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- | Sportsmen/sportswomen and coaches
Employers of sportsmen/sportswomen or coaches
Sports coaches and sportsmen/women wishing to work in Sweden must have work permits. If the term of the contract is longer than three months, he or she must also apply for a residence permit.
A professional sportsman/woman or official may visit Sweden without a work permit in order to take part in international competitions for a maximum of three months during a twelve-month period. The citizens of some countries, however, require a visa in order to enter Sweden, see link in the right column.
To be granted a permit requires that the sports coach and sportsman/woman:
The sportsman/sportswoman/coach must apply for a permit from his/her country of origin or another country outside Sweden in which he/she resides.
Most people have to pay an application fee; see page on fees. If the application is refused, the money will not be returned.
The decision will be sent to the embassy or consulate where the application was made or that was specified when applying on-line.
The validity of the residence and work permits is granted for up to two years at a time or for the term of the contract, if it is less than two years. If the contract with the club is extended, the sportsman/sportswoman/coach must apply for a new permit.
Husband/wife or common law spouse or minor children under 21 are eligible for residence permits for the same period as the sportsman/sportswoman/coach. The husband, wife or common-law spouse can also obtain a work permit if the sportsman/sportswoman/coach has a permit for at least six months.
The sportsman/sportswoman/coach will be in Sweden for a limited period and is therefore not entitled to the same welfare benefits as those who reside here permanently. It is therefore important to find out about the insurance cover needed.
You cannot appeal against a decision to reject an application for a work permit.
Requirements to be granted a work permit
To be granted a permit requires that the sports coach and sportsman/woman:
- has a valid passport
- is a professional sportsman/woman/coach
- has a written contract signed by both parties
- has accommodation in Sweden
- has a guaranteed monthly wage of at least SEK 14,300 before tax.
- has a health and accident insurance that corresponds to customary insurances within your sport and level
- has approval from the Swedish Sports Confederation (Riksidrottsförbundet). The confederation must certify that his/her appointment as a sportsman/coach is of fundamental importance to the positive development of the sports branch.
Applying for a work permit
The sportsman/sportswoman/coach must apply for a permit from his/her country of origin or another country outside Sweden in which he/she resides.
Application fee
Most people have to pay an application fee; see page on fees. If the application is refused, the money will not be returned.
Decision on residence and work permit
The decision will be sent to the embassy or consulate where the application was made or that was specified when applying on-line.
Permit validity period
The validity of the residence and work permits is granted for up to two years at a time or for the term of the contract, if it is less than two years. If the contract with the club is extended, the sportsman/sportswoman/coach must apply for a new permit.
As long as there is a contract, a permit may be extended by two years at a time for a total of four years. The permit is only valid for work in the club that has offered the employment and only for the branch of sport specified in the job offer.
Permits for family members
Husband/wife or common law spouse or minor children under 21 are eligible for residence permits for the same period as the sportsman/sportswoman/coach. The husband, wife or common-law spouse can also obtain a work permit if the sportsman/sportswoman/coach has a permit for at least six months.
Important to remember
The sportsman/sportswoman/coach will be in Sweden for a limited period and is therefore not entitled to the same welfare benefits as those who reside here permanently. It is therefore important to find out about the insurance cover needed.
Right to appeal
You cannot appeal against a decision to reject an application for a work permit.
Page updated: 2012-01-18
Migrationsverket
