2026-04-17
New rules for work permits from 1 June 2026
From 1 June 2026, new rules for work permits will begin to apply in Sweden. The rules affect those who are applying for or extending a work permit for employment in Sweden.
You are waiting for a decision You have applied for the first time – workYou are waiting for a decision You have applied for the first time – work
You have applied for a permit to work or look for work in Sweden for the first time and are waiting for a decision.
- Important to know
- How it works
Log in to My page
By logging in to My page, you can access information about your application and use our services.
Present your passport and provide fingerprints
Before the Swedish Migration Agency can make a decision, you must present your passport. In some cases, you will not be required to present your passport. For example, if we have already checked your passport at a previous appointment, we do not need to do so again.
You also need to be fingerprinted and photographed. This information will later be used to produce a residence permit card for you, if you are granted a permit for a period of more than three months. You need the card to enter Sweden.
Digital passport check
In some cases, the Swedish Migration Agency will notify you that you must present your passport for a digital passport check via an app. If you are granted a residence permit, you will be fingerprinted and photographed when you arrive in Sweden.
If you present your passport digitally, but have also been called in for an interview, you need to book an appointment to visit an embassy or consulate-general. During this visit, you may also need to provide fingerprints and have your picture taken.
Read more about digital passport check
Present your passport and provide fingerprints at the embassy
If you are not offered a digital passport check, we will ask you to book an appointment to present your passport at the embassy or consulate-general you selected in your application. If you need an entry visa to travel to Sweden, you may also be fingerprinted and photographed during the same visit. If you do not need an entry visa, you can get fingerprinted and photographed after you have arrived in Sweden.
Countries whose citizens need an entry visa to enter Sweden External link.
In some cases, you may need to undergo an interview at the embassy.
If your family is applying with you
If your family also applies for a residence permit together with you, the Swedish Migration Agency must also check the passport of each family member. The requirement to present a passport in person does not apply to children under the age of 5. In that case, it is enough that the parent brings the child’s passport to their own appointment. However, if the child needs an entry visa to enter Sweden, they must accompany their parent or legal guardian so they can be photographed for it.
Ask the embassy how they issue residence permit cards
If your application for a residence permit is granted, you will receive your residence permit card from the same embassy you visited to present your passport. For this reason, it is a good idea to ask the embassy now if they can send it to you by post or if you will need to pick it up in person.
When will I receive a decision?
It is not possible to say exactly how long you will need to wait for a decision. There are many things that affect the waiting time, for example whether your application is complete to begin with or whether we need to request more information.
On the page Waiting times you can see statistics on the average waiting time for different types of applications.
You can also log in to My page to see statistics on waiting times for the permit you have applied for.
How will I receive the decision?
If you applied in the e-service, you will receive an email stating whether your application has been approved or rejected. The decision will be sent to the embassy you previously visited, and you can read the decision there.
If you have applied using the form, the embassy will contact you with information about how you can be informed of the decision. In most cases, you need to book an appointment at the embassy to pick up the decision.
If you are in Sweden, the decision will be sent to your home address.
If a representative is acting on your behalf, the decision will be sent to them.
When you receive the decision, you can find out the reasons on which we based our decision and learn what to do if you want to appeal. If your application is rejected and you are currently in Sweden, you must prepare to leave the country.
Can I travel to Sweden before I have received a decision?
You should not travel to Sweden before you have received a decision, as your application may be rejected if you are in Sweden when the Swedish Migration Agency issues its decision.
If you want to withdraw your application
You can withdraw your application at any time while your case is being processed. Once you have withdrawn your application, you will receive a decision that your application has been dismissed.
You can withdraw your application by sending us a message when you are logged in to My Page, or by sending a letter to the Swedish Migration Agency.
In the message or letter, you must tell us that you want to withdraw your application. You will also need to provide your name, date of birth or personal identity number, case number, telephone number, and address. If you send us a letter, sign it with your signature. If you have applied from within Sweden, you must also attach proof that you have travelled out of Sweden.
If you have granted someone power of attorney, they may withdraw your application on your behalf.
Send the letter to:
Migrationsverket
Box 3100
903 03 Umeå
If you leave Sweden after your visa, visa-free period or residence permit has expired, we recommend that you take your receipt for the application with you when you leave. The border police are responsible for border controls in and out of to Sweden. Neither the Swedish Migration Agency nor the Border police can give an advance decision on whether you will be allowed to travel back to Sweden. This decision is made directly at the border control.
