Sweden•EuropeWork Permit (Arbetstillstånd)
At a Glance
1–4 months
SEK kr 4,450
2 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Employer-sponsored work permit for non-EU/EEA professionals earning at least 90% of Swedish median wage, renewable up to 2 years with permanent residency pathway.
The Sweden Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd) is for non-EU/EEA workers seeking employment in Sweden with a confirmed job offer. Applicants must earn at least 90% of the Swedish median wage—SEK 34,470 per month (as of June 2026)—and the employer must provide comprehensive insurance covering health, life, occupational injury, and pension.
The permit lasts up to two years (renewable), linked to employment contract and passport validity. Main fee is SEK 2,200; family members pay SEK 1,500 (adults) or SEK 750 (children). Processing takes one month for highly qualified workers or four months for other employment with complete applications. Spouses work without restrictions, and dependents may accompany.
This visa is ideal for skilled professionals outside the EU/EEA who have secured a Swedish job offer meeting collective agreement standards and seek to build a career in Sweden with the potential pathway to permanent residency.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 2 years |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
SwedenSwedenRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Concrete job offer from an employer in Sweden
Salary must meet at least 90% of the Swedish median wage (SEK 34,470 per month as of June 16, 2026)
Employment conditions must align with Swedish collective agreements or industry standards
Employer must provide specific insurances (health, life, occupational injury, and pension)
KEY CRITERIA
Min. Income
413,640 SEK/yr
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
Employment contract
Proof of insurance coverage
Employer's offer details
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Up to 2 years per permit renewal, directly linked to employment contract duration
- Salary threshold aligned to 90% of Swedish median wage (SEK 34,470/month), providing clarity on requirements
- Spouse and children under 18 qualify as dependents with independent work authorization
- Clear pathway to long-term residence and eventual permanent residency conversion
- Renewable permits enable extended stays with multiple extension cycles
- Fast processing for highly qualified workers (1 month, 75th percentile)
- Family members authorized to work without separate employment permits
- Dual intent permitted — can pursue permanent settlement while employed
Worth Knowing
- Salary requirement of SEK 413,640/year (90% median wage) is substantial; varies by role
- Processing time ranges 1 month (highly qualified) to 4 months (other roles) — significant variance
- Concrete job offer required; no remote work or self-employment pathway available
- Employer must provide comprehensive insurance: health, life, occupational injury, and pension
- Permit duration capped by employment contract length and passport validity period
- Rejected if salary falls below 90% Swedish median wage threshold (SEK 34,470/month)
- Employer failure to provide required insurances (health, life, occupational injury, pension) is grounds for denial
- Job offer must comply with Swedish collective agreements or industry standards; non-compliant offers rejected
Application Process
Receive job offer
Employer initiates application
Submit application via portal
Biometrics and interview if required
Decision notification
Application Forms
| Application for a Swedish work permit (form 149011) | Fill online |
| Information about the employment (form 232511) | Fill online |
| Application for a permit for family members (form 133011)Optional | Fill online |
Related visas
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