Stockholm

๐Ÿ›‚

Work Permits

Guidelines for obtaining the necessary permissions to work legally in Stockholm as an immigrant or visitor.

Sections

1. Overview of Work Permits in Sweden

In Sweden, work permits are required for non-EU/EEA citizens who wish to work in the country, including Stockholm. EU/EEA citizens do not need a work permit but must register their right of residence if staying for more than three months. For non-EU/EEA citizens, the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) oversees the issuance of work permits.

2. Types of Work Permits

The type of work permit you need depends on the nature of your employment. Below are the main categories:

a. General Work Permit

  • For individuals with a job offer from a Swedish employer.
  • The employer must meet specific requirements, including offering a salary and employment terms that align with Swedish collective agreements.

b. EU Blue Card

  • For highly skilled workers with a university degree or equivalent professional experience.
  • Requires a job offer with a salary at least 1.5 times the average gross salary in Sweden.

c. Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit

  • For employees transferring within the same company to a branch in Sweden.
  • Typically used by multinational companies.

d. Seasonal Work Permit

  • For temporary work in industries like agriculture, forestry, or tourism.
  • Valid for up to six months.

e. Start-Up Visa

  • For entrepreneurs planning to start a business in Sweden.
  • Requires a detailed business plan and proof of financial resources.

f. Job-Seeker Visa

  • For recent graduates or researchers from Swedish universities who wish to stay in Sweden to look for work.
  • Valid for up to 12 months.

3. Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a work permit, you must meet the following requirements:

For the Applicant:

  1. Job Offer: You must have a concrete job offer from a Swedish employer.
  2. Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for the duration of the work permit.
  3. Salary and Conditions: The job must offer a salary of at least SEK 13,000 per month before taxes and meet Swedish collective agreement standards.
  4. Health Insurance: You must have health insurance, life insurance, and occupational injury insurance provided by the employer.

For the Employer:

  1. Advertisement of Job: The job must have been advertised in the EU/EEA for at least 10 days before offering it to a non-EU/EEA citizen.
  2. Employment Terms: The employer must provide a written offer of employment and ensure the terms comply with Swedish labor laws.

4. Application Process

The application process for a work permit in Sweden is primarily online and involves the following steps:

Step 1: Job Offer

  • Secure a job offer from a Swedish employer.
  • The employer must complete an "Offer of Employment" form and submit it to the Swedish Migration Agency.

Step 2: Online Application

  • Once the employer submits the form, you will receive an email with instructions to apply online.
  • Submit the following documents:
    • Copy of your passport (all pages with personal information, stamps, or visas).
    • Job offer and employment contract.
    • Proof of qualifications (e.g., degrees, certifications, or work experience relevant to the job).

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

  • Pay the application fee online (see costs below).

Step 4: Wait for Decision

  • The Swedish Migration Agency will process your application. If approved, you will receive a residence permit card.

Step 5: Collect Residence Permit Card

  • If you are outside Sweden, visit a Swedish embassy or consulate to provide biometrics (photo and fingerprints) and collect your residence permit card.

5. Costs

The application fees for work permits are as follows (as of 2023):

  • General Work Permit: SEK 2,000
  • EU Blue Card: SEK 2,000
  • Intra-Corporate Transfer Permit: SEK 2,000
  • Seasonal Work Permit: SEK 2,000
  • Job-Seeker Visa: SEK 1,500
  • Start-Up Visa: SEK 2,000

Note: Fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

6. Processing Times

Processing times vary depending on the type of permit and the completeness of your application:

  • General Work Permit: 1โ€“3 months.
  • EU Blue Card: 1โ€“3 months.
  • Intra-Corporate Transfer Permit: 1โ€“3 months.
  • Seasonal Work Permit: 1โ€“2 months.
  • Job-Seeker Visa: 1โ€“2 months.

Applications submitted online are typically processed faster than paper applications.

7. Local Considerations in Stockholm

a. Job Market in Stockholm

  • Stockholm is a hub for technology, finance, and innovation. Key industries include IT, engineering, life sciences, and creative industries.
  • Proficiency in English is often sufficient for many jobs, but learning Swedish can significantly improve your job prospects and integration.

b. Cost of Living

  • Stockholm is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. Ensure your salary covers housing, transportation, and other living expenses.
  • Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Stockholm is around SEK 10,000โ€“15,000.

c. Local Resources

  • Arbetsfรถrmedlingen (Swedish Public Employment Service): Offers job listings, career advice, and integration support.
  • SFI (Swedish for Immigrants): Free Swedish language courses for newcomers.
  • Stockholm Chamber of Commerce: Provides networking opportunities and resources for professionals.

d. Housing

  • Finding housing in Stockholm can be challenging due to high demand. Start your search early and consider temporary accommodation while you look for a long-term rental.

e. Taxes

  • Sweden has a progressive tax system. Expect to pay around 30% of your income in taxes, which fund public services like healthcare and education.

8. Additional Tips

  • Plan Ahead: Start the application process as soon as you receive a job offer, as processing times can vary.
  • Track Your Application: Use the Swedish Migration Agencyโ€™s online portal to track the status of your application.
  • Seek Legal Advice: If your case is complex, consider consulting an immigration lawyer or specialist.
  • Stay Updated: Regulations and fees may change, so regularly check the Swedish Migration Agencyโ€™s website for the latest information.

9. Useful Links

By following this guide, you should have a clear understanding of the work permit process in Stockholm, Sweden. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!