Work in Sweden

All EU countries will introduce residence permit cards beginning on 20 May 2011. Residence permit cards will replace the permit stickers in passports.

The purpose of the residence permit cards is that they will be safer than today’s permit stickers. Residence permit cards will therefore contain biometrics – they will have a chip with a photograph and fingerprints of the permit holder.

Residence permit cards are only proofs of residence permits. They cannot be used as ID cards or travel documents.

It is possible to travel with valid permit stickers until they have expired or by 20 May 2015 at the latest.

What is required to get a work permit?
If you want to work in Sweden, you must have an offer of employment from an employer in Sweden.

To get a permit, you must also:

• Have a valid passport.
• Earn enough from employment to support yourself.

In addition, your employer must:

• Have advertised the job vacancy in Sweden and the EU.
• Offer terms of employment equivalent to a Swedish collective agreement or customary terms for the occupation or industry.
• Give the relevant union an opportunity to state an opinion on the terms of the offer of employment.

You and the employer are responsible for showing the Migration Board that the requirements above have been met. You do this by completing the application form for employees and the employer completes the Offer of Employment form.

What is the application fee?
see: Application fees for residence/work permits

Where do you apply for a residence and work permit?
The main rule is that people who want to work in Sweden must apply for a residence and work permit in the country of origin or another country outside Sweden in which you reside.

Where do I apply?
If you are outside Sweden, you apply electronically on the Migration Board website:
Electronic Applications

You can also apply at the Embassy/Consulate in the country where you reside.

When a person applies for a residence/work permit abroad, a photo and finger prints are normally taken when the application is submitted or, when an interview is conducted. Photos and finger prints can also be submitted after a decision on a residence/work permit has been made.

You must always append the following documents to your application:

• Copy of your passport
• Offer of Employment
• Receipt showing that you have paid the application fee.

Please note:
If you are a student or a doctoral student at a university/ college you do not need a work permit to be able to work during your studies.

How long is the permit valid?
If the employment is temporary, you will be issued a residence and work permit valid only for the same period, but for a maximum of two years at a time.

After 48 months, you will become eligible for a permanent residence permit.