Work Permit (Residence Permit for Employment)
Embassy required
- Processing time
- Approximately 1 month for highly qualified workers with complete applications; approximately 4 months for other employment with complete applications; 3-11 months if incomplete
- Fee
- SEK 2,200 (main applicant); SEK 1,500 (adult family); SEK 750 (child)
- Validity
- Up to 2 years per permit; renewable; not beyond employment contract or passport validity
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Swedish work permit (residence permit for employment) for non-EU/EEA citizens. Must be applied for BEFORE arriving in Sweden. The employer must initiate the application process. Minimum monthly salary threshold is SEK 29,680 (80% of median salary). From June 2026, threshold increases to SEK 33,390 (90% of median). Employer must provide health, life, occupational injury, and pension insurance. After 4 years of work permit, may be eligible for permanent residence. Japanese citizens are exempt from application fees.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Required for all non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who wish to work in Sweden. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens have the right to work without a permit.
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Employment
Must have a concrete job offer from a Swedish employer. The position must have been advertised in Sweden and the EU/EEA for at least 10 days. Salary and employment conditions must match Swedish collective agreements or industry standards.
Required status: Concrete job offer from Swedish employer
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Financial
Monthly salary must be at least SEK 29,680 (as of 2025). Must be sufficient for self-support in Sweden.
Minimum funds: SEK 29,680 per month
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment via Swedish Migration Agency e-service; Amount: SEK 2,200 (main applicant); SEK 1,500 (adult family); SEK 750 (child)
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
How to apply
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Online application
Employer initiates the application in the Swedish Migration Agency's e-service, providing company details and job offer information.
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Document gathering
Applicant gathers: passport copies, signed employment contract, proof of insurance, and power of attorney if applicable. Family members need passports, relationship proof, and birth certificates.
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Fee payment
Pay application fee: SEK 2,200 (main applicant), SEK 1,500 (adult family), SEK 750 (child).
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Document submission
Present passport at Swedish embassy/consulate for verification, or use digital passport check if available in your country.
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Processing wait
Wait for Swedish Migration Agency decision. Highly qualified workers: approximately 1 month. Other employment: approximately 4 months. Union consultation may occur.
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Visa collection
Receive decision via email or letter. If approved, receive residence permit card. May need to collect at embassy or upon arrival in Sweden.