If you are from outside the European Union or European Economic Area, you usually need a work permit to work in Sweden.
Your future employer starts the application online first.
You finish your part by:
- filling in personal information
- uploading your passport copy
- adding family members if they are moving with you
You usually need a job offer that meets Sweden's minimum salary requirements for a work permit.
The permit is handled by Migrationsverket (the Swedish Migration Agency).
You may need to visit a Swedish embassy or consulate to give fingerprints and take a photo.
If approved, you will get a residence permit card.
Remember to always send correct and complete documents to avoid delays.
If you are a citizen of the European Union, you do not need a work permit to work and live here.
This is a super simple guide if you want to work and live in Sweden as a person from outside the EU.
Don’t worry — the process is step-by-step and help is available.
If you are from outside the European Union or European Economic Area, you usually need a work permit.
You must apply before coming to Sweden.
The permit is given by the Swedish Migration Agency.
The permit type depends on:
- your job
- your reason for moving
- your situation (worker, researcher, student staying to work, etc.)
who will help you
Your main contact is the Swedish Migration Agency.
You will:
- fill in your application online
- sometimes visit a Swedish embassy or consulate where your fingerprints and a photo will be taken for your residence card
your employer starts the process
Your future employer in Sweden usually starts the application.
They will:
- share job information
- show your salary and working conditions
- make sure the job follows Swedish work rules
- provide insurance for health, work injury, and pension
Starting June 1, 2026, applicants must earn at least 90% of Sweden’s median monthly salary to qualify for a work permit. This marks a significant increase from the current requirement of 80%, raising the threshold from SEK 29,680 to SEK 33,390.
This means that applicants must now at least meet this new level for their applications to be approved.
what’s changing (in simple terms)
- Old rule: 80% of median salary (SEK 29,680)
- New rule: 90% of median salary (SEK 33,390)
who is not affected by the new salary threshold
The updated salary requirement does not apply to everyone.
If you are a family member of an EU/EEA or Swedish citizen — you are not subject to Sweden’s national work permit system.
This means they can live and work in Sweden without needing to meet the new salary threshold, as long as the EU/EEA citizen they are joining is working, studying, or otherwise exercising their right of residence.
From January 2025, updated EU Blue Card rules have introduced more flexible pathways for highly qualified workers. These include lower relative salary thresholds compared to previous Blue Card requirements, shorter employment history requirements, and increased flexibility to change jobs or apply from within Sweden under certain conditions.
what changed (in simple terms)
- Easier entry requirements: minimum job contract reduced to 6 months (from 12)
- Lower salary threshold: around 1.25× median salary (down from 1.5×)
- More flexibility: can change jobs by notifying authorities (no full reapplication)
- Apply from within Sweden: possible to switch to a Blue Card from another permit
- Further improvements (expected 2026): longer permit durations and up to 6 months allowed unemployment for long-term holders
after your employer starts the application:
☐ fill in your personal information
☐ upload a copy of your passport
☐ show education or work experience if asked
☐ add family members if they are moving with you
☐ answer if the agency asks more information
- As of 1 June 2026, work permit applicants generally need a salary of at least 90% of Sweden's median salary to qualify for a work permit. As of 16 June 2026, this corresponds to SEK 34,470 per month. Certain exemptions and transitional rules apply
- Always send correct and complete documents to avoid waiting longer
- There are no refunds if your application is rejected
- Always apply before your current permit expires
- Send everything correctly the first time — it will save you months
This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Rules regarding residence permits, work permits, and employment in Sweden may change and depend on individual circumstances. Always consult the Swedish Migration Agency or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your case.
- Don’t rush
- Check your documents twice — send everything correctly the first time, it saves months!
- Ask for help if you are unsure
can my family come with me?
If your work permit is approved, your family can also apply to live in Sweden with you.
Family may include your:
- partner / spouse
- children
can I apply for a work permit while I’m in sweden?
Usually, no.
If it’s your first time applying, you must apply from outside Sweden.
You can apply from inside Sweden if:
- you already have a work permit and are changing jobs
- you have (or had) a student residence permit
- you have a permit to look for work after studies
- you are considered highly qualified and have a special residence permit
how long is a work permit valid?
- Up to 2 years
- Not longer than your job contract
- Not longer than your passport validity
Good news: You can extend it.
Your family can get permits for the same period (but not longer than their passports).
how much does a work permit cost?
- Employee: SEK 2,200
- Adult family member: SEK 1,500
- Child: SEK 750
- Japanese citizens: Free
how long does it take to get a decision?
It depends. If your application is complete, it goes much faster.
Recent average times:
-
highly qualified workers
- Complete: about 1 month
- Incomplete: about 3 months
-
other jobs
- Complete: about 4 months
- Incomplete: about 11 months
what if my work permit application is rejected?
If the Swedish Migration Agency rejects your work permit application, it means they decided that you do not meet the requirements for the permit.
If you are in Sweden, the decision will explain how long you have to leave Sweden and the Schengen area. It is important to read the decision carefully and leave before the deadline. Staying after this date means you may be in Sweden without legal permission.
can I appeal the decision?
Yes. You can appeal the decision. Your decision letter explains how to appeal and the deadline.
do I have to leave sweden?
If your residence permit application is rejected, you do not have the right to stay in Sweden. The decision will state when you must leave Sweden and the Schengen area.
can I stay while waiting for the appeal?
Sometimes. The decision letter will say whether you can stay in Sweden while the court reviews your appeal.