Work Permit

The Swedish work permit is for non-EU/EEA citizens who want to take up employment in Sweden. The permit is usually tied to a specific employer and position; changing employer or position requires a new application. The permit is valid for up to two years and can be renewed. After four years of cumulative work, the holder may be eligible for permanent residence. The application must be initiated by the employer in Sweden, who must demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by a Swedish or EU citizen and that the salary, insurance, and employment conditions meet industry standards. Some high-skilled or shortage occupations may qualify for faster processing.

• Valid passport
• A job offer from a Swedish employer with an employment contract of at least one year
• The employer must have advertised the position in Sweden and proven that no suitable local candidate was found
• Salary, insurance, and other employment conditions must meet Swedish collective agreements or industry standards
• Some occupations require a professional license or certification
• The applicant must apply from outside Sweden (exceptions apply, e.g., holding another EU residence permit allows application within Sweden)

1. The Swedish employer posts the job advertisement on the Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen) and attempts to recruit locally.
2. The employer submits a work permit application to the Swedish Migration Agency, including the employment contract, company information, and recruitment evidence.
3. After receiving the application number, the applicant fills in personal details online and uploads required documents.
4. Pay the application fee (if applicable) and wait for the Migration Agency to process.
5. If approved, the applicant visits a Swedish embassy or consulate abroad to collect the residence permit card (fingerprints and photo required).
6. Enter Sweden with the permit card and register with the Swedish Tax Agency to obtain a personal identity number (Personnummer).

• Ensure the employer fully understands recruitment requirements and keeps complete records, as the Migration Agency may request additional documents.
• Confirm that the salary meets collective agreement standards before signing the contract.
• Application documents must be translated into English or Swedish and notarized.
• If the job is in a shortage occupation, attach relevant proof to expedite processing.
• For renewals, provide salary slips and tax statements from the past year.