Arbetsförmedlingen (the Swedish Public Employment Service) is the official employment service that helps job seekers including internationals, find work through job listings, career support, and government programmes. Registering gives you access to internships, financial support, and structured pathways into the labour market, which are all very important.
If you’re an international trying to enter the local job market, think of Arbetsförmedlingen as your official doorway to it. It's often the first real point of contact with the system.
It acts as a bridge between you and employers, while also unlocking access to programmes specifically designed to help you get your first job in Sweden.
Whether you are just starting out, changing careers, or newly arrived, Arbetsförmedlingen gives you structure, tools, and government‑backed programmes to help you move from searching to working.
Arbetsförmedlingen is a government agency responsible for employment services in Sweden.
Its main role is to:
- help job seekers find employment
- support employers in recruitment
- provide labour market programmes
- facilitate integration of internationals into the workforce
For internationals, it is especially important because many entry programmes into the Swedish job market require registration with arbetsförmedlingen.
who it is for?
arbetsförmedlingen is open to:
- Swedish citizens
- EU/EEA citizens
- Non-EU internationals with a valid residence/work permit
It is particularly useful for:
- newly arrived internationals
- foreign-educated professionals
- job seekers needing structured support
- individuals transitioning careers
services offered and job listings
Arbetsförmedlingen provides a large database of job vacancies across Sweden.
These listings include:
- full-time and part-time jobs
- internships (praktik)
- entry-level roles
labour market programmes
One of the most valuable aspects is access to programmes such as:
- Jobbsprånget
- Korta vägen
- training and upskilling programmes
- internship placements
These programmes are often key entry points for internationals.
how you use it
- Register as a jobseeker
- On your first day of unemployment, register online to begin the process, this affects your ability to receive benefits and access programmes.
- Explore job listings via platsbanken
- Use arbetsförmedlingen’s job‑search tools. The “get started on your job search” guide recommends:
- strong CV + cover letter templates
- interview preparation
- using LinkedIn alongside platsbanken
financial support
Depending on your situation, you may qualify for:
- activity support
- introduction benefits
- other employment-related financial aid
To access Sweden’s job services, you must first formally declare to Arbetsförmedlingen that you are, in fact, looking for work — preferably in a calm and organised manner.
The process is designed to be simple, provided you already possess a digital identity, a stable internet connection, and the emotional resilience required to answer questions like “what is your previous work experience” in front of a government portal.
step-by-step
1
Create an account on Arbetsförmedlingen's website.
2
Login using BankID or a similar digital identity system.
3
Register as a job seeker, thereby officially entering the Swedish labour market ecosystem.
4
Submit details about your background, education and work experience (ideally in chronological order, though existential order is also accepted).
5
Meet a case officer, either digitally or in person, to confirm that you are still actively seeking employment and have not simply opened the page by accident.
Once registered, you will be issued a personal action plan — a carefully structured document outlining how Sweden intends to help you find a job, assuming you follow instructions, attend meetings, and continue existing in a job-seeking capacity.
When registered, you are expected to:
- actively search for jobs
- apply regularly
- report your job-seeking activities
- attend meetings with your case officer
Failing to meet these requirements may affect access to financial support.
While useful, Arbetsförmedlingen has some limitations:
- It does not guarantee a job
- Support quality may vary depending on your case officer
- Many jobs are still found outside the system (networking)
- Register online with Arbetsförmedlingen
- Meet a case officer
- Get a job-search plan
- Apply for jobs + programs
- Report activities regularly
- Access financial support (if eligible)
- You must have a valid permit to work in Sweden
- Registration is often required for government programs
- Financial support depends on eligibility
- It is a support system — not a job provider
↗ Official website of Arbetsförmedlingen
↗ Work permits for employees — Migrationsverket
↗ Working in Sweden — official Government information
is arbetsförmedlingen mandatory?
No, but it is highly recommended—especially for accessing programs and support.
do they find jobs for you?
Not directly. They support your job search but expect you to apply actively.
is it only for unemployed people?
Primarily yes, but some services are available even if you are exploring options.
do I need swedish?
Not always—some services are available in English, but Swedish helps.
can internationals use it?
Yes, as long as they have a valid residence/work permit.