Work Sweden

The process of obtaining a permit for citizens of non-EU countries involves several stages.

 

Main requirements:

1. Job offer and employment contract. Before applying for a permit, you need to receive an official job offer from a Swedish employer. The job must be posted on the Swedish employment service website for at least 10 days.

   

2. Working conditions. Your employment contract must comply with Swedish collective agreements or be standard for your industry. The salary must be at least 80% of the median salary in Sweden, and the employer must provide insurance (medical, accident, and pension).

 

3. Passport and documents. You need to have a valid passport and provide copies of its pages, confirming your identity and validity period. If the passport is expiring soon, it must be renewed, as the permit cannot be issued for a period exceeding the passport's validity.

 

4. Submission of application. The application is usually submitted online through the Swedish Migration Agency's website. The employer must first initiate the application process by providing all job details. You will then receive instructions on how to submit your application.

 

5. Additional documents. The application must also include the employment contract, and if your family is moving with you, documents for them (marriage certificates, children's birth certificates, etc.).

 

Application process and timing:

The processing time for the application can vary from 1 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of the case and the correctness of all documents submitted. Some certified employers may receive expedited consideration — up to 10 days. Sometimes the permit must be awaited outside of Sweden.

 

Extension of the permit:

A work permit is usually issued for up to two years. If your contract is longer, you can apply for an extension. To obtain permanent residence, you must work in Sweden for at least 4 years out of the last 7 years.

 

This process requires accuracy and attentiveness as errors in documents can lead to significant delays. It is advisable to follow all instructions and, if necessary, consult with lawyers specializing in migration law.

For EU citizens:

European Union citizens have the right to work freely in Sweden without needing a work permit. They can come to the country to look for work and bring their family members who will have the right to reside. A valid passport or national ID card is sufficient for work. There is also no need to obtain a residence permit to stay in Sweden for more than 90 days, as required for non-EU citizens.

 

For non-EU citizens:

Non-EU citizens need to obtain a work permit before entering Sweden. The main requirements include:

Employment contract: You need to receive a job offer from a Swedish employer, and the job must be posted on the Swedish and EU labor market for at least 10 days.

Employment conditions: Working conditions and salary must comply with Swedish collective agreements or be customary in the industry.

Passport and documents: A valid passport is required, as well as insurance (medical, pension, and accident insurance), provided by the employer.

 

For family members:

Non-EU citizens can also bring their family members if they have a work permit for more than 6 months. To do this, a residence permit application for family members must be submitted.

 

The application procedure for non-EU citizens includes submitting an online application, paying a fee, and possibly undergoing additional document verification at the consulate.

Finding a job in Sweden can be challenging, especially for immigrants, but with the right approach, it is quite achievable. Here are the main steps to help you in your job search in Sweden:

 

Use online platforms to search for jobs

The main resources for job searching in Sweden are the public employment service Arbetsförmedlingen and the portal Platsbanken, as well as private sites like Indeed, Jobbsafari, and Blocket. International platforms such as LinkedIn are also popular, where you can find job postings in English and other languages, which is especially useful for foreigners.

 

Build a strong network of contacts

In Sweden, approximately 70% of job vacancies are filled through personal connections, so networking plays a key role. Keep in touch with colleagues and acquaintances, attend events and job fairs. Also, actively use social networks such as LinkedIn to expand your professional network.

 

Pay attention to your resume and cover letter

Your resume and cover letter must be tailored to the Swedish market. Swedish employers expect clear and concise information, including your professional skills, achievements, and education. It is also helpful to have a resume in both English and Swedish. If the job posting is in English, submit your resume in English, and if it's in Swedish, submit your resume in Swedish.

 

Learn Swedish

Although many people in Sweden speak English, knowing Swedish significantly increases your chances of employment, especially in local companies. There are many courses and programs that can help improve your language skills.

 

Prepare for interviews

Preparation for interviews is an important step. Practice answers to questions and be ready to discuss not only your professional skills but also why you want to work in this company, as well as your personal qualities and what they are. Employers value teamwork skills. Employers appreciate an interest in their business and commitment to long-term employment.

