Work permit (employee)
Non-EU/EEA citizens with a concrete job offer from a Swedish employer.
The Work permit (employee) is a Swedish work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~2,200 kr) and processing time (~1-4 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Work permit (employee) is for
Non-EU/EEA citizens with a concrete job offer from a Swedish employer.
Permanent residence possible after working 4 of the last 7 years and meeting maintenance and conduct rules.
Work permit (employee) - eligibility criteria
- Hold a genuine job offer advertised in the EU/EEES
- Salary at least SEK 28,480/month (2025 threshold)
- Terms at least equal to Swedish collective agreements
- Employer offers insurance (health, life, pension, accident)
- Hold a valid passport
Work permit (employee) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Work permit (employee) (Sweden) is ~2,200 kr, with an indicative processing time of ~1-4 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Migrationsverket (Sweden).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside Sweden (online), before travelling |
| Length of stay | Up to 2 years, renewable |
| Work rights | Tied to the offered employer and occupation |
| Study rights | Study permitted alongside work |
| Government fee | ~2,200 kr |
| Processing time | ~1-4 months |
| Route to PR | Permanent residence possible after working 4 of the last 7 years and meeting maintenance and conduct rules. |
Pathway & next steps
Permanent residence possible after working 4 of the last 7 years and meeting maintenance and conduct rules.
Many applicants also compare EU Blue Card · EU Blue Card for highly qualified employment, ICT Permit · Intra-corporate transfer (ICT) permit, Family of Worker · Residence permit for family of someone with a work permit. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Swedish route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Work permit (employee) pitfalls we fix
Work permit (employee) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Work permit (employee) cost?
The Work permit (employee) government fee is ~2,200 kr. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Migrationsverket (Sweden) before applying.
How long does the Work permit (employee) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-4 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Work permit (employee) lead to permanent residence?
Permanent residence possible after working 4 of the last 7 years and meeting maintenance and conduct rules.
Can I work on the Work permit (employee)?
Work rights: Tied to the offered employer and occupation.
Who can apply for the Work permit (employee)?
Non-EU/EEA citizens with a concrete job offer from a Swedish employer.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Sweden government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Migrationsverket (Sweden) - official Sweden immigration authority