Let us know if anything has changed since you applied
If you have new information that may affect your application, for example if you have a new passport, married, or had a baby, you should contact the Swedish Migration Agency.
You can submit this new information at the embassy or consulate-general where you submitted your application. If you are in Sweden, you can visit one of the Swedish Migration Agency’s service centres or send the information by post to:
The Swedish Migration Agency
Box 3100
903 03 Umeå
If you have paid the wrong application fee
If you made a mistake when paying an application fee – for example, if you accidentally paid the fee twice – you can get a refund. Contact the Swedish Migration Agency to ask for your money back. If you submitted your application at an embassy or consulate-general, you should contact them instead.
When requesting a refund of a fee, you will need to provide the following information.
Information about you and your application:
- your given name and surname
- your personal identification number, coordination number or date of birth
- your address (with postal code, city and country)
- your telephone number and country code (e.g. +46 for Sweden)
- description of why you should get the fee back
- case number (designation number/control number)
- a bank statement or receipt clearly showing that you have paid a fee to the Swedish Migration Agency.
Information about your bank:
- name of the bank
- address of the bank (with postal code, city and country)
- account number and clearing number or equivalent
- IBAN code or BIC/SWIFT code (for banks outside Sweden)
- name of the person who owns the account.
Send this in a letter to:
Migrationsverket
601 70 Norrköping
Sweden
I’ve been waiting a long time for a decision. Can I do something to speed things up?
If it has been at least four months since you applied for a work permit (90 days if you applied for an EU Blue Card), you can submit a written request for the Swedish Migration Agency to conclude your case.
When you submit your request to the Swedish Migration Agency, one of the following things may happen:
- We make a decision about your application for a work permit.
- We reject your request to conclude the case. We do this if we believe that we cannot make a final decision about your application for a work permit within four weeks.
You can only submit one request, on a single occasion, during the time that the Swedish Migration Agency is processing your case. Even if your request is rejected, the processing of your application for a work permit will continue.
How to submit a request to conclude a case
To request that the Swedish Migration Agency conclude your case, fill in the form:
Request to conclude a case (271011) pdf, 669.3 kB.
Sign the form and send it to the Swedish Migration Agency. The address is stated on the form.
If you are acting as someone’s representative, you need to attach a power of attorney, unless a power of attorney has previously been submitted in the case.
Work permit as an employee
You get a job and an employment agreement
Before you apply for a work permit, you need to have an employment agreement signed by you and your employer.
The employer starts the application
It is your employer who starts your application in the e-service.
The trade union is given the opportunity to comment
The employer sends information about the employment to the relevant trade union for the industry to which the employment relates. The trade union is given the opportunity to comment on the terms and conditions of employment.
You fill in your part of the application
Once the employer has completed their part, you will receive an email with a link to the e-service, where you must fill in your part of the application. You fill in the application and attach the necessary documents. In your application, you indicate which Swedish embassy or consulate-general you want to visit to present your passport. In certain cases, you may also be asked to come to the embassy for an interview.
Waiting time before we start examining the application
Now follows a period of waiting until the Swedish Migration Agency takes a closer look at your application.
The Swedish Migration Agency processes the application
The Swedish Migration Agency will review all the information about your application and determine whether you can be granted a residence permit. If we can immediately see that you do not meet the requirements for a residence permit, we may decide to reject your application.
We will contact you if we need more information.
Log in to My page
By logging in to My page, you can access information about your application and use our services.
Present a passport and provide fingerprints
Before we can make a decision about a work permit, you need to present your passport. You must also be fingerprinted and photographed. This information will later be used to produce a residence permit card for you, if you are granted a permit for a period of more than three months.
Digital passport check
In some cases, the Swedish Migration Agency will notify you that you must present your passport for a digital passport check via an app. If you are granted a work permit, you will be fingerprinted and photographed once you have arrived in Sweden.
If you present your passport digitally, but have also been called in for an interview, you need to book an appointment to visit an embassy or consulate-general. During this visit, you may also need to provide fingerprints and have your picture taken.
Read more about digital passport check
Present your passport and get fingerprinted at the embassy
If you are not offered a digital passport check, we will ask you to book an appointment to present your passport at the embassy or consulate-general you selected in your application.
If you need an entry visa to travel to Sweden, you may also be fingerprinted and photographed during the same visit.
You are waiting for a decision – You have applied for the first time
The Swedish Migration Agency processes the application
Once you have presented your passport, the Swedish Migration Agency will review all the information related to your application and determine whether you can be granted a work permit.
