Facts

With the exception of your passport, none of your submitted documents will be returned to you.  For this reason, please make sure to submit copies – not originals – of all documentation.

Arbeta & bo i Sverige / Work & Live in Sweden

Working as an Employee in Sweden

If you are a citizen of a country which is not a member of the European Union (EU) and wish to work in Sweden you must have a work permit sticker attached to your passport before entering the country.

Please ensure that your passport does not expire during your stay in Sweden. The expiration date of your permit (if granted) may not extend beyond the expiration date of your passport. Also note once your application has been submitted to the Consulate General you are not allowed to enter Sweden until a decision has been made.

Please submit the following documents:

  • Application for Swedish work permit (form #149011), completed, signed and dated, and including detailed contact information.

  • National passport or other travel document.

  • Notarized copy of US Alien Registration Card or other valid resident visa (type A, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, O, or R), if applicable.

  • 2 passport photos, in color, taken from the front with the face depicted at a straight angle.  Digital files and photocopies of passport pictures will NOT be accepted.

  • Written offer of employment in Sweden, completed by employer on a special form available for download at the following link on the website of the Swedish Migration Board: www.migrationsverket.se

    Your employer must then send the form to you so that you can enclose it with your application. (Your employer must guarantee pay, insurance coverage and other terms of employment equal to at least the collective agreement or Swedish practise in the profession or the branch of trade. You must be fully prepared to leave Sweden when your term of employment is over.)

  • Application fee, in the form of one money order or certified bank check, payable to Consulate General of Sweden or Embassy of Sweden, depending on where you file the application.  Applicants applying at the Consulate General of Sweden in New York may also pay by Visa or MasterCard.

  • Self-addressed stamped envelope or self-addressed pre-paid FedEx packing slip for return of passport.

How much does it cost?

The non-refundable application fee is $250.

How do I submit my application?

Applications with all required documents may be delivered in person during visiting hours or mailed directly to the following address:

Consulate General of Sweden
Attn: Visa Section
One Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza
885 Second Avenue, 45th floor
New York, NY 10017

Applications must include a self-addressed stamped envelope or self-addressed pre-paid FedEx packing slip for return of passport.

Due to the large number of applications, the Consulate General will NOT be able to confirm receipt of your documents. If you would like acknowledgement that your application has been received, please use registered mail or a delivery service such as FedEx that enables you to track packages online.

Please note that you might be requested to provide additional documentation.

How long does it take?

An estimated time of 2-3 months is usually required to process your application.

Processing your application

Once all the documents have been received your case will be forwarded to the Swedish Migration Board. Your passport will be kept at the Consulate General until a decision has been made. Your permit, if granted, will be attached to your passport and returned.

You can request the return of your passport anytime during the application process.  If you wish to have your passport returned immediately include a written request with your application.  Please note that you will be required to pay double postage.

May my family come with me?

Your family, i.e. spouse/cohabitant and children under 18, can obtain residence permits for the same period as you.

The co-application must be completed and submitted with the primary application.  Please refer to the section on co-application for detailed instructions.

Further questions?

Specific questions about visas, residence and work permits are answered at 212-583-2555 between 2 and 3 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.