Work permit for employees and citizens of non-EU countries

If you are a citizen of a non-EU country and want to work in Sweden, you will probably need to obtain a work permit.

Read more about the work permit requirements

Read more about how to apply for a work permit

You do not need to apply for a work permit if you

  • have a permanent residence permit
  • have a residence permit to attend a college or university
  • have a special residence permit to work as a researcher
  • are an asylum seeker and have an AT-UND (exemption from the obligation to hold a work permit)
  • are a citizen of an EU country
  • have a residence and work permit (UAT) as a person in need of protection under the Temporary Protection Directive, as a refugee, as a person in need of alternative subsidiary protection, due to particularly distressing circumstances, due to impediments to enforcement, or because of close family ties.

Read more about Swedish resi­dence permits for long-term resi­dents of another EU country

If you are moving to Sweden to work, you can visit Flytta – a digital service with a guide that provides support for your move to Sweden and information about how Swedish society works.

Learn more on the Flytta website External link, opens in new window.

Members of certain occupations and citizens of certain countries are subject to special regulations for working in Sweden.

Read more about special rules for certain occupations and citizens of certain countries

Members of some occupations can go to Sweden and work without a permit for a limited period of time.

Read more about exemptions from the work permit requirements

If you have completed studies corresponding to an advanced level degree, you can obtain a residence permit to come to Sweden and look for work or explore the possibilities for starting your own business.

Read more about residence permit to look for work

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