We will contact you if we need more information. In some cases, we will contact your employer for further information.
You receive our decision
As soon as we have made a decision, you will receive an email or letter stating whether you have been granted a work permit or if your application has been rejected. In some cases, the Swedish Migration Agency will invite you to an in-person meeting at which you will be informed of the decision. When you receive the decision, you can find out the reasons on which we based it. If you are granted a residence permit, you have the right to live and work in Sweden as long as the permit is valid. If your application is rejected and you are currently in Sweden, you must prepare to leave the country.
Work permit as self-employed
You apply
You fill in the application and attach the necessary documents. In the application, you state whether you are in Sweden. If you are abroad, please indicate which Swedish embassy or consulate-general you want to visit to present your passport. In certain cases, you may also be asked to come to the embassy for an interview.
Waiting time before we start examining the application
Now follows a period of waiting until the Swedish Migration Agency takes a closer look at your application.
The Swedish Migration Agency processes the application
The Swedish Migration Agency will review all the information about your application and determine whether you can be granted a residence permit. If you are abroad and we can immediately see that you do not meet the requirements for a residence permit, we may decide to reject your application.
We will contact you if we need more information.
Log in to My page
By logging in to My page, you can access information about your application and use our services.
Present a passport and provide fingerprints
Before we can make a decision about a residence permit, you need to present your passport. You must also be fingerprinted and photographed. This information will later be used to produce a residence permit card for you, if you are granted a permit for a period of more than three months.
Digital passport check
In some cases, the Swedish Migration Agency will notify you that you must present your passport for a digital passport check via an app. If you are granted a work permit/residence permit, you will be fingerprinted and photographed once you have arrived in Sweden.
If you present your passport digitally, but have also been called in for an interview, you need to book an appointment to visit an embassy or consulate-general. During this visit, you may also need to provide fingerprints and have your picture taken.
Read more about digital passport check
Present your passport and get fingerprinted at the embassy
If you are not offered a digital passport check, we will ask you to book an appointment to present your passport at the embassy or consulate-general you selected in your application.
If you need an entry visa to travel to Sweden, you may also be fingerprinted and photographed during the same visit.
You are waiting for a decision – You have applied for the first time
If you are in Sweden
If you are already in Sweden with a valid permit, you should visit one of the Swedish Migration Agency’s service centres to present your passport and be photographed and fingerprinted.
You receive our decision
As soon as we have made a decision, you will receive an email or letter stating whether you have been granted a residence permit or if your application has been rejected. The decision will then be sent by post to your chosen embassy or representative. You may need to book an appointment at the embassy to pick it up. When you receive the decision, you can find out the reasons on which we based it. If you are granted a residence permit, you have the right to live and work in Sweden as long as the permit is valid. If your application is rejected and you are currently in Sweden, you must prepare to leave the country.
EU Blue Card
You get a job and an employment agreement
Before you apply for a work permit, you need to have an employment agreement signed by you and your employer.
The employer starts the application
It is your employer who starts your application in the e-service.
The trade union is given the opportunity to comment
The employer sends information about the employment to the relevant trade union for the industry to which the employment relates. The trade union is given the opportunity to comment on the terms and conditions of employment.
You fill in your part of the application
Once the employer has completed their part, you will receive an email with a link to the e-service. You must then fill in your part of the application. You fill in the application and attach the necessary documents. In some cases, you may also be asked to come to the embassy for an interview.
The Swedish Migration Agency processes the application
The Swedish Migration Agency will review all the information about your application and determine whether you can be granted a residence permit. If we can immediately see that you do not meet the requirements for a residence permit, we may decide to reject your application.
We will contact you if we need more information. In some cases, we will contact your employer for further information.
Log in to My page
By logging in to My page, you can access information about your application and use our services.
Present a passport and provide fingerprints
Before we can make a decision about a EU Blue Card, you need to present your passport. You must also be fingerprinted and photographed. This information will later be used to produce a residence permit card for you.
Digital passport check
In some cases, the Swedish Migration Agency will notify you that you must present your passport for a digital passport check via an app. If you are granted a EU Blue Card, you will be fingerprinted and photographed once you have arrived in Sweden.
If you present your passport digitally, but have also been called in for an interview, you need to book an appointment to visit an embassy or consulate-general. During this visit, you may also need to provide fingerprints and have your picture taken.