 

Look for jobs in high-demand sectors

The Swedish Migration Agency and the employment service regularly publish lists of professions in shortage. If your profession is on this list, it significantly increases your chances of finding a job.

 

Consider internships and temporary work

Internships and temporary work can be a great way to gain work experience in Sweden and make valuable connections. Many employers offer internship programs through initiatives like Jobbsprånget, aimed at adapting foreigners.

 

Thus, to succeed in job hunting in Sweden, it is important to be proactive, utilize all available resources, and continue to develop your skills, including learning Swedish.

The main requirements for employment in Sweden depend on several factors, such as your citizenship, professional qualifications, and language proficiency. Here are the key points to consider:

 

Language proficiency

Although most people in Sweden speak English, knowing Swedish is a big plus. Many employers prefer employees who speak Swedish, especially in local companies. At the same time, in international companies and in demand fields such as IT, engineering, and medicine, you can find work without knowing Swedish, but knowledge of the language will increase your chances of employment and successful integration into society.

 

Qualification

Sweden requires qualification verification for many professions. For example, if you work in the healthcare sector, education, or engineering fields, you may need official recognition of your diploma. You can undergo the evaluation process through the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR), which helps validate foreign qualifications, easing job searching.

 

Work experience and in-demand professions

Having relevant work experience is crucial for successful employment. In Sweden, there is a list of professions that are in high demand, such as specialists in IT, engineering, medicine, and science. If your profession is on this list, it can simplify the process of obtaining a job and a visa. Sometimes, having higher education in general and your work experience is sufficient for the employer.

 

Work permit

If you are not an EU citizen, you need to obtain a work permit to work in Sweden. This includes having a job contract and meeting the conditions of Swedish collective agreements, such as salary and social benefits.

 

Thus, successful employment in Sweden requires a combination of language skills, relevant qualifications, and work experience, especially if you are applying for positions in high-demand sectors.

There are several industries in Sweden that are particularly in demand and continue to show high demand for qualified specialists.

 

Technology and IT

The Swedish IT industry continues to develop actively. There is a shortage of software developers, system analysts, and IT architects in the country. It is predicted that by 2024 the shortage of IT specialists in Sweden will reach 70,000 people, making this field one of the most in demand.

 

Healthcare

The healthcare sector also experiences a sharp shortage of personnel, especially concerning doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and psychologists. Special medical professions, such as radiologists and operating room nurses, are among the most needed.

 

Engineering and construction

Engineers and technical specialists in fields such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, construction, and the chemical industry are in high demand. In particular, there is demand for sustainable development engineers and specialists in "green" technologies related to renewable energy sources and sustainable infrastructure.

 

Green technologies and transport

Sweden is actively moving towards environmentally sustainable development. Companies working in the field of transport electrification, such as Einride and Northvolt, create cutting-edge solutions for autonomous and electric transport. The demand for specialists in this area will only grow in the coming years.

 

Education

The demand for educators in Sweden is steadily high, especially for primary school teachers and specialists working with children with special needs. Teachers in vocational and technical educational institutions play an important role.

 

In Sweden, there is also a high demand for unskilled workers, especially in certain industries.

 

Construction and repair

Professions such as bricklayers, painters, scaffolders, builders, and repair workers show a constant need for employees. These jobs require physical strength but do not always require formal education.

 

Logistics and transportation

Truck drivers, loading and unloading operators, and warehouse workers are actively sought after, especially considering the growth of online commerce volumes and the need for rapid delivery of goods.

 

Cleaning and sanitation

Cleaning workers, orderlies, and disinfection workers are also in demand. These professions generally do not require special education but are stable and important for maintaining public infrastructure.

 

Agriculture and processing

Unskilled workers are needed in agriculture, particularly for seasonal work such as harvesting and at food industry enterprises.

 

Service industry

This includes waitstaff, cleaners, kitchen staff, and hotel assistants. Professions in the hospitality sector do not require high qualifications but are in demand, especially in tourist regions.

