As part of the EU, Sweden offers excellent working opportunities. The country is well-planned and has a systematic employment system. There are limitless growth opportunities and the people are friendly too. If you want to work here, you need a Sweden work permit visa. Read on to find out more about this class of visas.
Read: Types Of Sweden Visa – Which One Do You Need?
Who qualifies for a Sweden work permit visa?
Unless you are an EU citizen, the spouse of an EU citizen or a long-term EU resident, you will need to apply for a Sweden work permit visa if you want to work in Sweden. Nordic citizens can work freely in Sweden after they register themselves with the Migration Agency and get a Swedish personal identity number.
The prerequisites for a Sweden work permit visa include:
- A valid passport from your home country
- An offer letter for employment on terms at par with those set by the Swedish collective agreements
- A minimum monthly salary of SEK 13,000 or the equivalent standard in the industry.
- The job must have been advertised in the EU for at least 10 days
- The job must offer sufficient life insurance, health insurance and social security
- The applicant must have proof of accommodation
- The applicant must intend to leave the country after the employment contract is over.
Read: 5 Ways To Get Swedish Citizenship
How to apply for a Sweden work permit visa
You can apply for a Sweden work permit visa as long as you hold a valid job offer from a Swedish employer. The work permit application must be initiated by the employer in the form of a written offer letter. This letter must mention the applicant’s name, citizenship, date of birth, education and email address. All future communication will be through this email address.
Next, you will receive an email with details on how the application format. In case you are being accompanied by your family, you can apply for their residence permits simultaneously.
Your application will need to be accompanied by the following documents:
- A copy of the first and last page of your passport
- Copy of the offer letter
- Statement from the trade union
Applicants can be represented by a power of attorney. In this case, you will need to give the individual who will hold the power of attorney a letter stating
- The power of attorney
- Your name, address and date of birth
- The responsibilities given to the person holding the power of attorney
- The name, address and date of birth of the person holding the power of attorney
- Your signature
- The date and place where the letter is signed
You can also use this form as a template.
You will then need to pay a visa application fee of SEK 2,000. There may be special fees for some occupations. For example, Performers, Au Pairs, Athletes, coaches, Researchers, Trainees and Volunteers need to pay SEK 1,500. This payment can be made online or at the consulate/embassy.
You can then submit your application online or at the consulate. It can take up to 3 months for the Sweden work permit visa application to be processed. You will then receive the decision via email. Your employer will also receive a copy of this work permit.
Read: How to Apply for Sweden Tourist Visa
How long is the work permit visa valid?
Work permits are typically valid for 2-years. If the individual chooses to switch jobs within these 2 years, the individual will need to apply for a new permit.
The Sweden work permit can be further extended for another 2-years. Once an individual works in Sweden with a work permit visa for 4-years, they can apply for permanent residency in Sweden.
How to extend a work permit visa to Sweden
After the initial 2 years, if you want to continue working and staying in Sweden, you can apply for a work permit extension. This application must be filed at least 30-days before the current permit expires. You will need:
- A completed application form
- Copy of the first and last page of your passport showing all personal details
- Copy of the EC residence permit
- Documents proving compliance with the prerequisites for a residence permit.
- Receipt for the application fee
- Copy of the employment contract
You will have the right to continue working even if your current permit expires before you receive the extension as long as the application was filed before your current permit expires. However, you should note that if you leave Sweden, you may not be able to return until the extension is granted. Hence, it is advisable to stay in the country.
Who can accompany an individual holding a Sweden work permit visa?
If you hold a Sweden work permit visa, you can be accompanied by your:
- Spouse
- Common-law spouse
- Registered partner
- A dependent child/ children who is less than 21 years old
Alternatives to the Sweden work permit visa
The Sweden work permit visa is not the only way to work in Sweden. Depending on your home country and occupation, you may also be eligible for an Intra Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit or an EU Blue Card.
The ICT Permit can be issued to foreigners in managerial or specialist positions who are being transferred within the same company from a branch outside Sweden to one within Sweden.
The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly skilled individuals with a university degree or 5-years of work experience.
