Working in Sweden

Work permit for employees and citi­zens of non-EU countries

If you are a citizen of a non-EU country and want to work in Sweden, you will probably need to obtain a work permit.

For more information and how to apply, please visit the Swedish Migration Agency: Work permit for employees and citi­zens of non-EU countries - Migrationsverket

Special rules regarding work permit applications exist for certain occupations and countries.

Other rules also apply to those who have been asylum seekers and are now applying for a work permit, or to persons visiting an employer in Sweden.

Application for work permit for certain occupations and countries

Application for work permit for persons visiting an employer in Sweden

After a deci­sion has been made on a resi­dence permit for work in Sweden

If you are granted a residence permit to work in Sweden, the permit entitles you to work for the employer and in the occupation that you stated in your application. If you are not granted a residence permit to work in Sweden, you can appeal the decision.

For more information what happens after a decision has been made, please visit the Swedish Migration Agency:After a deci­sion has been made on a resi­dence permit for work in Sweden - Migrationsverket

Permits for a family member of a person who has a work permit

If you are a citizen of a non-EU country and are a family member of a person who has a work permit, you can get a residence permit for the same period. If the permit is for more than six months, you can also get a work permit. For more information: Permits for a family member of a person who has a work permit - Migrationsverket

Wait for the residence permit card (UT-card)

If you are granted a residence permit, you will be issued a residence permit card. The general rule is that the residence permit must be granted and the UT-card collected before entering Sweden. It can take up to four weeks for the residence permit card to be prepared and delivered to the embassy. Once the card has arrived at the embassy you can collect it. Contact the Embassy to make an appointment. Contact and opening hours - Sweden Abroad Bring the passport that you used when applying for a residence permit.

You can also authorize (give power of attorney to) another person to receive the UT-card on your behalf. The power of attorney has to be signed by the applicant / holder of permit and must be presented for the Embassy as well as a copy of the passport. You find the power of attorney here: Power of attorney to receive residence permit cards

Special rules for certain occu­pa­tions and citi­zens of certain countries

Special rules apply to employment and permits for certain occupations and for citizens of certain countries. Read more here: Special rules for certain occu­pa­tions and citi­zens of certain countries - Migrationsverket

FAQ

Frequently asked ques­tions about work permits - Migrationsverket

If you do not apply online

If you are unable to apply online, fill out Application for Swedish work permit, number 149011, and turn it in to a Swedish embassy or consulate-general in the country where you are living. The application form indicates the documents you need to enclose.

If there is no possibility to apply in your country, you should apply at the embassy or consulate-general nearest to the country where you live. Before you submit your application you should contact the embassy or consulate-general.

Each member of your family who plans to accompany you to Sweden must turn in an application of their own to a Swedish embassy or consulate-general.

Application for Swedish work permit, form 149011Pdf, 851.7 kB, opens in new window.

Application for a permit for family members of workers, researchers, athletes or coaches and those running their own business, form 133011