Work permit for employees
Non-EU nationals with a job offer in Sweden need a work permit tied to the employer and occupation. Since 1 June 2026, first-time applicants must earn at least 90% of the Swedish median salary (SEK 34,470 a month from 16 June 2026), with terms matching collective agreements and insurance in place. Permits last up to 2 years at a time and can lead to permanent residence after 4 years of work.
Life in Sweden
Money
3
Currency
Swedish Krona
SEK
Swedish Krona
Cost of living
91
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
20%
Income tax (national)
VAT 25% · social security 7%
No state income tax below SEK 643,000 taxable income; 20% above. Municipal tax averages 32.38% on all earned income.
Living
1
Happiness
#5 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
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Whether you need a licence or registration to work in your field here
Who it’s for
Non-EU/EEA nationals with a signed employment contract from an employer in Sweden, including staffing agencies that hire out labour, in an occupation that is not excluded.
Eligibility
Valid passport
You need a valid passport; the permit cannot be longer than the passport's validity.
Employment contract
You need a contract signed by you and the employer. You cannot combine several jobs to meet the requirements.
Salary requirement
You need monthly pay of at least 90% of the Statistics Sweden median salary, and pay must match collective agreements or industry practice.
From 16 June 2026SEK 34,470
Minimum monthly pay (90% of median)
- Some occupations and groups have a lower 75% threshold
Official wording
Monthly pay of at least 90% of the median salary from Statistics Sweden, which is SEK 34,470 from 16 June 2026. Pay must also match collective agreements or industry practice.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementExempt occupations
- Document checklistCopies of passport
- FeesWork permit application fee (employee)
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 6 more requirements
- 8 documents
- 3 fees
- 7 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Sweden
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Sweden
- Visit & tourismSchengen tourist & business visa
- StudyResidence permit for higher education studies
- FamilyResidence permit to live with a partner
- Asylum & protectionInternational protection (asylum) in Sweden
- CitizenshipSwedish citizenship by application
Work permits in other countries
- SingaporeEmployment Pass
- St. HelenaSt Helena Work Permit with Long Term Entry Permit
- SloveniaTemporary residence permit for digital nomads
- SlovakiaTemporary residence for employment
- Sierra LeoneWork Permit (Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security) and Resident Permit (Immigration Department) via the Unified Permit portal
- San MarinoResidence permit for work (seasonal or temporary) in San Marino
