CLEAR LAW assists companies and employees with work permit applications in Sweden. We provide legal advice and practical support throughout the entire process, from start to finish.
For individuals who are citizens of a country outside the EU/EEA, a work permit is generally required to work in Sweden. The rules are detailed, and both the employer and the employee must meet a number of requirements for the employment to qualify.
What are the requirements for a Swedish work permit?
For a standard Swedish work permit, the requirements generally include that:
– there is a genuine offer of employment in Sweden,
– the position has normally been advertised in Sweden and within the EU/EEA and Switzerland for at least 10 days,
– the employer and employee have entered into an employment agreement,
– the salary and other terms of employment are at least equivalent to those provided for by Swedish collective agreements or what is customary within the relevant occupation or industry,
– the salary meets the applicable salary threshold for a work permit, and
– the employer has taken out the required insurance policies for the employee.
As of 1 June 2026, the general salary requirement is that the salary must correspond to at least 90% of the median salary in Sweden at the time of the application. At present, this corresponds to a minimum salary of SEK 34,470 per month. A higher salary may be required if a collective agreement or established practice within the relevant occupation or industry provides for higher remuneration.
There are also specific rules for other types of work-related permits, including EU Blue Cards, intra-corporate transfers (ICT), seasonal work and certain other categories. It is therefore important to determine which type of permit applies to the individual circumstances.
For employers
Employing a person from outside the EU/EEA involves several legal requirements for the employer.
CLEAR LAW can assist employers in assessing the proposed employment, reviewing salary and employment conditions, ensuring that the recruitment and advertising requirements have been met, and preparing the documentation required for the application.
We can also advise employers on work permit extensions and situations where changes are made to an employee’s employment or employer.
For employees
If you have received an offer of employment in Sweden, CLEAR LAW can assess whether the employment meets the requirements for a work permit and assist you throughout the application process.
We can also assist with extensions of existing work permits and advise on the rules that may apply when changing employers, changing employment conditions or making other significant changes to your employment.
Legal assistance throughout the process
A work permit application depends on several requirements being satisfied. Issues relating to salary, employment conditions, insurance, recruitment procedures or supporting documentation can affect the outcome of an application.
By contacting CLEAR LAW at an early stage, we can identify potential issues, assess the circumstances of the case and advise you on the appropriate way forward.
We offer consultations online or at our offices.
Contact CLEAR LAW today to discuss your circumstances. We normally respond within 24 hours and will do our best to respond as quickly as possible to urgent matters.
Swedish work permit rules may change, and certain categories of work permits are subject to additional or different requirements. An individual assessment should therefore be made based on the specific employment and type of permit concerned.