Looking to work in Sweden in 2025? Good choice — Sweden has a strong economy, good worker protections, and lots of jobs in tech, healthcare, engineering, and services. Getting a work visa (more correctly called a work permit or residence permit to work) can look heavy at first, but if you break it down step by step it becomes easy to follow. This guide explains the rules for 2025 in simple English, the exact documents you will need, what your employer must do, how much you must be paid, how to apply, what to expect while waiting, and tips to avoid common mistakes. I will also include helpful tables and a clear checklist you can use when preparing your application. Read on and use this as your one-stop reference so you don’t miss important steps.
Quick note: Sweden tightened its rules recently (2024–2025). The salary requirement now follows the median-wage rule and employers must follow advertising and insurance rules. I will show official sources and practical tips so you can apply with confidence.
Overview: Who needs a Sweden work permit?
- If you are a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country, you generally need a work permit (residence permit to work) before you start working in Sweden.
- Citizens of EU/EEA or Switzerland usually do not need a work permit to work in Sweden, though registration rules may apply.
- Some short stays or business activities may not require a work permit (e.g., certain visitor business trips), but long-term work needs the permit.
(For the most accurate determination, check the Swedish Migration Agency’s guidance for your exact situation.)
Main types of work-related permits (short table)
| Permit type | Who it is for | Main feature |
|---|---|---|
| General work permit / Residence permit to work | Non-EU/EEA workers with an employment offer | Most common; employer must apply and meet rules. |
| EU Blue Card | Highly skilled workers with higher salary | Higher salary threshold (1.25× average). Allows easier mobility across EU. |
| Intra-company transfer (ICT) | Employees moving to Swedish branch from non-EU company | Different rules; employer applies; usually temporary. |
| Self-employed / Start business | Entrepreneurs who will run a business in Sweden | Separate rules and proof of viable business plan. |
| Seasonal / Group permits | Seasonal industries (farm, tourism) | New group applications allowed for multiple workers. |
Key 2025 changes you must know (short, direct)
- Salary / “Good living” rule: Sweden now requires a job salary that equals at least 80% of the median Swedish salary (this is called the maintenance or “good living” requirement). The median is updated by Statistics Sweden (SCB); when the median changes, the absolute SEK threshold changes too. As of the June 17, 2025 update, that monthly minimum corresponds to SEK 29,680 (80% of median 37,100).
- Employer duties: Employers must advertise the vacancy for at least 10 days so local/EU applicants can apply, sign an employment agreement, and show that working conditions follow Swedish collective agreements or common practice. Employer must also take out required insurance (health, life, occupational pension, industrial injuries).
- Application start: Usually the employer starts the application in the Migration Agency’s e-service and then the employee completes their part. Some permit types allow the employee to submit part of the application.
Step-by-step application process (simple)
1. Get A Job Offer And Sign The Employment Contract
- You must have a real job offer and sign an employment contract before the employer applies for the permit. The employment contract should state salary, working hours, job title, start date, and length of contract if temporary.
2. Employer Advertises The Job (10 Days Rule)
- The employer advertises the job so that people in Sweden and the EU/EEA have a chance to apply. Usually the advert goes on the Swedish Public Employment Service portal for at least 10 days. This helps prove the employer tried to hire locally first.
3. Employer Starts The Application
- The employer fills the initial form in the Migration Agency e-service and uploads employer documents. The trade union may be asked for an opinion. Employers should be complete and careful: incomplete forms slow the process.
4. Employee Completes The Application
- The employee logs into the e-service and attaches personal documents: passport, signed employment contract, proof of qualifications, and any other requested papers. Biometrics (fingerprints, photo) are usually required when visiting a Swedish embassy or service point.
5. Wait For Decision And Provide More Documents If Asked
- The Migration Agency may ask for clarifications. Once approved, the residence permit must be granted before arrival to Sweden (in most cases). If you applied at an embassy, you may collect permit there.
