Work Visa for Sweden & EU Blue Card

Get your visa in 3 easy steps
Check your eligibility, it's free!
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Step 1: Check your eligibility

Start the process by uploading your CV to check your eligibility.

Our recruiters in Stockholm will review your CV and qualifications and will contact you with feedback. You can proceed to Step 2.

 

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Step 2: Sign up for the workshop and apply for jobs

Get help writing your CV for Swedish employers, job search, company contacts, applications, interviews, and salary negotiations.

Get your CV recommended to employers from a trusted source.

Step 3: Interview and sign the job contract

Interviews are usually held in person if you are in Sweden or online if you are outside Sweden.

Typically you can expect 3 interview rounds. Be well prepared and ace the interview.

Sign the contract and get your visa.

About

What is the EU Blue Card?

The EU Blue Card is Europe’s answer to the US Green Card.

It is a work and residence permit for non-EU nationals and gives them the right to live and work in any EU country.

The European Blue Card was created to make it easier for highly skilled workers to obtain work in the EU.  It provides comprehensive socio-economic rights and a path towards permanent residence and EU citizenship.

What is a Work Visa for Sweden?

The Work Visa gives non-EU nationals the right to live and work in Sweden. This also provides a pathway for professionals to apply for permanent residency and Swedish citizenship.

The visa is issued by the Swedish Migration Agency and is only valid for work in Sweden.

What is the difference between EU Blue Card and Work Visa for Sweden?

The EU Blue Card gives you the right to live and work in any EU country.

The Work Visa for Sweden gives you the right to live and work only in Sweden.

Who is it for?

It is for professionals with a job offer from a Swedish company.

If you plan on working and living in other EU countries within the next 4 years, the Blue Card might be the best option.

Many EU countries have Blue Card permits and it is easier to move if you have one. Some EU countries will also count the time you have held a Blue Card in Sweden when reviewing an application for permanent residence.

Benefits
  • Visa duration is 1 or more years
  • Visa can be extended
  • Right to live and work in any EU country
  • Family visa given
  • Full social benefits and rights
  • Pathway to permanent residency or EU citizenship
Requirements
  • A job offer from a Swedish company
  • Monthly salary
  • Minimum 6-month contract duration
  • Meet educational requirements based on job role
  • Meet salary requirements based on job role and industry
  • All documents, certificates and official transcripts must be translated into English or Swedish

The Process

Step 1: Check your eligibility for free

Start the process by uploading your CV to check your eligibility.

Our recruiters in Stockholm will review your CV and qualifications and get back to you.

If you qualify for the visa, you can proceed to step 2.

Step 2: Sign up for the workshop and apply for jobs

To get a work visa, you must have a job offer from a Swedish company.  This workshop is designed in partnership with job agencies and international companies in Sweden to help you apply successfully.

The key to getting a job in Sweden is introductions and recommendations from a trusted source such as a job agency.

EnglishJobs.se can help you with employer introductions and recommendations.

Get help with your CV presentation for Swedish employers.
Learn about industry-specific databases and how to search them for jobs. Prepare for job interviews and salary negotiations.

Step 3. Sign the job contract

Sign the job contract with the employer.
The job contract should detail your contract duration, work location, role, responsibilities, salary, perks, benefits and bonuses.

The job must meet minimum salary requirements and working hours.
The contract can be extended at any time.

Step 4. Trade union review

The trade union will review the employment contract to ensure that the employment conditions offered comply with the labor market’s collective agreement and other practices to ensure safe employment.

Step 5. Swedish Migration Agency application

Get help with filling out the work permit application form.
The application requires supporting documents from you and the employer.
Once you apply, it is reviewed by the Swedish Migration Agency.

EnglishJobs.se will also help you with documentation and useful information to consider for the upcoming work permit period.

Step 6. Approval and Swedish Embassy appointment

Once your application is approved by the Swedish Migration Agency, you will get a request to make an appointment at your nearest Swedish Embassy.

This usually takes 3-4 weeks.

At the embassy, you get your passport stamped with the visa or collect your residency card.

The final step is making an appointment at your nearest Swedish Embassy to get your passport stamped with the visa.

Why use an agency?

Get step-by-step assistance with your application

1. Document preparation

  • We ensure your work permit application is successful by having the right documentation and meeting all the requirements
  • Your application needs to be supported by other documents including motivation letters, a job search plan for when you are in Sweden, health insurance, etc.
  • All documents must be well-written and error-free
  • All documents must be translated into English or Swedish

    2. Filing your application

    • Get help understanding the visa rules and submitting your application to the Swedish Migration Board accordingly.

    3. Quicker processing time

    • The processing time is faster if all your documents are in the right format and order.
    • We will check for accuracy and errors before you submit your application.
    • Small mistakes can lead to long delays as it gets pushed to the back of the queue. In some cases it may be rejected and you will have to reapply.
    • We have received permission from the Swedish Migration Agency to offer our customers a fast application process. We can therefore guarantee a decision within 2-4 weeks, which can normally take up to 10 weeks.