Read more about digital passport check
Present your passport and get fingerprinted at the embassy
If you are not offered a digital passport check, we will ask you to book an appointment to present your passport at the embassy or consulate-general you selected in your application.
If you need an entry visa to travel to Sweden, you may also be fingerprinted and photographed during the same visit.
You are waiting for a decision – You have applied for the first time
You receive our decision
As soon as we have made a decision, you will receive an email or letter stating whether you have been granted a EU Blue Card or if your application has been rejected. The decision will then be sent by post to your chosen embassy or representative. You may need to book an appointment at the embassy to pick it up. When you receive the decision, you can find out the reasons on which we based it. If you are granted a residence permit, you have the right to live and work in Sweden as long as the permit is valid. If your application is rejected and you are currently in Sweden, you must prepare to leave the country.
Researchers
You receive a research offer and a signed hosting agreement
Before you apply for a residence permit for researchers, you need to have a signed hosting agreement, which your research principal will send to you.
You apply
You fill in the application and attach the required documents. In your application, you indicate which Swedish embassy or consulate-general you want to visit to present your passport.
Waiting time before we start examining the application
Now follows a period of waiting until the Swedish Migration Agency takes a closer look at your application.
The Swedish Migration Agency processes the application
The Swedish Migration Agency will review all the information about your application and determine whether you can be granted a residence permit. If we can immediately see that you do not meet the requirements for a residence permit, we may decide to reject your application.
We will contact you if we need more information. In some cases, we will contact your employer for further information.
Log in to My page
By logging in to My page, you can access information about your application and use our services.
Present a passport and provide fingerprints
Before we can make a decision about a residence permit, you need to present your passport. You must also be fingerprinted and photographed. This information will later be used to produce a residence permit card for you, if you are granted a permit for a period of more than three months.
Digital passport check
In some cases, the Swedish Migration Agency will notify you that you must present your passport for a digital passport check via an app. If you are granted a residence permit, you will be fingerprinted and photographed once you have arrived in Sweden.
If you present your passport digitally, but have also been called in for an interview, you need to book an appointment to visit an embassy or consulate-general. During this visit, you may also need to provide fingerprints and have your picture taken.
Read more about digital passport check
Present your passport and get fingerprinted at the embassy
If you are not offered a digital passport check, we will ask you to book an appointment to present your passport at the embassy or consulate-general you selected in your application.
If you need an entry visa to travel to Sweden, you may also be fingerprinted and photographed during the same visit.
You are waiting for a decision – You have applied for the first time
You receive our decision
As soon as we have made a decision, you will receive an email or letter stating whether you have been granted a residence permit or if your application has been rejected. The decision will then be sent by post to your chosen embassy or representative. You may need to book an appointment at the embassy to pick it up. When you receive the decision, you can find out the reasons on which we based it. If you are granted a residence permit, you have the right to live and work as a researcher in Sweden as long as the permit is valid. If your application is rejected and you are currently in Sweden, you must prepare to leave the country.
Athletes and coaches
You get a job and an employment agreement
Before you apply for a work permit, you need to have an employment agreement signed by you and your employer.
The employer starts the application
It is your employer who starts your application in the e-service.
You fill in your part of the application
Once the employer has completed their part, you will receive an email with a link to the e-service, where you must fill in your part of the application.
You fill in the application and attach the necessary documents. In your application, you indicate which Swedish embassy or consulate-general you want to visit to present your passport. In certain cases, you may also be asked to come to the embassy for an interview.
Waiting time before we start examining the application
Now follows a period of waiting until the Swedish Migration Agency takes a closer look at your application.
The Swedish Migration Agency processes the application
The Swedish Migration Agency will review all the information about your application and determine whether you can be granted a residence permit. If we can immediately see that you do not meet the requirements for a residence permit, we may decide to reject your application.
We will contact you if we need more information.
Log in to My page
By logging in to My page, you can access information about your application and use our services.
Present a passport and provide fingerprints
Before we can make a decision about a work permit, you need to present your passport. You must also be fingerprinted and photographed. This information will later be used to produce a residence permit card for you, if you are granted a permit for a period of more than three months.
Digital passport check
In some cases, the Swedish Migration Agency will notify you that you must present your passport for a digital passport check via an app. If you are granted a work permit, you will be fingerprinted and photographed once you have arrived in Sweden.
If you present your passport digitally, but have also been called in for an interview, you need to book an appointment to visit an embassy or consulate-general. During this visit, you may also need to provide fingerprints and have your picture taken.