Documents You Will Need
| Document | Who provides it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | Applicant | Must be valid for the planned stay. |
| Signed employment contract | Employer & applicant | Include salary, start date, hours, job title. |
| Proof of salary meeting threshold | Employer & applicant | Payslips, contract with salary; must meet 80% median and collective agreement practice. |
| Proof of qualifications / diplomas | Applicant | For skilled roles (engineers, nurses, IT) attach degree, certificates, reference letters. |
| Employer insurance proof | Employer | Health, life, pension, and industrial injuries insurances required. |
| Advert proof / recruitment advert | Employer | Evidence that the job was advertised for at least 10 days. |
| Application fee payment proof | Applicant | If an embassy asks for fee in local currency. |
| Birth/marriage certificates (if family joins) | Applicant | For family residence permits. |
Salary rules — how much do you need in 2025?
Sweden uses a median-based rule. That means the permit will only be granted if your salary is at least 80% of the current median monthly salary in Sweden. The median is published by Statistics Sweden (SCB) and the Migration Agency updates thresholds accordingly.
- As of the June 17, 2025 update, the median salary used was SEK 37,100, so the required minimum monthly salary for new permits is SEK 29,680 (80% of 37,100). Your contract must also follow collective agreements or common practice in your industry.
Important practical points
- The Migration Agency checks both the absolute salary level (80% median) and if salary and working conditions are in line with collective agreements or common practice. Even if your salary meets 80% median but employment conditions are clearly worse than industry practice, the permit may be refused.
Employer Responsibilities — What What The Company Must Show
Employers play a central role. They must:
- Advertise the vacancy at the Swedish Public Employment Service for at least 10 days. This shows effort to hire locally.
- Sign a proper employment agreement with the employee before applying.
- Ensure the salary and working conditions are on par with collective agreements or common practice.
- Provide insurances: health, life, industrial injuries, and occupational pension before the employee starts work.
If you are the applicant, check that the employer has done these steps — missing items are a common cause for delays or rejections.
Processing Time And Where To Apply
- Where to apply: Most applicants apply online via the Swedish Migration Agency e-service. If you prefer, you can apply at a Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country. Business/Investor applicants may follow separate guidance.
- Processing time: Can vary widely depending on the country and completeness of the application. Simple, complete cases are faster; incomplete or complex cases take longer. The Migration Agency publishes general processing time estimates on its website (check the site for current times).
- Biometrics: You will typically need to give fingerprints and a photo at an embassy or migration office when requested.
Can Family Members Come With Me?
Yes. Your spouse/partner and children under certain ages (and other dependent family members in qualifying circumstances) can usually apply for residence permits to join you at the same time as you apply or after your permit is granted. You must show appropriate documents (marriage/birth certificates) and that you can support them. Family members of EU Blue Card holders also have separate rules.
Special Routes And Useful Variants
EU Blue Card
- For highly qualified specialists. Higher salary threshold: at least 1.25 times the average salary in Sweden. The Blue Card supports mobility within the EU and can be a fast route for certain skilled workers.
ICT Permits (Intra-company transfer)
- For employees transferred by an employer outside EU to a Swedish branch. Different documentation and conditions apply. Good for managers, specialists, trainees.
Look For Work / Start Business
- Graduates from Swedish universities or certain skill groups may be eligible for permits to look for work or start a business under specific rules. Requirements differ (e.g., master’s degree level for look-for-work permit).
Common Reasons For Refusal — Avoid These
- Salary too low — not meeting the 80% median rule or not matching industry practice.
- Employer failed to advertise or did not show recruitment efforts.
- Incomplete application — missing documents, unclear job description, no signed contract.
- Poorly documented qualifications — no diplomas, unclear references.
If refused, you usually have the right to appeal; the decision letter will explain next steps.
Practical Tips And Smart Moves
- Get a clear, signed contract before any application starts. Do not rely on verbal offers.
- Make copies: scanned passport, diplomas, previous pay slips, reference letters — attach what you can to speed up the case.
- Check collective agreements in your sector — unions and employers’ associations can help confirm what “common practice” looks like.
- Employer transparency: ask your employer to show proof of job advertisement and required insurances.
