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 have a permit in Sweden – Work If you change employer or profession or stop working
You have a work permit in Sweden and are going to change your employer or profession or stop working.
Your permit applies to the employer and profession stated in the decision that granted it. If something changes, you may need to apply for a new permit.
If you are going to change employer or profession
If you get a new job with another employer, or if you change profession or have completely new work responsibilities, you need to apply for a new work permit. The same applies if your employer changes its company registration number, as this counts as a change of employer.
Once you have submitted your application, you can start working for your new employer or in your new profession before you have received a decision from the Swedish Migration Agency, provided that you have applied before your previous work permit has expired.
Keep in mind that your new employer must have advertised the position in Sweden and within the EU/EEA and Switzerland before you start your employment.
If you are going to stop working
If you terminate your employment early, for example because you are dismissed or because you resign, you no longer meet the requirements for the work permit you have been granted. You still have the option of staying in Sweden to look for a new job for three months after your last day of employment, provided that your work permit is still valid during that period.
If you get a new job after you have terminated your previous employment
If you get a new job within three months, you may need to apply for a new work permit, depending on how your current work permit is limited. Some work permits are limited to occupation and employer (allowing you to work in a specific occupation for a specific employer), while other work permits are limited to occupation only.
You can see how your permit is limited both in the decision that granted it and on your residence permit card.
If your work permit is limited to profession and employer | If your work permit is restricted to a profession |
|---|---|
If you get a new employment, you must apply for a new work permit. You can start working for your new employer as soon as you have submitted your application. Remember to submit your application before your current permit expires.
| If you get a new job in the same profession as your work permit is limited to, you do not need to apply for a new work permit.
If your new job is in a new profession, you should apply for a new work permit. You can start working for your new employer as soon as you have submitted your application. Remember to submit your application before your current permit expires.
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If you do not find a new job within three months
If you do not find a new job within three months or if your work permit expires before then, and you do not have the right to stay in Sweden on any other grounds, you must leave the country.
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