Saturday, September 20 | 2025
Who needs a work permit?
Types of work permits
Standard Work and Residence Permit
For individuals directly employed by a Swedish company.
EU Blue Cards
Designed for highly skilled professionals who meet specific salary and education criteria. An EU Blue Card also makes it easier to work in other EU countries.
ICT Permit (Intra-Corporate Transfer)
If you are employed by a company outside the EU/EEA and are transferred to its branch or subsidiary in Sweden, this is the relevant permit.
What are the requirements?
To be eligible for a work permit in Sweden, you need to have:
· A valid passport
Your permit cannot be granted for a period longer than your passport’s validity. Ideally, it should be valid for at least two more years.
· A signed employment contract
The job must meet the terms of Swedish collective agreements or the standard for your profession. The monthly salary must be at least 80% of Sweden’s median income, as published by Statistics Sweden (SCB).
· Insurance coverage
Your employer must provide you with health, life, work injury, and occupational pension insurance from day one of your employment.
More specific requirements may apply depending on what permit type you apply for.
Family members of work permit holders
Family members can apply for dependent permits, which are tied to the main applicant’s status, regardless of the type of work permits. The requirements are that they have a valid passport, and that the employee/main applicant can meet the subsistence requirement.
Eligible family members include:
- Spouse or registered partner
- Cohabitant
- Children*
* For standard work and residence permits, children below 21 years can apply.
* For EU Blue Cards and ICT permits, children below 18 years can apply.
How long is the permit valid?
Work permits in Sweden are granted for maximum two years at a time, depending on the length of your employment and passport validity. When you extend the permit, you are granted for another two years as long as your employment contract and passport validity allow.
When can you apply for permanent residence?
After four years of holding a work permit in Sweden, you may be eligible for permanent residency. Among other requirements, you must be able to support yourself financially and have followed Swedish laws and regulations.
How to start the application process
The application for a work permit in Sweden begins with your employer or their representative submitting details of your job offer to the Swedish Migration Agency. However, it is helpful if you prepare in advance – make sure you meet all the requirements and have the correct documentation ready in its original form, including authorized translations if necessary.
How long does it take?
· Standard Work and Residence Permits
Complete application: around 2 months
Incomplete application: around 8 months
· EU Blue Cards
Complete application: around 1 month
Incomplete application: around 2 months
· ICT Permit (Intra-Corporate Transfer)
Complete application: around 2 months
Incomplete application: around 3 months
The handling time to complete an application for a work permit in Sweden is usually around 1-2 months depending on the type of permit. However, if something is missing or unclear, it can take longer time. That is why it is important to make sure everything is correct and complete from the beginning. To avoid delays, many employers choose to outsource to relocation and immigration specialists – to make sure the process goes as smoothly and quickly as possible.
Shorter handling time for highly qualified workforce
If you’re applying for a work permit in Sweden and you are a highly qualified worker, then you might benefit from a shorter handling time. High skill workforce includes:
– Executive-level roles
– Positions requiring an advanced university degree (Master’s level)
– Positions requiring a university degree (Bachelor’s level) or equivalent qualification
EU Blue Card holders, ICT Permit holders and researchers are classified as highly qualified workers.
Complete applications for highly qualified employees are prioritized by the Swedish Migration Agency, with an aim to issue a decision within 30 days.
Need more advice?
You can contact Prime Relocation for further information and customized services to get a work permit in Sweden, relocate, and much more!
