Aljawaz Your guide to study abroad We previously talked about the details of studying in Sweden, starting with the advantages of studying in Sweden, passing through the cost of studying and living, the top 10 Swedish universities ranking, and how to apply to Swedish universities. Besides, we talked about the types of Swedish scholarships even, how to get student accommodation in Sweden. It is the right time to start talking about work in Sweden, how to obtain a work permit, the searching steps, and requirements. And this is what we will address in this article.
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How can I get a work permit in Sweden?
As an international student, you can extend your residence permit to 6 months to search for a job or setting up your own business in Sweden.
You can click on the following link to apply for extending your residence permit in Sweden.
Once you have received a job offer and accepted it, you can submit an application form to obtain a work permit, as it is one of the important conditions and requirements to work in Sweden.
We will explain in detail how to obtain a work permit in Sweden and the required steps in the following lines.
How to apply for a work permit in Sweden after study?
To apply for a work permit in Sweden without deporting to your country after graduation, you must meet the following requirements:
- You should have a student residence visa.
Check our article about how to get a study visa in Sweden.
- You have to complete at least one academic semester or 30 study hours.
- Submit an application form to obtain a work permit before your student permit visa or your own residence one expires.
Once you apply for a job in Sweden and accept a job offer, you will receive an employment offer sent by the employer.
- Surely, the employment offer is one of the most important documents required to complete the application procedures to obtain a work permit in Sweden.
The processing time for the online work permit in Sweden is approx. 3 weeks, while it takes approx. 3 months or more when applying directly at the Swedish Migration Agency.
Therefore, it is preferred to apply for a work permit online in case you want to obtain it during short time.
Online requirements to obtain a Work Permit in Sweden
- Documents should be scanned or photocopied.
- Then, having a valid passport.
- In addition, to present employment offer (as explained in the above-mentioned) which terms are equal to Swedish work conditions, and including social and health insurance and the start date of work.
- Also, a document for the offered monthly salary, which terms are equal to the Swedish work condition. It must be at least 13,000 Kronor per year before taxes.
- Besides, two photographs showing the face clearly and its issuing date should not exceed 6 months.
- And to pay the application fee of work permit which amounts to 2,000 kronor.
Once the above-mentioned requirements are ready, you can send them all to the website of the Swedish Migration Agency.
Learn more about Swedish Migration Agency
Once you complete your online application form, you will receive a confirmation email indicating your successful registration process. Then the Swedish Migration Agency will contact you in case they need any further information.
To know the expected time to obtain your work permit, you can visit the following link and answer the attached questions accurately to know the waiting list time for the permit.
Check the following links : Application no. 151011 and Application no. 1330111
Sweden work permit cost
In most cases, to apply for a work permit, you must pay a fee. Once it is done, you submit your application. Most work permits in Sweden cost around SEK 2,000 or about $200. Aside from this initial cost, there are no additional fee you pay that is related to the application process. Once the application has been paid and submitted, the rest of the process is free.
To pay for your work visa in Sweden, you can either pay online or at a Swedish embassy or consulate. For the online payment, you can use a credit card linked with the application. You, then, use the same mode when applying for an extension of your work permit. Make sure to enable your card for internet payment.
Work permit duration in Sweden
The Sweden work permit is valid for two years, with the option to renew it for another two years. If you apply before your current permit expires, you can carry on working while waiting for a decision on the extension.
Moreover, individuals who have already worked for 4 years under a work permit can apply for permanent residency in Sweden if they want to. If they find a job with a new employer, other than the one with whom they apply for the work permit in the first time, they need to apply for a new permit. Usually, they can change jobs and request an extension once the work permit validity is expired.
For more information, check our article on 8 tips to work in Sweden before and after graduation.
