- English
If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU and wish to work in Sweden, in most cases you need a work permit.
There are different types of work permits in Sweden.
You must have been offered a job before you can obtain a work permit. You cannot enter Sweden until the permit has been granted.
For employment that last less than three months, citizens of certain countries must have both a work permit and a Schengen visa.
Schengen visa for residents of South Africa
Work permit or residence permit to work in Sweden
If you plan to work for a period longer than 3 months to start up or run your own business or become a part owner of a company, you must have a residence permit. You cannot enter Sweden until the permit has been granted. As self-employed you are not allowed to take employment with any employer.
If you want to apply for a work permit or a residence permit to work in Sweden, or as an accompanying family member of someone who is working the easiest is to apply on line.
Work permit or residence permit to work in Sweden
If you cannot or do not want to apply online you can submit a paper application with supporting documents at the embassy of Sweden in person instead. The application will be sent to the Swedish Migration Agency.
Book an appointment by sending an email to ambassaden.pretoria-migration@gov.se.
The web portal Workinginsweden.se provides a step-by-step guide to the Swedish migration process. It is aimed mainly at non-EU/EEA citizens interested in working in Sweden for at least one year. The portal also describes some of the advantages of a work life in Sweden.