How it works

Illustration of a young woman making an application on the computer.

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.

Illustration of a man looking at an 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.

My page

Illustration showing how a person provides their fingerprints.

Present a passport and provide fingerprints

Before the Swedish Migration Agency can make a decision, you must present your passport. Most applicants will receive an email about doing so through a digital passport check via an app. If you are unable, or do not want to do a digital passport check, you must decline via the link in the email. We will inform you if you must present your passport in person.

Read more about digital passport check

You need to book an appointment to visit an embassy or consulate-general if any of the following applies to you:

  • The Swedish Migration Agency has informed you that you need to present your passport in person.
  • You have been summoned to an interview.
  • You need a visa to enter Sweden and must provide fingerprints and be photographed for your residence permit card.

You are waiting for a decision – You have applied for the first time

Illustration of a man who works as a caseworker at the Swedish Migration Agency.

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.

Waiting time while we process your application

Now you must wait.

Read more about waiting times

Illustration of a young woman holding on to a decision.

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.

You have received a decision – Work

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The Swedish Migration Agency is responsible for considering applications from people who want to live in Sweden, seek protection or become Swedish citizens. Our work is based on Swedish laws and international conventions, with a focus on legal certainty and effective reception and return.