 

Thus, there are quite a few opportunities for unskilled workers in Sweden, especially in the sectors of construction, logistics, agriculture, and services.

The Swedish pension system combines several levels: state pension, occupational pension, and private savings.

 

State pension

Everyone who resides and works in Sweden is entitled to a state pension. It consists of two parts:

   - Income pension — calculated based on your income, from which taxes are deducted.

   - Premium pension — this is part of your state pension that is invested in various funds. You can independently choose the funds to manage these resources.

 

Guaranteed pension

If your income was low or you didn’t work in Sweden for a sufficient number of years, you may be provided with a guaranteed pension, which serves as minimal support. It is available only to those who have resided in Sweden for at least 40 years.

 

Professional Pension

Most employers in Sweden provide their employees with a professional pension. It is provided by the employer in addition to the state pension and is an important component of retirement income. The professional pension can vary depending on the terms of the employment contract.

 

Private Pension Savings

In addition to state and professional pensions, everyone can independently save for their retirement through private savings accounts or insurance products. Private savings provide additional financial security in old age.

 

Retirement Age

The retirement age in Sweden is flexible. You can start receiving a pension from age 62, but full pension entitlements arise at age 66. The longer you work, the larger your pension will be, as payouts depend on the length of your employment and income.

 

Features for Immigrants

If you have worked in another country, your foreign pensions will not reduce the Swedish state pension, but they may affect the receipt of a guaranteed pension or other social benefits. Pensions earned in Sweden can be paid even if you leave the country.

 

Thus, the Swedish pension system offers many opportunities for ensuring a comfortable retirement life, including state and professional pensions, as well as the possibility of private savings.

In Sweden, social insurance provides financial support at different stages of life, including pensions, medical care, sickness insurance, and other forms of support. Here are the main types of social insurance in the country:

 

Pension Insurance

The Swedish pension system includes several components:

   - The state pension consists of income pension and premium pension, based on your income and tax contributions.

   - The guaranteed pension is provided to those with low income or insufficient years of work in Sweden.

 

Medical Insurance

Sweden has universal medical insurance. All residents registered in the system receive medical services at subsidized prices, and some types of medical assistance, such as emergency care, can be free. Registration with the Swedish Tax Agency and obtaining a personal number are required for this.

 

Sickness and Temporary Disability Insurance

If you get sick and cannot work, you are entitled to sickness compensation, which is paid based on your income. This type of insurance is available only to those who work or reside in Sweden and are registered in the social insurance system.

 

Childcare Insurance

Parents in Sweden receive childcare benefit (föräldrapenning), allowing them to take paid leave upon the birth or adoption of a child. Subsidies for kindergarten and child benefits up to 16 years of age are also provided.

 

Other Types of Social Support

Sweden also provides various forms of support for the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and workplace accident insurance programs. Registration with the Swedish Social Insurance Agency is required to receive these benefits.

 

Thus, the Swedish social insurance system covers many areas of life, providing residents with protection in case of illness, old age, disability, and other life situations.

In Sweden, the rules concerning termination, leave, and public holidays are clearly regulated by legislation and collective agreements.

 

Termination Rules

The termination process is regulated by the Employment Protection Act. Employers must observe the notification procedure and provide justified reasons for termination, such as insufficient performance or organizational changes. If an employee has worked for more than two years, they are entitled to severance pay. Notice of termination must be given a certain period in advance, depending on the length of service — from 1 to 6 months.

 

Vacations

By law, every employee in Sweden is entitled to a minimum of 25 paid vacation days per year. The vacation period typically runs from June to August, and an employee has the right to four weeks of continuous vacation during this time. It is possible to accumulate vacation days, but no more than 30 days. Holiday pay includes regular salary plus additional compensation of about 12% of earnings during the vacation period.

 

Parental Leave

Sweden offers one of the most generous parental leave policies in the world — 480 days of paid leave per child. These days can be shared between the parents. Both parents can simultaneously take leave for 60 days, and this right can be used until the child reaches 12 years of age. Parents can also transfer up to 90 days of leave to other relatives or guardians.