- Keep embassy info handy: find the nearest Swedish embassy for biometric appointments.
Sample Timeline (Typical, Not Exact)
- Job offer signed — Day 0
- Employer advertises job — Days 1–10 (advert period)
- Employer starts application — Day 11–14
- Employee uploads documents and completes application — Day 15–21
- Biometrics appointment if required — Week 4–6
- Decision — varies (often weeks to a few months depending on country and case complexity). Check Migration Agency for up-to-date times.
Example: What To Write In Your Application (Short Template)
- Job title, start date, work hours (full-time/part-time), salary per month, job duties (short bullets), signing employer’s name and contact, evidence of advertisement (link or screenshot), insurance confirmation. Attach diplomas and passport scans.
Quick Checklist Before Submission
| Item | Done? |
|---|---|
| Signed employment contract | ☐ |
| Proof salary ≥ SEK 29,680 (or current 80% median) | ☐ |
| Employer advert proof (10 days) | ☐ |
| Proof of employer insurance | ☐ |
| Passport copy | ☐ |
| Diplomas / certificates | ☐ |
| Signed application and fee paid (if required) | ☐ |
| Biometrics appointment scheduled | ☐ |
After Arrival — Registration And Practical Matters
- When you arrive in Sweden with a residence permit, you must register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) to get a personal identity number (personnummer) if you will stay long-term. This number is important for opening bank accounts, getting health care, and other services.
- Register for healthcare and check how your employer’s insurance works in practice.
- Learn about Swedish labor rights (working hours, leaves, unions). Joining a trade union and getting guidance can be helpful.
Sources & Where To Double-check (official links)
For the most accurate, up-to-date details, always check the Swedish Migration Agency and official Swedish government pages:
- Swedish Migration Agency — Work permits (employees, employers, and guidance).
- Employer guidance — advertising, insurance, and employer duties.
- Migration Agency news about median salary updates (June 17, 2025 threshold).
- Sweden official page about obtaining a work permit.
- Business Sweden guide (PDF) — practical notes for businesses and applicants.
Conclusion
Getting a Sweden work visa (residence permit to work) in 2025 is very doable if you prepare. The most important things are: have a signed contract, make sure the salary meets the 80% median rule (SEK 29,680 as of June 17, 2025), ensure your employer has advertised the job for at least 10 days and has the required insurances, and submit a complete application with clear documents. Follow the checklists above and use official Migration Agency pages when in doubt. With a good contract and complete documents you increase your chance of a quick, successful process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I apply while in Sweden or from my country?
A: In most cases you apply from outside Sweden. If you already have legal residence in Sweden (for example as a student) other rules can apply. Always check the Migration Agency guidance for your specific case.
Q2: What is the minimum salary for Sweden work permits in 2025?
A: Sweden uses the 80% of median rule. After the June 17, 2025 update, the monthly threshold is SEK 29,680 (80% of median SEK 37,100). This can change when SCB updates the median, so check the Migration Agency for the latest number.
Q3: Can I change jobs while I hold a Swedish work permit?
A: You may need to apply for a new permit if your employment changes significantly (different employer or different terms). Some permits have flexibility but you must inform Migration Agency or apply for a new permit depending on the case. Check the conditions on your permit.
Q4: How long can I stay on a work permit?
A: Work permits can be issued for different lengths (temporary contracts vs permanent). Extensions are possible if conditions remain met. The exact validity will be on your permit decision.
Q5: Can family come with me to Sweden?
A: Yes. Family members can apply at the same time or later. They will need supporting documents (marriage, birth certificates) and to meet requirements set by the Migration Agency.
Q6: What if my employer does not want to advertise the job?
A: Advertising the job for at least 10 days is part of the rules. If the employer refuses, the application may not meet requirements. Discuss this with your employer and point them to the Migration Agency employer guidance.
Q7: Are there job sectors that are easier to get permits in?
A: Sectors with labour shortages (healthcare, IT, engineering, construction) often have more employers willing to hire from outside EU, but all standard rules still apply. Always ensure salary and conditions are correct.
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