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.

You are required to enclose the following documents with your application (note that all documents must be submitted in original and a copy of the original document)

• Two fully completed and signed application forms.
  
  
• Two 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. 
  
  
• A valid passport and two photocopies of the identity page of the passport. We only accept passports which have been signed by the holder of the passport.
  
  
• If you are employed by an institute or company in China, you should enclose a letter of introduction from this institute or company, as well as a copy of the letter. The letter should state your position at the institute or company, and should also include the address of your employer, contact person and telephone number. The letter must be signed.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Notary Certificate of the occupational qualification certificate (the original and a copy in Chinese and english version). The Notary Certificate must also be authenticated by the local provincial Foreign Affairs Office. Note: There is no need for a "double authentication", i.e. an authentication by the Swedish Embassy. The authentification from the Foreign Affairs Office is required from applicants who hand in an application from 6th of October 2008 and onwards.       
  
  
• Written documentation in English of your education and/or work experience and a photocopy of the said document.
  
  
• You are required to pay an application fee. If your application is rejected, the fee will not be refunded. The application fee is currently 1720 RMB.
  

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.

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