Everything you need to know about Sweden work permit

Sweden has a high standard of living, with well-funded public services and significant holiday remittances. Even though English is widely spoken, learning Swedish will provide better opportunities in both the social and professional spheres. If you’re not an EU citizen but still want to live and work in Sweden, you’ll need to apply for a work visa. We have all the information you’ll need to apply for a Sweden work permit from India if you are unfamiliar with the procedure‌.

Sweden visa for   

Non-European citizens who wish to visit, study, or work in Sweden must apply for the appropriate Sweden visa category. The various visas that the Swedish government issues include the following.

1. Student Visa
2. Tourist (Schengen Visa)
3. Business Visa
4. Work Visa 
5. Transit Visa 

Types of Sweden work permit

All non-EU and EEA residents must first get a job offer and a work permit before traveling to Sweden. Without a current work visa, an employee is unable to live or work in Sweden. Depending on profession or place of origin, an employee can qualify for either an EU Blue Card or an Intra Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit.

A European Union Blue Card serves as a work and residency visa for highly skilled employees. To be eligible, candidates must either work in particular fields, possess a college degree, or have five years of professional experience in their country of origin. ICT permits should be applied for by expats moving from outside the EU to a company’s Swedish office. However, those who work in managerial or specialized positions are the only ones who have access to this choice.

Requirements for Sweden work permit

Employees must fulfill the following requirements to be granted a Sweden work permit. 

1. A current passport is needed.
2. Job offers with terms similar to Swedish collective bargaining agreements or the sector standard.
3. You must earn at least 13,000 SEK (108,805 INR), or receive the equivalent amount as compensation for the employment.
4. The job offer also includes social security, life insurance, and health insurance.
5. Proof of accommodation.

All employers must fulfill specific requirements in order to employ a foreigner in Sweden. For example, the employment had to have been advertised in the EU/EEA for at least ten days. It should also contain words and phrases that are similar to those used in comparable Swedish positions.

Process for applying for a Sweden work permit

Even though the procedure of obtaining a Sweden work permit varies depending on the type of visa, employees and employers typically follow the following stages.

Get an Employment Offer: Submit a written job offer to an employee after getting the necessary trade union’s approval for the work and pay. Make sure the offer is clear about the formatting of the employment, as this will affect the validity of the visa.

Launch the program: Employers must submit a visa application online with the Swedish Migration Agency. The employer will need the employee’s email address, date of birth, citizenship information, and educational background.

Have the official email sent to you: An email with instructions on how to start their portion of the process will be sent to the applicant when their application has been submitted to the Swedish Migration Agency. Whether they are traveling with their family or on their own must be disclosed.

Providing all Necessary Documents: Employees must present all pertinent paperwork, including a copy of their passport, a job offer, and a union statement.

How to Pay the Fee: Typically, work permits cost around 2,000 SEK (16,739 INR).

Awaiting the issuance of the permit: The majority of foreigners employed by Swedish businesses must wait for one to three months for the issuance of their work permits. However, the length of the wait varies depending on the kind of work, how they applied (online or in person), and if they are employed by a company or self-employed.

Validity of Sweden Work Permit

The Sweden Work Permit visa is valid for two years and has a two-year renewal option. People who want to relocate to Sweden can apply for permanent residency after four years of working under a work visa. During the two years that the work permit is in effect, the individual should apply for a new permit if he discovers job opportunities in Sweden with a new employer. When the work permit’s validity expires, he can switch jobs and ask for a longer period.

Extending a  Sweden Work Permit

If you currently hold a Sweden Work Permit and want to keep working when it expires, you must apply for a work permit extension. You are permitted to work while you wait for a decision if you have held a permit as an employee for at least six months and apply before your existing permit expires. To extend your work visa, your salary and other terms of employment must have been at least equal to those stated in the collective bargaining agreement or accepted standards in your profession or sector.

You are required to maintain health, life, occupational injury, and occupational pension insurance during the whole duration of your Sweden work permit visa.

You must demonstrate that all the requirements of the work permit have been met throughout your stay in Sweden to be granted a Sweden work permit extension. It is advisable to apply for the extension online as well. The earliest you should apply is four months before your present authorization expires. You should submit your application while your current permit is still active.

Key takeaways 

1. The Swedish government provides business visas to foreign nationals to encourage international entrepreneurs and new firms to locate in Sweden.
2. If you have both a work permit and a residency permit, you can operate your own business while working in Sweden.
3. A Sweden Work Permit is required for Indian nationals who want to study and work there.

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FAQs

Q1. Is relocating to Sweden a wise choice?

Answer – With its friendly residents, first-rate public services, and a  business culture that supports a healthy work-life balance, Sweden is a lovely country to feel at home.

Q2. Are a work permit and a work visa the same?

Answer – A work permit is an employment letter given to an employee by an employer that is required for entry into the country. On the other hand, a work visa has to be applied for and acquired by an employee to enter the nation. 

Q3. How can an Indian obtain Swedish PR?

Answer – Applying online is the simplest way to get a residence permit. The Swedish Migration Agency receives an online application directly.