Move to Sweden and work for a Swedish employer or start a new job after graduation. This guide covers collective agreement salaries, permit validity, permanent residence pathway and more.
Sweden • Employment • Valid up to 2 years • Collective agreement salary
To obtain a Swedish work permit, your employment conditions must be equal to or better than those in a Swedish collective agreement【178595501273050†L808-L813】. Work permits are generally valid for the duration of your employment but no longer than two years at a time and can be renewed【178595501273050†L839-L845】. After four years of employment within seven years you may qualify for permanent residence【178595501273050†L845-L846】. This article explains the requirements, application steps and FAQs.
Requirements
- Job offer: You must have an offer of employment in Sweden.
- Salary & conditions: The salary and working conditions must be equal to or better than those specified in a Swedish collective agreement【178595501273050†L808-L813】.
- Union consultation: The relevant trade union must be given the opportunity to review the terms and conditions【178595501273050†L808-L813】.
- Application location: Usually you must apply from your country of residence via the Swedish Migration Agency or a consulate【178595501273050†L817-L824】.
- Permitted to apply in Sweden: Exceptions allow students and job seekers in Sweden to apply domestically【178595501273050†L828-L834】.
Salary & terms
Swedish work permits require that your salary matches the prevailing wage for your occupation. Employers must offer:
- Monthly salary at or above collective agreement level【178595501273050†L808-L813】.
- Health insurance, life insurance and social security contributions as per Swedish law.
- Written employment contract describing duties, salary, start and end dates.
The Swedish Migration Agency may consult trade unions to ensure the conditions are fair.
Validity & residence pathway
Work permits are issued for the duration of your employment but for no longer than two years. They can be extended once for another two years【178595501273050†L839-L845】. After four years of employment within a seven-year period, you may apply for permanent residence【178595501273050†L845-L846】.
If you need to change employers or occupations during the first two years, you must apply for a new permit【178595501273050†L862-L868】. Losing your job may result in your permit being withdrawn if you cannot find new employment within three months【178595501273050†L872-L875】.
How to apply
- Secure job offer: Obtain a written offer from a Swedish employer, ensuring the salary meets collective agreement standards.
- Gather documents: Prepare passport copies, employment contract, proof of qualifications, and union approval (if required).
- Apply online or at consulate: Submit your application through the Swedish Migration Agency’s portal or at the nearest embassy/consulate【178595501273050†L817-L824】.
- Pay the fee: Work permit fees vary by occupation and are paid at the time of application.
- Await decision: Processing can take several months. If approved, your residence card will be issued.
Tip: Students finishing at least 30 credits or a semester of postgraduate study can apply for a work permit from within Sweden【178595501273050†L828-L834】.
Bringing your family
Your spouse, registered partner and children under 21 can apply for residence permits for the same period as your initial permit【178595501273050†L904-L914】. If your work permit is valid for more than six months, your family members may also be granted work permits【178595501273050†L916-L917】.
FAQs
How long is a Swedish work permit valid?
Permits are issued for the duration of your employment, up to two years at a time. They can be renewed once for a total of four years【178595501273050†L839-L845】.
Can I change jobs on a Swedish work permit?
If you change employer or profession during the first two years, you must apply for a new permit【178595501273050†L862-L868】.
When can I apply for permanent residence?
You may qualify for permanent residence after four years of employment within seven years【178595501273050†L845-L846】.
© 2025 jarovix.shop • Always confirm requirements, fees and processing times on the Swedish Migration Agency’s official website before applying.