Sweden is one of the top destinations for skilled professionals looking to work and live overseas. The Swedish government did not issue permits that allowed people to set up their businesses and find employment in the country at the time. Thus, in June 2022, the Swedish government introduced a residence permit for highly qualified individuals seeking work or starting businesses, called the Sweden job seeker visa.

What is the Sweden Job Seeker Visa?

Sweden Job Seeker Visas are residence permits that allow non-EU/EEA citizens to work in Sweden. This visa is only available to persons with valid job offers from Swedish employers who have met specific requirements, such as having a recognized degree or completing vocational training. It is valid for 3 months and can be granted for a maximum of 9 months. People can live and work as Job Seekers in Sweden, which allows them to explore job opportunities and contribute to the economy.

Visa requirements for Sweden job seekers

This permit is only available to people who meet specific requirements.

• You must have a higher education degree (like a master’s, PhD, or advanced vocational/professional).
• This permit is for those who want to start their own business or find a job in Sweden.
• You must have enough money to support yourself while living in Sweden and comprehensive health insurance.
• It’s crucial to have a passport valid for your entire stay in Sweden.
• You must apply for this permit from outside Sweden.

Why is a Sweden Job Seeker Visa important?

The number of well-trained professionals could be higher, from nurses and doctors to engineers, teachers, carpenters, electricians, and mechanics. This trend will likely continue for the next 5 to 10 years, which could affect the economy and jobs. This is a critical issue that needs attention.

Several industries in Sweden need more skilled workers, like cooking, technology, and healthcare. Problems like this existed even before the pandemic, but they’ve only gotten worse. The Swedish government launched a new visa program called the Sweden Job Seeker visa to address this problem. You can work in Sweden for up to 9 months under this program if you have the right qualifications.

The Job Seeker visa is ideal for people with advanced degrees looking for professional positions in Sweden. However, it is wider than those with advanced degrees, as the visa can also fill entry-level positions such as restaurant workers. This is because many restaurant workers lost their jobs during the pandemic and have since found employment in other fields.

Visas are easy to get. Simply send your documents to the Swedish Migration Agency, and they will evaluate your qualifications. If you are eligible, you’ll get a visa that lets you work or start a business in Sweden for a specific period of time.

The Sweden Job Seeker visa is a great option for non-EU citizens who want to work in Sweden and fill the country’s labor shortages. The Swedish visa program could be the perfect way to start your career, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting.

Which criteria must be met to qualify?

The following requirements must be met to apply for a job seeker visa in Sweden:

• You must have a degree equivalent to an advanced degree.
• To verify your credentials, you must submit a Letter of Consent that authorizes the Swedish Council for Higher Education to contact higher education authorities in your home country.
• When you’re applying for a permit, you will need enough cash to cover your expenses.
• It’s essential to have a plan for finding work or exploring business opportunities in Sweden.
• It’s mandatory to have health insurance in Sweden.
• It would be helpful if you were currently living outside of Sweden.
• A valid passport is required.

Duration

Once you have submitted your application, the Swedish Migration Agency will meticulously review the documents you have submitted and issue a verdict regarding your application. Upon receipt of all the required documentation, you will be granted a permit valid for a minimum period of 3 months and a maximum period of 9 months.

A residence permit card will be issued if a residence permit is valid for more than three months. As proof of your stay in Sweden, this card will contain your fingerprints, photo, and other pertinent information regarding your visa.

Can I start a business or secure a job offer in Sweden?

You can apply for a work permit if you are employed in Sweden while there. Sweden doesn’t let you start working immediately until you get a work permit from the Swedish Migration Agency.

Applicants who wish to start a business should apply for a permit to reside as a self-employed individual.

About an Advanced-level degree

If you want to work in Sweden, you must have an advanced degree. Your degree might qualify as an advanced degree if it’s one of these:

• With 60 credits in a Master’s program,
• A master’s degree requiring 120 credits,
• 60-330 credits or a professional degree
• Degrees at the postgraduate/PhD level.

When submitting your application, you must include a letter granting UHR access to your educational institution for the purpose of verifying your academic documents.

UHR assesses your level of education based on the documents you send to the Swedish Migration Agency. It is only possible for the Agency to answer questions about your degree level after you have made your application. Obtaining this permit is the first step towards obtaining a work permit, also known as a Sweden work visa.

Make an application using e-services

If you want your application considered, you’ll need:

• An image of your passport pages showing your name, address, photo, signature, passport number, country of issuance, validity period, entry stamps, and whether you’re allowed to live abroad.
• A digital copy of your exam certificate
• Transcripts of your academic records, printed or digital
• A digital copy of your bank statements and other documents showing you can support yourself when applying for a residence permit, namely assets equal to at least SEK 13,000 a month, are required. Moreover, you should have money to pay for your return flight.
• If you need a central bank or equivalent permission to withdraw money from your country, you should include it.
• Please provide digital copies of your insurance documents showing you’re covered under a Swedish comprehensive plan
• A digital copy of your signed consent letter giving the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) permission to contact higher education institutions abroad.
• You can pay with a credit or debit card if there is a fee.

How often do you need to translate documents?

Here’s a tip if you’re planning to work in Sweden. Are you aware that skilled professionals from India often ask about Sweden work visas? Now, here’s the thing – if your certificate and transcript aren’t in either Swedish or English, you’ll need an authorized translator. Doing this will ensure that your application has everything it needs. Remember to send copies of the original documents and the translated ones.

Job seeker permit application on paper.

The Residence permit for highly qualified persons for the purpose of looking for work or starting a business can be used instead if you need help submitting your application via e-service.

It’s clear which documents should be attached throughout the application.

This form includes a consent letter for the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) to contact higher education institutions in your country to verify your education. If you’re applying, please include the letter of consent.

You must submit the form and attached documents to the Swedish embassy or consulate-general where you live.

You must pay the fee when applying to an embassy or consulate-general.

Upon receiving approval

If your permit has been in effect for over three months, you’ll get a residence permit card. The card shows your fingerprints and photo, plus your permission to be here.

Swedish tourists need an entry visa, so they have to go to the closest Swedish embassy or consulate general to be photographed and fingerprinted.

You should contact the embassy or consulate-general before you go.

FAQs

What are the restrictions on bringing family members on this permit?

This permit doesn’t allow you to bring family members. If you find a job in Sweden, you can apply for a work permit, which lets your family join you.

Does a job seeker permit allow me to work?

You can’t work with the job seeker permit. Getting a work permit is necessary if you want to work in Sweden. However, you can start working immediately after you submit your work permit application (you don’t have to wait for approval).

How is comprehensive health insurance defined?

Comprehensive health insurance (CHI) covers the following:

• Emergency medical care,
• A hospital stay,
• Dental care
• Medical repatriation.

A good travel insurance usually covers the above healthcare services. However, you need proof that the insurance is valid for your stay.

What are the steps to start my own business in Sweden?

If you want to start a business in Sweden, you can apply for a residence permit as a self-employed individual and operate. At the same time, the Swedish Migration Agency processes your application.