Work permit requirements – information for employers
Information about the regulations that apply to prospective employees for obtaining a work permit, and your role as an employer.
Is the person covered by special rules?
The requirements listed on this page apply to general work permits. For certain professions and countries, special rules apply. You will find them in this list:
Is the person already in Sweden?
The main rule is that the person you are going to hire must apply for and have their permit ready before the trip to Sweden. However, some can submit their application for a work permit here in Sweden:
Work permit requirements
Advertise for a minimun of ten days
You must advertise the position in Sweden and within EU/EES and Switzerland for a minimum of ten days. The requirement for advertising is due to the fact that the recruitment procedure must be compatible with Sweden's commitments within the EU. See chapter 6 cap 2§ of the Aliens Act (in Swedish) External link, opens in new window..
Read more about advetising on the page When you are employing someone
Sign an employment contract
Sign an employment contract with the employee. It must be signed by both parties. Read about what an employment contract should contain.
Agree with the employee on terms of employment and salary for a good livelihood
Employment conditions and salary must be at least at the same level as Swedish collective agreements or what is customary in the profession or industry. The employment must also make it possible for the employee to achieve a good livelihood. This means that the employee must have a monthly salary that amounts to at least 80 percent of the median salary published by Statistics Sweden (SCB) and which was valid at the time of application. Read about current maintenance requirements here.
Arrange insurances
In the application, you must state which insurance policies you intend to take out for the employee in connection with the employee starting employment with you. Once the employment begins, the insurance must been valid. Read more about insurance.
Provide information about the employment
You must provide information about the employment and allow the relevant trade union to provide a statement of opinion regarding the terms of employment. Read more on the page When you are employing someone.
Certain industries are subject to more stringent control
You who are hiring in cleaning, hotels and restaurants, construction, trade, agriculture and forestry, car repair, service, staffing, personal assistance and newly started businesses in all industries are subject to more stringent control. This means that, for example, you need to attach more documents when you start an application for a work permit.
Read more about certain industries are subject to more stringent control
You must provide insurances
In order for an employee to receive a work permit, the employer must provide health insurance, life insurance, industrial injury insurance and occupational pension insurance for the employee when they begin working.
Health insurance
Health insurance is insurance that provides financial support if the insured becomes ill or injured. A health insurance should not be confused with a healthcare insurance, which helps the insured to get faster access to care.
Life insurance
Life insurance provides financial security if the insured dies. The money that is then paid out can for example ensure that the family can afford to stay in the house or cooperative home.
Occupational injury insurance
Occupational injury insurance means that the insuranceholder can receive compensation in the event of unemployment or sick leave for a longer period. The insurance provides compensation if the insuranceholder is injured at work or on the way to or on the way home from the workplace. Occupational injury insurance is often referred to as insurance for occupational injury and is abbreviated as TFA.
Occupational pension insurance
Occupational pension insurance is an insurance solution to secure an occupational pension. It can be signed by the employer for the benefit of the employee, or signed by the employee, but then paid by the employer. When occupational pension insurance is taken out can vary between different collective agreements.
In order for an employee to extend their work permit, they must have been provided with health insurance, life insurance, industrial injury insurance and occupational pension insurance for the entire period in which they have had a work permit in Sweden. To show that the insurance has been valid throughout the employment period, the document must state the start date of the policies and their terms and conditions.
Someone who has been in Sweden for less than one year does not have the same rights to social benefits as someone who is a resident of Sweden. For this reason, it is important that the person in question has been provided with insurance to cover any costs that may arise in the event of illness or an accident.