    4. Help before you arrive in Sweden

    • Get help finding accommodation and planning your move.
    • Finding accommodationcan be a difficult task if you are unfamiliar with the city. Get help with finding places to stay.

    5. Help after you arrive in Sweden

    • Get help with cultural orientation and learning to live in a new city.
    • Get help with free language lessons.
    • Get help registering at the tax office for a social security number, and registering for benefits, insurance and trade union membership.

    6. Job Search

    • Job search and matching. Searching internal database, contact networks and agency data bases to find the perfect match
    • Get job databases specific to your job search and where companies publish them
    • Extend your search to 15-20 key databases out of LinkedIn where companies publish jobs
    • Get weekly updates on new jobs posted

    7. Applications with recommendations

    • Employer recommendations. Most jobs in Sweden are filled through referrals through a network of trusted contacts. This is usually an employee that is working for the company or a recruiter.
    • Applications with a Swedish recommendation are usually more trusted due to the large amount of spam and fake profiles online
    • We support your application with by providing recommendations for you to employers after we have verified your CV and experience

    8. Networking with Employers

    • Networking events hosted by companies – join online or in person. Meet other professionals and expand your network
    • Meet employer contacts and introduced at our events, online and in person

    9. Scheduling Interviews

    • Scheduling interviews with company HR and agency recruiters
    • Get help with booking interview times

    Step 1. Check your eligibility for a work visa or EU blue card.

    Take the test in 2 minutes. We will review your CV and get back to you within 48 hours. Please fill out the form below.

    Frequently asked questions

    About moving to Sweden

    Why move to Sweden

    Sweden is well known for its quality of life, safety, stability and innovation and home to the world’s largest brands like Spotify, Ericsson, Ikea, Volvo, SAAB and tech companies in music, fin-tech and gaming.

    Do I need to speak Swedish in order to live in Sweden?

    Sweden has a vibrant international community. Most Swedes speak excellent English.

    Will I get help finding accommodation and relocating?

    Yes, most large employers will offer relocation support or will have an agency that help you find accommodation and settle in.

    Can I move with my family?

    Family members will also get permits to live and work in Sweden for the same length of time as you.

    About work permit and EU Blue Card

    How to apply for a Swedish work visa?

    A work visa entitles you to work in Sweden and eventually apply for permanent residency. In order to get a Swedish work permit you must have a job offer letter from a company in Sweden. EnglishJobs.se works with employers to help with processing the paperwork and relocation for employees to Sweden.

    How to apply for an EU Blue Card in Sweden?

    You are eligible when you are a non-EU citizen, and you have completed tertiary education ie. a degree  and/or you have three years or more professional experience in the profession related to your profile. You must also have a job offer from a Swedish company an fulfill certain critera depending on the job you are applying for. Get in touch with us via the evaluation form above.

    Whats the difference between a work permit and an EU Blue Card?

    A Swedish work permit is valid for work in Sweden only, counts towards your permanent residency application in Sweden and is processed within 10 days if the application is submitted by a company that is certified with the Migration Agency.

    An EU Blue Card allows you to work and live in other EU countries as well. Many EU countries have Blue Card permits it can in some cases be easier to move if you have one. Some EU countries will also count the time you have held a Blue Card in Sweden when reviewing an application for permanent residence. An EU blue card application is generally processed within 2-3 weeks, but the Migration Agency has up to 90 days to process it.

    What is the guarantee I will get a visa?

    You should get a visa if you meet all the requirements and your application is error free. Visas are issued by the Swedish embassy.

    Can I work remotely while my visa application is being processed?

    Yes, that is possible, some companies are open to working remotely.

    How long does it take to get a visa?

    10 days for companies that are registered with the Swedish migration agency’s (Migrationsverket) fast track program. For other companies it may take take 2-3 weeks depending on your local embassy.

    What is the visa cost? Does the employer pay?

    The visa cost is set by the embassy. It varies from Euro 80 to Euro 200. Please check with your local embassy. Some employers will pay for your visa and travel costs.

    About applying for jobs in Sweden

    Are there jobs available in English?

    Yes, of course. Sweden is an export oriented economy, with exports over $240 billion each year. Large companies working in international markets often have English as their main working language. Sweden is also home to many global companies like IBM, P&G, Accenture, McKinsey, BOSCH, Astra Zenica.

    What type of jobs are available?

    Sweden has one of Europe’s strongest economies. There are jobs available across all industries such as Technology, Media, Entertainment, Finance, Healthcare, Retail, Telecom, Hospitality, Logistics, Manufacturing, Engineering and Non-Profit sectors.

    Jobs available vary from senior positions in management, tech and engineering to entry level jobs in sales, admin and customer service. Please view the jobs section on our website.

    How do I apply for jobs in Sweden?

