Swedish Migration Agency

The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) receives applications and grants work permits and residency status for citizens of other countries. 

Employing EU citizens

An EU citizen does not need a work permit in order to work in Sweden. EU citizens may start work immediately and do not need a work permit or to register right of residence with the Swedish Migration Agency.

A relative of an EU citizen who is a citizen of a country outside the EU may also work without a work permit but must apply for a residence card if he or she will be here for more than three months.

Employing non-EU citizens

In most cases, citizens of countries outside of the EU are required to hold a work permit to work in Sweden. As an employer, you should check a person's right to reside and work in Sweden before you employ them.

Most need work permits

In general, workers in the category need a work permit to work in Sweden and need an offer of employment to obtain that permit. The application and permit should be complete before the person arrives in Sweden. For work that lasts less than three months, the citizens of some countries also need to have a visa.

Work permits are also required for persons employed staffing agencies that hire out personnel to companies in Sweden and for employees who are employed by a foreign company but stationed in Sweden.