Arbeta & bo i Sverige / Work & Live in Sweden

Working 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 granted before you enter Sweden. If you plan to work in Sweden for more than three months, you also need a residence permit.

Application
An application for a work-and residence permit is filed at the closest Consulate of Sweden (in person), at the Embassy of Sweden in Ottawa (in person) or online. For information about the application process, including how to apply online, please visit Swedish Migration Board. If you apply online, you will receive the decision sooner.

Biometric information
The residence permit will be in form of a residence permit card. The card will include biometric information (photo, fingerprints and electronic signature).The biometrics can be submitted at the Embassy in Ottawa at the time of application, or anytime during the permit processing time.

Canadian citizens (and other nationalities not requiring an entry visa to Sweden) have the option to submit the biometrics at one of the Migration Board Offices upon arrival in Sweden.

If the application is for a work period of less than three months, only a work permit is needed. In this case no biometric information is required since you will not receive a residence permit card. The decision from the Migration board will be the only documentation needed as proof of the work permit. (If your are a citizen of a country that requires an entry visa, and the work period is for less than three months, please see www.ambottawa.um.dk/en for visa information.)

Processing time
Normal processing time is up to six months. Please submit you application as soon as you receive your offer of employment. If you apply online the processing time is shorter.

Application fee
The application fee is payable at the time of application and is non-refundable. See Fee list.