Are you considering a career move to Sweden? You’ve come to the right place! Sweden is a popular destination for qualified professionals wanting to live and work abroad. Obtaining a Sweden work visa is the key to unlocking great opportunities for yourself and your family in this innovative country.
Leading talents worldwide are drawn to Sweden because of its booming economy, broad industries, and breathtaking natural beauty. Understanding the Sweden work visa application process is important to make your dream come true. And that’s why we’re here! We will discuss the requirements, eligibility, and application process. This will help you confidently navigate the process and join the dynamic workforce. Let’s go!
Do You Need a Sweden Work Visa?
For Citizens of EU Countries
Sweden is a part of the EU or the European Union. As an EU citizen, you can work in Sweden without a work permit. Additionally, you are free to travel to Sweden in search of employment. As long as you live in Sweden, your family can join you. A valid passport or national ID card proving your citizenship is required to enter Sweden and any family members traveling with you.
For Long-term EU Resident
Once you have been a long-term resident of another EU country for at least five years, you are considered a long-term resident and eligible to apply for a special EU residence visa. This makes relocating to another EU nation, like Sweden, easier.
For Citizens of Non-EU Countries
To work in Sweden, non-EU nationals often need to apply for a work permit. The rule does have several exceptions. For a maximum of one year, individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea may also apply for a working holiday visa. Citizens of several nations need a work permit and a visa for work that lasts less than three months. Note that some jobs may exempt workers from work permit requirements. This includes athletes, entertainers, those temporarily employed by locally registered businesses, and those working in commercial transportation.
Sweden Work Visa Requirements
Here are the requirements for obtaining a Swedish work permit.
- Applicants must have a job offer/contract.
- Applicants must have a valid passport.
- Following the Swedish collective agreements, you must have received a pay offer.
- You must have received an offer of employment that will allow you to make at least 1220€ (SEK 13,000) a month.
- Applicant’s employer must provide health, employment, pension, and life insurance.
- You must fulfill all of these requirements to obtain a work permit. It is impossible to fulfill the requirements by working two or more jobs concurrently.
Required Documents for Work Visa Application
- Application form
- Copies of passport pages
- Job contract
- Proof of accommodation
- Civil status documents
- Employment status documents
- Passport
You should have your official transcript and examination certificate translated into Swedish or English by a qualified translator if they are not in either language. Ensure you provide copies of the original and translated documents with your application. Depending on the embassy processing your application, you may also need additional documents.
How to Apply for a Sweden Work Visa
You can apply for the work visa in two ways:
- Online application
- At the embassy
Online Application Procedures
Online applications are simpler and will improve your chances of receiving a response quickly. These are the steps involved in Sweden's online work visa application process:
1. Get a Job Offer
You must first get a job offer from a Swedish employer to obtain a work permit. The Swedish company must post employment openings in Sweden, the EU/EEA, and Switzerland ten days before making the offer.
2. The Employer Starts the Application
Your employer should start the work permit application process by completing the job offer. This online application is done on the Swedish Migration Board Website. He/She will need your personal information, like your name, birthdate, education, citizenship, and email address.
3. Receive an Email
After your employer has finalized the job offer, you will receive an email with instructions on applying for a work permit. If your family wishes to travel to Sweden with you, you should apply for their visas at the same time as your application.
4. Attach Documents
Your application must include a power of attorney and copies of your passport pages. Note that you can either scan or take a picture of these documents.
5. Pay the Visa Fee & Submit the Application
Visa and Mastercard are accepted forms of payment for the application fee. Once you have paid the visa fee, you should apply. An email confirming the submission of your application will be sent to you and your employer.
6. Wait for Response
The application decision will be emailed to you and your employer. You will also need your passport.
Embassy/Consulate Application
Use these steps to apply at the embassy or consulate-general.
Book an appointment: Make an appointment with the embassy before visiting the embassy or consulate-general.
Fill in the application form: Once the work permit application form is completed, sign it. The application form will provide you with details on what you need.
Attach documents: Attach the necessary files. It is recommended that you include the following documents with your application:
- Copies of passport pages
- Job offer
- Opinion from the relevant union
Submit application form: Apply at a Swedish embassy or consulate general in the nation where you reside. If your country does not accept applications, you should find the closest embassy or consulate general in a nearby country.
Wait for an answer: You will receive an email with the embassy's decision regarding your application.
Additional Information
The standard procedure is to apply for a work permit outside of Sweden. But there are certain exceptions to this rule. In some circumstances, people can apply for a work permit while they are in Sweden. This exemption applies to the following:
- It must be a high-demand profession.
- Your employer must be in dire need of your expertise. They should be able to demonstrate that the company cannot operate effectively if you must travel to your country of residence and apply from there.
- You are in Sweden to meet with a potential employer. Even if you receive a job offer while visiting Sweden, you are not eligible to apply for a work permit if you are there as a tourist or to see a friend or family.
- The application must have been filed during the 90-day visa exemption period or the visa's validity period.
Importantly, even if you meet all the above requirements, you cannot begin working in Sweden until your permit has been approved. If not, you can have severe consequences and revoke your work permit.
Sweden Work Visa Application Processing Time
The industry you plan to work in will determine how long it takes to obtain your Sweden work visa. Depending on the industry, this could take two to twelve months, including cleaning, forestry, agriculture, vehicle repair, etc. The clock starts on the day you send your application to a Swedish consulate-general or the Swedish Migration Agency.
Sweden Work Visa Fee
Applying for a work permit costs SEK 2,200 ($206). You can pay the visa fee with your credit card (Visa or Mastercard) in connection with your application. This payment is usually made through the official website. Once the fee has been paid, you must print the receipt and send it with your application. Japanese citizens do not have to pay an application fee when they apply for work permits.
Work Permit Validity & Extension
A work visa lasts for two years. Generally speaking, it lasts as long as you work there, but not as long as your passport validity. Applying for an extension is important if you wish to continue working after your current permit has expired. You can continue working pending a decision if you apply before your current permit expires.
Sweden Work Visas for Fixed-Term, Part-Time, Seasonal Workers
If you are visiting Sweden for less than three months, you may need both a work visa and an entry permit. You can convert your student visa to a resident permit while you're still in Sweden if you've been attending a higher education institution there. This will enable you to work. You must demonstrate that you have the financial means to sustain yourself while you seek work.
If you are under 30 years old and a citizen of Australia, Chile, Canada, New Zealand, or South Korea, you may be eligible to apply for a working holiday visa in Sweden. This does not require you to have a job lined up before applying; it permits you to travel to the country and work for up to a year. Nonetheless, you must have enough money to sustain yourself while there.
Furthermore, there is a special visa designed for au pairs visiting Sweden. You must have a contract before applying, be under 30, and intend to learn the Swedish language and culture there.
Obtaining a Swedish Work Visa for an Entrepreneur
Sweden is one of the top destinations to relocate, so it’s no wonder that many entrepreneurs plan on setting up their business there. If you are arriving in Sweden to work for yourself or launch a business, you can obtain a particular self-employed visa. Ensure you have all your documents because one will need a lengthy list of documentary proof to get this kind of visa. You must demonstrate that your company has a solid financial plan, that you have the expertise and abilities to see it through to completion, and that you are fluent in Swedish or English to be eligible. Additionally, you will need to have enough money to sustain yourself while your firm expands.
Conclusion
Sweden work visa offers opportunities for foreign professionals. Ensure you meet the requirements, submit your application, and join Sweden's vibrant workforce, contributing to the country's innovation and diversity.
