work permits: non-e.u./e.e.a. citizens

new roots5 minutes

Bianca Amoruso Wennerbyfounder & c.e.o., Medensiaswedish immigration expertMedensia

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
  • providing any additional information requested by Migrationsverket (the Swedish Migration Agency)

If your spouse or partner and children are moving with you, they can usually apply for residence permits as your family members. Their permits are linked to your work permit and allow them to live in Sweden with you.

The permit is handled by Migrationsverket.

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 Migrationsverket.

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

The permit type depends on:

  • your job
  • your reason for moving
  • your situation (worker, researcher, student staying to work, etc.)

You will need to:

  • fill in your application online through Migrationsverket's portal
  • sometimes visit a Swedish embassy or consulate where your fingerprints and a photo will be taken for your residence card

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 
  • 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 — 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's changed
  • 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

work permits
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

if your family is moving to sweden with you:

☐ include them in your application where possible
☐ provide the required documents proving your relationship
☐ make sure each family member has a valid passport
☐ check the separate application requirements and fees for each family member
☐ remember that their residence permits are linked to the period of your work permit

  • 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. 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
  • Family members: Your spouse, partner and children may be able to apply for residence permits to live with you in Sweden. Their permits are generally linked to your work permit
  • Family reunification: Different rules apply depending on whether you are joining a work-permit holder, or EU/EEA/Swiss citizen. Make sure you are applying under the correct rules
  • EU/EEA family members: If your family member is an EU/EEA citizen exercising their right of residence in Sweden, they may not need a Swedish residence permit. Different rules apply

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 Migrationsverket (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 can save months
  • Ask for help if you are unsure

can my family come with me?

Yes. If you have a Swedish work permit, your spouse, registered partner, cohabiting partner and children may be able to apply for residence permits to live with you in Sweden.

Your family members normally apply for their permits at the same time as you, although they can also apply later.

If approved, their permits allow them to live in Sweden with you. Adult family members of a work-permit holder can generally also work in Sweden.

This is a form of family reunification. It is sometimes informally described as a “dependent” or “dependency” visa, but Migrationsverket refers to it as a residence permit for family members of someone working in Sweden.

Your family members' permits are normally granted for the same period as your work permit, but cannot be valid beyond their passport validity.

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 Migrationsverket 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.

Sweden raises work permit salary threshold, eases EU Blue Card rules