hiring internationals

Some people can work in Sweden without applying for a separate work permit. The rules depend on their citizenship, residence status and, in some cases, the type of work they will do.

Always check the person's documents and right to work before employment begins. The categories below cover common situations but are not exhaustive.

e.u./e.e.a. citizens and their family members

EU/EEA citizens can generally work in Sweden without a work permit.

Non-EU/EEA family members may also have this right under EU free-movement rules. Depending on their circumstances, they may need a residence card to stay in Sweden for longer than three months.

swiss citizens

Swiss citizens can work in Sweden without a work permit.

If they plan to stay longer than three months, they must apply for a Swedish residence permit. They can generally start working while waiting for a decision.

long-term residents in another e.u. country

People with EU long-term resident status in another EU country can move to Sweden to work, but must apply for a Swedish residence permit if staying longer than three months.

This rule does not apply to everyone with a residence permit from another EU country.

permanent residence permit holders

People with a Swedish permanent residence permit can work without a separate work permit and are not restricted to a particular employer or occupation by that permit.

swedish citizens

Swedish citizens can work in Sweden without a work or residence permit.

people with a residence permit for family reunification

People who have a Swedish residence permit to live with a family member or partner can generally work if their permit allows it.

Check their permit or decision to confirm their right to work.

people granted temporary protection

People with a Swedish residence permit under the EU Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) can work without a separate work permit.

If they are not yet registered in the Swedish Population Register, employers must still follow the applicable tax registration and reporting rules.

students in higher education

Students with a Swedish residence permit for university or university college studies can work alongside their studies without a separate work permit.

They may need a different permit to remain and work in Sweden after their study-related residence status ends.

researchers with a residence permit for research

Researchers with a Swedish research residence permit can work under the conditions of that permit.

If the role includes duties outside the approved research, check the permit conditions before employment begins.

people who have applied for asylum

Some asylum applicants can work while their application is being processed if they have an exemption from the work-permit requirement, known as AT-UND.

People who have already been granted protection may have different rights, depending on their residence permit.

british citizens

British citizens with qualifying Swedish residence status under the post-Brexit rules, or Swedish citizenship, can work without a work permit.

Other British citizens generally need a work permit unless another exemption applies.

employees who already have a swedish work permit

An employee may be able to change employers without applying for a new work permit, depending on the conditions of their existing permit.

A new permit may not be needed if:

• they have held a work permit for more than two years; and
• the new job is in the same occupation covered by their existing permit.

If their permit is still restricted to a particular employer, changing employers generally requires a new permit.

Always check the employee's permit decision before they start the new job.

Some people can work without a work permit because of the type or duration of their assignment. These exemptions apply only when specific conditions are met.

specialists in international companies

Certain employees of international company groups can work in Sweden without a work permit for limited periods:

• Specialists: temporary assignments lasting less than 1 year.
• Internal training: up to 3 months in a 12-month period.
• Business transactions: activities such as testing, training or preparing deliveries, for up to 3 months in a 12-month period.

Additional conditions may apply, including requirements relating to the employee's role and the purpose of the assignment.

diplomatic and consular staff

Diplomatic and consular officials, their family members and service staff may be exempt from the work permit requirement under the rules applying to their diplomatic or consular status. The exemption generally relates to work at the relevant mission. 

emergency technical work

Installers and technical instructors can work without a work permit for up to 2 months when responding to an unforeseen emergency involving the installation or repair of machinery.

Planned or routine work does not qualify for this exemption.

radio and television assignments

People undertaking temporary assignments for certain Swedish broadcasters, including Sveriges Radio, Sveriges Television, Sveriges Utbildningsradio and TV4, may work without a work permit for up to 1 month.

Check the rules for the specific broadcaster and assignment before relying on this exemption.

artists and touring staff

Artists, technicians and other touring staff invited by an established Swedish organiser may work without a work permit for up to 14 days in a 12-month period.

The organiser must meet Migrationsverket requirements. 

professional athletes and officials

Professional athletes and officials taking part in international competitions may work without a work permit for up to 3 months in a 12-month period, provided they do not have a contract with a Swedish club. 

transport workers

Specific exemptions apply to certain transport workers, including international lorry drivers employed abroad, train personnel and tourist coach drivers and onboard staff. Conditions and time limits vary by category, so check the rules for the particular role before employment begins.

visiting researchers and lecturers

Certain visiting researchers and lecturers can work without a work permit for limited periods. Separate rules may apply to researchers moving between EU countries.

Check the person's status, the length of the assignment and the applicable research-mobility rules before relying on an exemption.

posted workers from another european country

Some workers employed by a company in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland can be temporarily posted to Sweden without a Swedish work permit if they already have the right to work in the country where they are employed and meet the applicable conditions.

This exemption does not apply automatically to every worker posted from another country.

foreign military personnel

Members of foreign armed forces may be exempt from the work permit requirement under applicable international agreements.

Special rules also apply to certain personnel and eligible family members covered by the Sweden–United States Defence Cooperation Agreement.

Even if a work permit is not required, employers may still need to check an employee’s right to work, notify Skatteverket and keep records. The exact requirements depend on the person’s status.

check the right to work

Where required, employers must check that the person has the right to live and work in Sweden. Acceptable proof may include:

• a residence permit card
• a decision from Migrationsverket
• an asylum application card, where applicable

If the person cannot show their residence permit card, ask to see the official decision. Check its validity dates and any restrictions on the work they can do.

notify the swedish tax agency

Employers must generally notify Skatteverket when employing someone who is a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA. Use form SKV 1160 and provide details such as the employee’s name, address and employment period.

This requirement does not apply in the same way to EU/EEA or Swiss citizens and their accompanying family members.

keep records

Where required, employers must keep copies of documents showing the employee’s right to live and work in Sweden:

• throughout the employment period
• for at least 12 months after the employment ends