How to apply for a Work Permit

From December 15 2008 new regulations regarding the influx of labour to Sweden have come into force, which means that there are some changes concerning work permit. Accordning to the new regulations a work permit can be granted even if there is not a shortage of labour in a specific field. New is also that it is the employer who decides who to employ and not the National Labour Market Board (AMS) as before.

A work permit can be granted for two years or shorter. After two years the permit can be prolonged for two more years. After four years (48 months) of work permit, permanent residence permit can be granted. During the first two years the work permit is limited to be valid for one specific profession at one specific employer. After two years the work permit will be limited only to the specific profession.

More information on the new regulations can be found on the web site of the Swedish Migration Board.

Your application for work permit shall be handed in to the Embassy of Sweden or the appropriate Consulate General. After handling the application, you may be summoned to a personal interview. In most cases the application will be forwarded to the Swedish Migration Board for decision. Application can also be made electronically directly to the Swedish Migration Board. When the Migration Board in Sweden has made a decision in your case they will produce a residence permit card for you and send it to the Embassy. When the Embassy receives your card you will be contacted to come pick up your permit.

You are required to enclose the following documents with your application (please note that you should provide a photocopy of each document you submit with your application).

• Two fully completed and signed application forms.
  
  
• Two unretouched passport photos taken within the past six months.
  -Photos that do not conform to these standards will be rejected and may cause delay in processing the application. 
  
  
• Two photocopies of the identity page of the passport. We only accept passports which have been signed by the holder of the passport. Note to Mongolian citizens. Mongolian citizens should not send their passports to the Embassy when applying for a residence permit as they must come to the Embassy to leave biometrics only if your application is granted. 
  

• An "Offer of Employment", filled out by the employer and signed by the local labour union. The form, Anställningserbjudande 232011, can be found on the website of the Swedish Migration Board.
  
  
• You are required to pay an application fee. If your application is rejected, the fee will not be refunded. The application fee is currently 2030 RMB. The Embassy will only accept card payment. Please observe: cash payment can only be accepted, when card payment is not possible.

You should hand in your application to the Embassy at least 10 weeks before your departure to Sweden. If you fail to supply the necessary documents mentioned above, the decision-making process of your case may be delayed. The Embassy may call you for additional documents or information if necessary.

Please note that is is important that you fill in your contact information in the application form. If you fail to do so, the Embassy may be unable to contact you regarding additional documents or other information related to your case.

For further information concerning residence permit for studies you may contact the Embassy of Sweden or see the website of the Migration Board.