 

Public Holidays

There are 13 official public holidays in Sweden:

 

New Year's Day – January 1.

Epiphany – January 6.

Good Friday – variable, observed on the Friday before Easter.

Easter Sunday – observed according to the year.

Easter Monday – Monday after Easter.

May Day – May 1.

Ascension Day – 40 days after Easter, always on a Thursday.

Midsummer's Day – usually on the Saturday between June 20 and 26.

All Saints' Day – first Saturday in November.

Christmas Day – December 25.

Second Day of Christmas – December 26.

 

Additionally, sometimes these days are considered:

St. John the Baptist's Day – Midsummer Eve (not always an official day off).

Christmas Eve – December 24 (not always an official day off, but in many companies it's a non-working day).

 

These days are often accompanied by traditional celebrations, and many Swedish companies provide additional days off around these holidays.

In Sweden, trade unions play an important role in protecting workers' rights and improving working conditions. About 70% of Swedish workers are members of trade unions, which operate based on collective agreements. These agreements regulate salaries, working hours, working conditions, and other important aspects of employment.

 

Main trade unions in Sweden:

LO (Landsorganisationen i Sverige) — Swedish Trade Union Confederation, representing workers engaged in manual labor; encompasses 14 unions, such as IF Metall (metal industry) and Kommunal (municipal services workers).

   

TCO (Tjänstemännens Centralorganisation) — Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees, representing white-collar workers. This organization includes unions for professionals in sectors like finance, education, and administration.

 

SACO (Sveriges akademikers centralorganisation) — Confederation of Professional Unions for employees with higher education, such as engineers, doctors, and teachers; includes 21 unions, including the Union of Engineers and the Union of Doctors.

 

How unions can help:

Rights protection: Unions protect workers in case of labor conflicts, providing legal assistance and support. In case of disputes, they can help resolve the issue with the employer or go to court.

   

Collective agreements: Unions negotiate with employers and conclude collective agreements that guarantee fair pay, workplace safety, the right to vacations, and other benefits.

 

Support and consultations: Union members get access to legal consultations, assistance in salary and working conditions issues. This is especially useful for immigrants who may face difficulties in understanding Swedish labor law.

 

Social protection: Unions also provide access to unemployment insurance (A-kassa), which helps maintain financial stability in case of job loss.

 

Joining a union is not only a way to protect one's rights but also a contribution to creating fair working conditions for all employees in Sweden.

Doing business in Sweden has a number of features that make this process relatively transparent and convenient, especially given the available government support.

Choosing a Business Form

The first step is choosing a business form. In Sweden, the most common forms are:

   - Sole Proprietorship: The simplest form for small businesses. Registration is conducted through the Swedish Tax Agency, and the entrepreneur bears personal responsibility for business debts.

   - Limited Liability Company, LLC: A popular form for larger companies. Here, a share capital of at least 25,000 SEK is required, and the owner is liable within the limits of their investment.

Registration and Taxes

To register a business, it is necessary to obtain approval for F-tax status, which means that you, as an entrepreneur, take responsibility for paying taxes. This is important for both sole proprietors and companies. Additionally, VAT registration is required if your revenues exceed the established threshold.

Requirements for Entrepreneurs Outside the EU

If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA, you will need a residence permit to conduct business. To obtain it, you must demonstrate sufficient experience in your field, proficiency in English or Swedish, and show that your business can support you and your family within two years.

Financial Support and Advice

Sweden offers numerous support programs for entrepreneurs, including government grants and loans available through platforms like Verksamt.se. There are also programs for advising budding entrepreneurs, for example, through NyföretagarCentrum, where you can get professional advice and information.

Accounting and Legal Issues

Conducting business in Sweden requires strict adherence to tax and accounting regulations. Entrepreneurs are advised to hire accountants for maintaining financial records, especially if you lack experience in this area. It is also important to comply with labor laws if you plan to hire employees.

Thus, Sweden provides favorable conditions for conducting business, but it is important to comply with legislative and tax requirements for your business to successfully develop.