Read more about digital passport check
Present your passport and get fingerprinted at the embassy
If you are not offered a digital passport check, we will ask you to book an appointment to present your passport at the embassy or consulate-general you selected in your application.
If you need an entry visa to travel to Sweden, you may also be fingerprinted and photographed during the same visit.
You are waiting for a decision – You have applied for the first time
You receive our decision
As soon as we have made a decision, you will receive an email or letter stating whether you have been granted a work permit or if your application has been rejected. In some cases, the Swedish Migration Agency will invite you to an in-person meeting at which you will be informed of the decision. When you receive the decision, you can find out the reasons on which we based it. If you are granted a residence permit, you have the right to live and work in Sweden as long as the permit is valid. If your application is rejected and you are currently in Sweden, you must prepare to leave the country.
Artists
You get a job and an employment agreement or contract
Before you apply for a work permit, you need to have an employment agreement or contract signed by you and the organiser.
The employer starts the application
It is your employer who starts your application in the e-service.
The trade union is given the opportunity to comment
The employer sends information about the employment to the relevant trade union for the industry to which the employment relates. The trade union is given the opportunity to comment on the terms and conditions of employment.
You fill in your part of the application
Once the employer has completed their part, you will receive an email with a link to the e-service, where you must fill in your part of the application. You fill in the application and attach the necessary documents. In your application, you indicate which Swedish embassy or consulate-general you want to visit to present your passport. In certain cases, you may also be asked to come to the embassy for an interview.
The Swedish Migration Agency processes the application
The Swedish Migration Agency will review all the information about your application and determine whether you can be granted a residence permit. If we can immediately see that you do not meet the requirements for a residence permit, we may decide to reject your application.
We will contact you if we need more information. In some cases, we will contact your employer for further information.
Log in to My page
By logging in to My page, you can access information about your application and use our services.
Present a passport and provide fingerprints
Before we can make a decision about a work permit, you need to present your passport. You must also be fingerprinted and photographed. This information will later be used to produce a residence permit card for you, if you are granted a permit for a period of more than three months.
Digital passport check
In some cases, the Swedish Migration Agency will notify you that you must present your passport for a digital passport check via an app. If you are granted a work permit, you will be fingerprinted and photographed once you have arrived in Sweden.
If you present your passport digitally, but have also been called in for an interview, you need to book an appointment to visit an embassy or consulate-general. During this visit, you may also need to provide fingerprints and have your picture taken.
Read more about digital passport check
Present your passport and get fingerprinted at the embassy
If you are not offered a digital passport check, we will ask you to book an appointment to present your passport at the embassy or consulate-general you selected in your application.
If you need an entry visa to travel to Sweden, you may also be fingerprinted and photographed during the same visit.
You are waiting for a decision – You have applied for the first time
You receive our decision
As soon as we have made a decision, you will receive an email or letter stating whether you have been granted a work permit or if your application has been rejected. The decision will then be sent by post to your chosen embassy or representative. You may need to book an appointment at the embassy to pick it up. When you receive the decision, you can find out the reasons on which we based it. If you are granted a residence permit, you have the right to live and work in Sweden as long as the permit is valid. If your application is rejected and you are currently in Sweden, you must prepare to leave the country.
Au pair
You receive an au pair work agreement
Before you apply for a residence permit, you need to have an au pair work agreement with a host family in Sweden. The agreement must be signed by you and the host family.
Your host family starts your application
It is your host family that starts your application in the e-service.
You fill in your part of the application
Once the host family has completed their part, you will receive an email with a link to the e-service, where you must fill in your part of the application. You fill in the application and attach the necessary documents.
In your application, you indicate which Swedish embassy or consulate-general you want to visit to present your passport.
Waiting time before we start examining the application
Now follows a period of waiting until the Swedish Migration Agency takes a closer look at your application.
The Swedish Migration Agency processes the application
The Swedish Migration Agency will review all the information about your application and determine whether you can be granted a residence permit. If we can immediately see that you do not meet the requirements for a residence permit, we may decide to reject your application.
We will contact you if we need more information. In some cases, we will contact your host family for further information.
Log in to My page
By logging in to My page, you can access information about your application and use our services.
Present a passport and provide fingerprints
Before we can make a decision about a residence permit, you need to present your passport. You must also be fingerprinted and photographed. This information will later be used to produce a residence permit card for you, if you are granted a permit for a period of more than three months.
