in your information and upload your documents. You also add details for any family members applying with you.
- The Swedish Migration Agency begins assessing the application once both parts have been submitted, and may contact you if more information is needed.
- You receive the decision, along with with information on what happens next.
- After your work permit is approved, you receive information on how to get your residence-permit card. This usually includes a short visit to a Swedish embassy or consulate-general to provide fingerprints and be photographed.
Make sure to follow the Swedish Migration Agency’s guidance on passport copies.
Who does what in the application?
Your employer and you provide different information and documents during the process. Below is an overview of who does what:
Bringing your family
Below, you’ll find a short overview of what applies if your partner or children are moving with you. Family members include spouses, registered or cohabiting partners, and usually children under the age of 21.
Next step
Once your work permit has been approved, it’s a good time to start looking for a place to live. In the next section, you’ll find an introduction to how the housing market works in Sweden and where to begin your search.
Go to Step 3: Finding a home