    Most jobs in Sweden a usually filled via recommendations from agencies or a contact network. You can apply for jobs directly on company websites, LinkedIn or Indeed.

    How long does it take to get a job in Sweden?

    It usually takes 3-6 weeks in total after you apply. It takes 1-2 weeks for the selection decision, 1-2 weeks to do interviews and 1-2 weeks to get a decision and offer letter. Typically, there are 3 interview meetings. 1st with a colleague, 2nd with a manager and 3rd with HR.

    How does EnglishJobs.se help me get a job?

    Since 2010, we have been recruiting international talent for Swedish companies and have built a large network of industry contacts. We help you apply via our network of contacts.

    How is it different from applying directly ?

    Most employers prefer job seekers that have been verified and recommended via their trusted network of contacts like employees or agencies. Over 70% of jobs are filled in this way.

    Why is networking and being recommended by a contact so important to find a job?

    This is due to the large number of spam CVs, fake profiles, fake applications, spam from marketing companies and outsourcing companies.

    Why do I need to do the workshop?

    The workshop process and contents has been created in partnership with job agencies and companies to ensure that all job applicants are verified, qualified and competencies and skills are matched with the right companies. The process also ensures that job seekers connect with the right decision makers and follow the correct application process.

    How is the workshop meeting done?

    This workshop is a personal 1 on 1 online video meeting with a recruiter from Sweden over Google Meet or Microsoft Teams.

    What is covered in the workshop meeting?

    Document verification, CV and cover letter review, Job title strategy, Salary and benefits calculations, Company search, Job search, Employer contacts and referrals, Job applications, Scheduling interviews.

    What is the workshop cost?

    The workshop has a fixed admin processing fee of Euro 49. This includes all the content and meetings. There are NO other costs. There is NO commission on salaries. There are NO other admin fees.

    Do you arrange interviews?

    Yes we do. We put your CV forward to companies that match your profile and arrange an interview.

    What is the guarantee I will get a job?

    Our job is to connect you with companies, help with applications, recommend you to employers and arrange interviews.

    Your chances of success are high if you follow the right application process. Avoid common mistakes made by international job seekers and errors in your application. The workshop ensures that your CV and cover letter is formatted for Swedish employers, you are applying to the right companies that your application is supported by a recommendation from a contact.

    After you apply, there are usually 1 screening call and 3 interviews held including personality and behavioral questions, industry knowledge questions. You need to be well prepared for the interviews by practicing it beforehand.

    However, how you perform in the interview is up to you. If you pass the interview, you get the job. 

    What jobs does EnglishJobs.se guarantee?

    We guarantee that the jobs you apply to are verified, trusted, progressive companies that support sustainable environmental policies. We work with the top 600 companies in Sweden. We make sure that contracts offered and terms are in line with Trade Union Collective Agreements. This means increased safety and clear conditions about salary, work environment, insurance and pension.

    How much will I get paid as salary?

    This depends on your job title and experience. Salaries usually starting around Eur 3000 per month + benefits + overtime pay.

    What are the benefits of working in a Swedish company?

    Swedish companies value work-life balance. Sweden is known for its generous social security system, high quality free healthcare and free education for kids. Companies benefits may include laptop, phone, travel allowance, gym memberships, company events, free meals, flexi hours, flexi holidays, work from home, relocation allowance etc. Health benefits include health insurance, sick pay and wellness activities. Professional benefits include sponsored employee training, professional certifications and language lessons.

    Partners and Resources

    Migrationsverket, the Swedish Migration Agency, is responsible for work permits, residence permits and citizenship applications.

    Arbetsförmedlingen is the Swedish Public Employment Service is responsible for employment and labour market policies.

    JobbsprÃ¥nget (‘job leap’) is a fast track to employment for newly arrived migrants, connecting talent with over 400 employers.

    The Swedish Institute works to increase the world’s interest and trust in Sweden, which in turn helps companies to conduct trade, attract international talent.

    Academicum
    Korta vägen (‘short route’) is a program to help foreign born graduates establish themselves professionally as soon as possible upon their arrival in Sweden.

    Invest Stockholm is the official investment promotion agency of Stockholm, widely recognized as one of the most innovative regions in the world.

    The Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences offers a fast track to employment for newly arrived migrants who have a degree.

    Sweden.se works with promoting Sweden, cooperation in the Baltic Sea region and global development.

    JustArrived helps new arrivals in Sweden with getting their first job and gaining work experience.

    Diversity Charter Sweden is a springboard for companies that want to increase their competitiveness with the help of workplace diversity.

    Microsoft Reactor helps talent learn and connect with local peers and build careers through industry engagement.

    Switch to Sweden is all about learning, connecting, and finding international talent for companies in Sweden.

    Connect Sverige is an initiative that helps companies grow by matching them with skills, contacts and capital.

    The Research Institute collaborates with industry, academia and the public sector for the international competitiveness of Swedish business.