Digital passport check
In some cases, the Swedish Migration Agency will notify you that you must present your passport for a digital passport check via an app. If you are granted a residence permit, you will be fingerprinted and photographed once you have arrived in Sweden.
Read more about digital passport check
Present your passport and get fingerprinted at the embassy
If you are not offered a digital passport check, we will ask you to book an appointment to present your passport at the embassy or consulate-general you selected in your application.
If you need an entry visa to travel to Sweden, you may also be fingerprinted and photographed during the same visit.
You are waiting for a decision – You have applied for the first time
You receive our decision
As soon as we have made a decision, you will receive an email or letter stating whether you have been granted a residence permit or if your application has been rejected. The decision will then be sent by post to your chosen embassy or representative. You may need to book an appointment at the embassy to pick it up. When you receive the decision, you can find out the reasons on which we based it. If you are granted a residence permit, you have the right to work as an au pair in Sweden as long as the permit is valid. If your application is rejected and you are currently in Sweden, you must prepare to leave the country.
Seasonal workers
The employer starts the application
It is your employer who starts your application in the e-service.
The trade union is given the opportunity to comment
The employer sends information about the employment to the relevant trade union for the industry to which the employment relates. The trade union is given the opportunity to comment on the terms and conditions of employment.
You fill in your part of the application
Once the employer has completed their part, you will receive an email with a link to the e-service, where you must fill in your part of the application. You fill in the application and attach the necessary documents. In your application, you indicate which Swedish embassy or consulate-general you want to visit to present your passport. In certain cases, you may also be asked to come to the embassy for an interview.
If you are a representative and apply for several employees at the same time, keep in mind that you need to fill in the application with the correct information about each individual employee.
The Swedish Migration Agency processes the application
The Swedish Migration Agency will review all the information about your application and determine whether you can be granted a residence permit. If we can immediately see that you do not meet the requirements for a residence permit, we may decide to reject your application.
We will contact you if we need more information. In some cases, we will contact your employer for further information.
Log in to My page
By logging in to My page, you can access information about your application and use our services.
Present a passport and provide fingerprints
Before we can make a decision about a seasonal work permit, you need to present your passport. You must also be fingerprinted and photographed. This information will later be used to produce a residence permit card for you, if you are granted a permit for a period of more than three months.
Digital passport check
In some cases, the Swedish Migration Agency will notify you that you must present your passport for a digital passport check via an app. If you are granted a seasonal work permit, you will be fingerprinted and photographed once you have arrived in Sweden.
If you present your passport digitally, but have also been called in for an interview, you need to book an appointment to visit an embassy or consulate-general. During this visit, you may also need to provide fingerprints and have your picture taken.
Read more about digital passport check
Present your passport and get fingerprinted at the embassy
If you are not offered a digital passport check, we will ask you to book an appointment to present your passport at the embassy or consulate-general you selected in your application.
If you need an entry visa to travel to Sweden, you may also be fingerprinted and photographed during the same visit.
You are waiting for a decision – You have applied for the first time
You receive our decision
As soon as we have made a decision, you will receive an email or letter stating whether you have been granted a seasonal work permit or if your application has been rejected. The decision will then be sent by post to your chosen embassy or representative. You may need to book an appointment at the embassy to pick it up. When you receive the decision, you can find out the reasons on which we based it. If you are granted a residence permit, you have the right to live and work in Sweden as long as the permit is valid. If your application is rejected and you are currently in Sweden, you must prepare to leave the country.
Berry pickers
You get a job and an employment agreement
Before you apply for a work permit, you need to have an employment agreement signed by you and your employer.
The client starts the application
It is the client in Sweden who starts your application by filling in their part of the application.
The trade union is given the opportunity to comment
The client sends information about the employment to the relevant trade union for the industry to which the employment relates. The trade union is given the opportunity to comment on the terms and conditions of employment.
You fill in your part of the application
Once the client has completed their part, they will send it to you. You must then fill in your part of the application and submit it together with the client's part. In your application, you indicate which Swedish embassy or consulate-general you want to visit to present your passport. In certain cases, you may also be asked to come to the embassy for an interview.
The Swedish Migration Agency processes the application
The Swedish Migration Agency will review all the information about your application and determine whether you can be granted a work permit. If we can immediately see that you do not meet the requirements for a work permit, we may decide to reject your application.
We will contact you or the client if we need more information.
