Work permit
Best suited to: Applicants with a qualifying Swedish job offer
Sweden
Moving to Sweden with a work permit that holds up
Sweden's rules focus on the offer itself: how it was advertised, what it pays and what it insures.
- The job offer must meet salary and insurance conditions
- Applications are normally submitted before travelling
- Permits can lead to permanent residence over time
Visa routes to Sweden
Each route has its own eligibility rules. Use these summaries to decide which official pages are worth your time.
Study permit
Best suited to: Students admitted to a Swedish programme
Family route
Best suited to: Partners and family of people living in Sweden
EU/EEA route
Best suited to: Nationals with free movement rights
What to know before applying
Sweden's work permit system is employer-driven: in most cases the employer initiates the offer of employment and you apply for the permit. There are also EU Blue Card and job-seeker routes for highly qualified people.
- Most work permits require the employer to advertise the job first.
- The EU Blue Card suits highly qualified workers with a degree and higher salary.
- Students can work without hourly limits while holding a valid residence permit.
- Permanent residence is possible after four years of continuous work-based residence.
Sweden immigration FAQs
- Do I need a job offer before applying?
- For the standard work permit and EU Blue Card, yes. The job seeker permit is the main exception.
- Can my partner work in Sweden?
- Family members of work permit holders usually receive residence permits with work rights.
- How long does a work permit take?
- Processing times depend on the embassy and whether the employer has completed the offer of employment. Check the Swedish Migration Agency's current processing times.