- English
You must have been offered a job before you can obtain a work permit. Your work permit must have been granted before you leave for Sweden.
There are several different kinds of work permits, e.g. for artists, au pairs, berry pickers, visiting researchers, athletes and coaches. For details, read the information on the Swedish Migration Agency website. The website also describes what exemptions apply in the case of certain occupational groups working in Sweden for a limited period.
In accordance with bilateral agreements, you may be required to obtain special types of permits if you are a citizen of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea or Switzerland.
Swedish Migration Agency: Working holiday visa for young people
Swedish Migration Agency: Residence permits for Swiss citizens
Citizens of the EU/EEA
As an EU citizen, you are entitled to work in Sweden without a work permit.
Special rules apply if you have a residence permit and long-term resident status in another EU country.
Read more about the rules for EU/EEA citizens and long-term residents of an EU country on the Swedish Migration Agency website:
Swedish Migration Agency
Citizens of a country outside the EU/EEA
If you are a citizen of a non-EU country and wish to work in Sweden, in most cases you need a work permit.
You must have been offered a job before you can obtain a work permit. Your work permit must have been granted before you leave for Sweden.
Read more about the rules for non-EU/EEA citizens on the Swedish Migration Agency website:
Swedish Migration Agency
Residence permit card
If you are granted a permit for more than three months, you are issued with a residence permit card. The card is proof that you possess a residence permit. Read more under "How to apply" to find out how you arrange for the card.
You can also find more information about the residence permit card on the Migration Agency website:
Swedish Migration Agency
Family members
If you obtain a permit to work in Sweden a family member (e.g. husband/wife and unmarried children under 21) may be granted a residence permit for the same period of time. If you receive a permit for at least six months, members of your family can also obtain work permits. Family members who are granted a residence permit need a residence permit card (see above).
Read more about residence permits for family members on the Swedish Migration Agency website:
Swedish Migration Agency