Present a passport and provide fingerprints
Before we can make a decision regarding your application for a work permit, you must present your passport. If a passport control is necessary, the Swedish Migration Agency will contact the embassy that you selected in the application. If you need an entry visa to travel to Sweden, you may also be fingerprinted and photographed. This information will later be used to produce a residence permit card, if you are granted a permit for a period of more than three months.
You are waiting for a decision – You have applied for the first time
You receive our decision
As soon as we have made a decision, you will receive an email or letter stating whether you have been granted a work permit or if your application has been rejected. The decision will then be sent by post to your chosen embassy or representative. You may need to book an appointment at the embassy to pick it up. When you receive the decision, you can find out the reasons on which we based it. If you are granted a residence permit, you have the right to live and work in Sweden as long as the permit is valid.
Holiday work for young people
You apply
You fill in the application and attach the necessary documents. In your application, you indicate which Swedish embassy or consulate-general you want to visit to present your passport.
Waiting time before we start examining the application
Now follows a period of waiting until the Swedish Migration Agency takes a closer look at your application
The Swedish Migration Agency processes the application
The Swedish Migration Agency will review all the information about your application and determine whether you can be granted a residence permit. If we can immediately see that you do not meet the requirements for a residence permit, we may decide to reject your application.
We will contact you if we need more information.
Log in to My page
By logging in to My page, you can access information about your application and use our services.
Present a passport and provide fingerprints
Before we can make a decision about a residence permit for a working holiday you need to present your passport. You must also be fingerprinted and photographed. This information will later be used to produce a residence permit card for you, if you are granted a permit for a period of more than three months.
Digital passport check
In some cases, the Swedish Migration Agency will notify you that you must present your passport for a digital passport check via an app. If you are granted a work permit/residence permit, you will be fingerprinted and photographed at one of the Swedish Migration Agency’s service centres once you have arrived in Sweden.
Read more about digital passport check
Present your passport and get fingerprinted at the embassy
If you are not offered a digital passport check, we will ask you to book an appointment to present your passport at the embassy or consulate-general you selected in your application.
If you need an entry visa to travel to Sweden, you may also be fingerprinted and photographed during the same visit.
You are waiting for a decision – You have applied for the first time
You receive our decision
As soon as we have made a decision, you will receive an email or letter stating whether you have been granted a residence permit for a working holiday or if your application has been rejected. The decision will then be sent by post to your chosen embassy or representative. You may need to book an appointment at the embassy to pick it up. When you receive the decision, you can find out the reasons on which we based it. If you are granted a residence permit, you have the right to live and work in Sweden as long as the permit is valid. If your application is rejected and you are currently in Sweden, you must prepare to leave the country.
Intern and international exchange intern
You are offered a traineeship/internship and sign an agreement
Before you apply for a residence permit, you need to have a traineeship/internship agreement signed by you and your employer.
The employer starts the application
It is your employer who starts your application in the e-service.
You fill in your part of the application
Once the employer has completed their part, you will receive an email with a link to the e-service, where you must fill in your part of the application. You fill in the application and attach the necessary documents. In your application, you indicate which Swedish embassy or consulate-general you want to visit to present your passport.
Waiting time before we start examining the application
Now follows a period of waiting until the Swedish Migration Agency takes a closer look at your application.
The Swedish Migration Agency processes the application
The Swedish Migration Agency will review all the information about your application and determine whether you can be granted a residence permit. If we can immediately see that you do not meet the requirements for a residence permit, we may decide to reject your application.
We will contact you if we need more information.
Log in to My page
By logging in to My page, you can access information about your application and use our services.
Present a passport and provide fingerprints
Before we can make a decision about a residence permit, you need to present your passport. You must also be fingerprinted and photographed. This information will later be used to produce a residence permit card for you, if you are granted a permit for a period of more than three months.
Digital passport check
In some cases, the Swedish Migration Agency will notify you that you must present your passport for a digital passport check via an app. If you are granted a residence permit, you will be fingerprinted and photographed once you have arrived in Sweden.
If you present your passport digitally, but have also been called in for an interview, you need to book an appointment to visit an embassy or consulate-general. During this visit, you may also need to provide fingerprints and have your picture taken.
Read more about digital passport check
Present your passport and get fingerprinted at the embassy
If you are not offered a digital passport check, we will ask you to book an appointment to present your passport at the embassy or consulate-general you selected in your application.
If you need an entry visa to travel to Sweden, you may also be fingerprinted and photographed during the same visit.
