Employing people from countries outside the EU
Anyone who is a citizen of a country outside the EU in most cases needs a work permit to work in Sweden. There are different types of work permits, depending on who you are hiring.
Most non-EU citizens need a work permit
Are you going to hire someone from a country outside the EU? Then, as an employer, you need to provide information about the employment to the Swedish Migration Agency, so that the employee can apply for a work permit. You as an employer must also check a person's right to be and work in Sweden before you hire the person.
Visa
For work lasting for less than three months citizens of certain counties also need to have a visa.
Employees of temporary-work agencies that provide Swedish businesses with personnel, and employees who are transferred within a group of companies and stationed in Sweden also need work permits.
There are special rules for certain occupations and citizens of some countries.
Certain groups do not need to apply for work permits
The following groups do not need to apply for work permits to work in Sweden:
- EU citizens and their families
- citizens of Switzerland
- persons with long-term resident status
- citizens of Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland
- persons who have permanent residence permits (PUT)
- students who have residence permits for studies at higher education level
- researchers who already have a special residence permit for research
- asylum seekers who are exempt from the work permit requirement (AT-UND).
Certain occupational groups can also come to Sweden for a limited period of time and work without a work permit.
If you are uncertain as to whether a person is entitled to work with you, you are welcome to contact the Swedish Migration Agency.
Read more about work without a work permit for a limited period of time