You are waiting for a decision – You have applied for the first time
You receive our decision
As soon as we have made a decision, you will receive an email or letter stating whether you have been granted a residence permit or if your application has been rejected. The decision will then be sent by post to your chosen embassy or representative. You may need to book an appointment at the embassy to pick it up. When you receive the decision, you can find out the reasons on which we based it. If you are granted a residence permit, you have the right to practice in Sweden as long as the permit is valid. If your application is rejected and you are currently in Sweden, you must prepare to leave the country.
Look for work or start a business
You apply
You must apply for and receive a decision about your application for a residence permit before you enter Sweden. You fill in the application and attach the necessary documents. In your application, you indicate which Swedish embassy or consulate-general you want to visit to present your passport. In certain cases, you may also be asked to come to the embassy for an interview.
Waiting time before we start examining the application
Now follows a period of waiting until the Swedish Migration Agency takes a closer look at your application.
The Swedish Migration Agency reviews your application
The Swedish Migration Agency reviews your application. If we can immediately see that you do not meet the requirements for a work permit, we may already decide to reject your application.
We will contact you if we need more information.
Log in to My page
By logging in to My page, you can access information about your application and use our services.
Present a passport and provide fingerprints
Before we can make a decision about a permit, you need to present your passport. You must also be fingerprinted and photographed. This information will later be used to produce a residence permit card for you, if you are granted a permit for a period of more than three months.
Digital passport check
In some cases, the Swedish Migration Agency will notify you that you must present your passport for a digital passport check via an app. If you are granted a work permit/residence permit, you will be fingerprinted and photographed once you have arrived in Sweden.
If you present your passport digitally, but have also been called in for an interview, you need to book an appointment to visit an embassy or consulate-general. During this visit, you may also need to provide fingerprints and have your picture taken.
Read more about digital passport check
Present your passport and get fingerprinted at the embassy
If you are not offered a digital passport check, we will ask you to book an appointment to present your passport at the embassy or consulate-general you selected in your application.
If you need an entry visa to travel to Sweden, you may also be fingerprinted and photographed during the same visit.
You are waiting for a decision – You have applied for the first time
The Swedish Migration Agency processes the application
Once you have presented your passport, the Swedish Migration Agency will review all the information related to your application and determine whether you can be granted a work permit.
We will contact you if we need more information.
You receive our decision
As soon as we have made a decision, you will receive an email or letter stating whether you have been granted a residence permit or if your application has been rejected. The decision will then be sent by post to your chosen embassy or representative. You may need to book an appointment at the embassy to pick it up. When you receive the decision, you can find out the reasons on which we based it.
News
2026-04-13
Easier to renew your permanent residence permit card
It will now be easier to renew your permanent residence permit card. You will automatically receive information and a request to book an appointment via My page well in advance of your current card expiring.
2026-01-26
It is now easier to log in to the Swedish Migration Agency's e-services
Starting Tuesday 27 January, it will be easier to log in to the Swedish Migration Agency's e-services and access more services. If you log in with a username and password, you no longer need a mobile phone number.
2025-12-04
More Afghans may be able to receive passports from their home country
The Swedish Migration Agency estimates that Afghan authorities are now able to issue national passports to their citizens within a reasonable time. This means that Afghan citizens with a residence permit in Sweden no longer automatically have the right to an alien’s passport. Instead, the Swedish Migration Agency will review each application for an alien’s passport individually.
2025-12-03
The Migration Agency’s drop-in service closes on 1 January
On 1 January, the Swedish Migration Agency’s service centre will close for drop-in visits. If you have any questions about your case, please contact the Swedish Migration Agency by telephone or via My page. For guidance and assistance with your application, or with using the Swedish Migration Agency’s digital services, please visit the National Government Service Centre.
2025-12-01
The embassies in Dar es Salaam, Harare, Maputo and Singapore will stop handling migration cases
As of 15 December, the Swedish embassies in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Harare (Zimbabwe), Maputo (Mozambique) and Singapore (Singapore) will no longer handle migration cases. You must then contact other Swedish embassies.
2025-09-15
The embassy in Beirut has had its migration operations paused since October 2024. From 1 October, 2025, the embassy will not handle migration cases at all. You should then instead turn to the Swedish embassy in Amman, Jordan.
2025-09-15
As of 1 October, the consulate-general in Jerusalem will no longer handle migration cases. You should instead contact another foreign mission in the area that has a migration assignment.
2025-09-15
As of 1 October, the embassy in Tel Aviv will no longer handle migration cases. Instead, you should contact another foreign mission in the region or within the Schengen area that handles migration cases.