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Indian nationals wanting to work in Sweden must apply for a work permit. The Sweden work permit for Indians authorises your work in the country. However, you can only apply for a work permit after you have received your employment contract. The good news is that you do not have to apply for a work permit by yourself. Your employer will start the application process on your behalf. You just need to continue it. Want to know more about the Sweden work permit? Keep reading this blog to learn the eligibility, requirements, application process, and more.
This Blog Includes:
- Sweden Work Permit for Indians: Who Needs it?
- Eligibility Criteria to Apply for a Sweden Work Permit for Indians
- What is the Minimum Salary for a Work Permit in Sweden?
- Documents to Apply for a Sweden Work Permit for Indians
- How to Apply for a Sweden Work Permit for Indians?
- Where to Apply for a Sweden Work Permit for Indians?
- What is the Sweden Work Permit for Indian Fees?
- What is the Sweden Work Permit for Indian Processing Time?
- How Long is the Sweden Work Permit for Indians Valid?
- Does the Sweden Work Permit for Indians Permit Bringing Family Along?
- Application Fees for Family Members Applying for/Holding a Work Permit
- Can I Get a Sweden Work Visa Without Job Offer?
- Can My Sweden Work Permit Be Extended?
- What is the Sweden Work Visa for Indians?
- FAQs
Sweden Work Permit for Indians: Who Needs it?
Generally, nationals of a non-EU country (which refers to a country outside the European Union) need a work permit to work in Sweden. However, there are some exceptions like- New Zealand, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Canada, & Hong Kong.
Indian nationals need a work permit. However, those who are working for less than 3 months need a work permit and a work visa as well (unless they have a diplomatic passport). It must be noted that employees taking up certain jobs are exempt from the work permit requirement. For example,
| Purpose of Stay | Maximum Duration of Work Permit Exemption |
| Professional athletes/functionaries visiting without a work contract | Not applicable |
| Specialists in an international corporation taking up temporary work | Less than 1 year |
| Those participating in internal training, practical experience or other skill development in a company (international group) | Up to three months |
| Diplomats and consular officials (including their families & staff) | Not applicable |
| Caregivers employed for a person visiting Sweden for recreation or care | Up to three months |
| Fitters or technical instructors | Up to two months |
| Drivers and staff of tourist buses | Up to three months |
| Researchers/teachers at a higher educational institution | Up to three months |
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for a Sweden Work Permit for Indians
To apply for a work permit you must meet the eligibility criteria. The eligibility requirements can differ based on your profession. Therefore, we have provided the general eligibility criteria applicable to all work permit applicants.
- Passport– You must have a valid passport.
- Employment Contract- You must have an employment contract. The terms of the employment contract must be at the same level as the Swedish collective agreements or what is essential in the industry/profession.
- The employment contract must be written and must be with a recognised employer in Sweden.
- Job Advertisement-The employer must have advertised for your position for at least 10 days (both in Sweden and the EU/EEA region) before they have entered into an employment contract with you.
- Specific Occupations- Those who have specific occupations may need a minimum acceptable salary. That is the minimum acceptable salary published in Statistics Sweden (SCB) for the role.
What is the Minimum Salary for a Work Permit in Sweden?
To get the Sweden Work Permit for Indian you must meet the minimum salary requirements. The salary required as per the Swedish Aliens Act (Ch:6, Section 2) is as follows:
| Particulars | Minimum Amount |
| Minimum Income for Work Permit (80 per cent of the median salary in Sweden) | SEK 28,480 before tax |
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Documents to Apply for a Sweden Work Permit for Indians
Applying for a work permit? You must upload the necessary documents. These documents must be either in Swedish or English or must be translated into any of these languages.
- Passport- Attach copies of your passport that reveal your information like passport number, photo, signature, etc. The passport must be valid beyond the duration of your stay.
- Power of Attorney– If you are representing the applicant
- Personal assistant- (if applicable)– If you are applying as a personal assistant you must submit a copy of the decision taken by the Swedish Social Insurance Agency regarding the benefits you will receive.
- Documents for accompanying family– If you are accompanied by your family documents providing their relationship to you must be submitted. For example, birth certificates for children and their passport copies, marriage certificate copy/proof that you have lived together.
- Documents for Minor Applicants– Statement of consent from your parent (who has custody) stating that they are permitting you to get a residence permit to settle in Sweden.
Note– Additional documents have to be submitted if you are applying for a work permit extension.
How to Apply for a Sweden Work Permit for Indians?
To apply for a work permit as an Indian citizen online follow the steps below:
- Get an Employment contract- One of the 1st steps is to get an employment contract from a recognised employer in Sweden.
- The employer would start the application process- At this stage, the employer is responsible for starting the application process for a work permit. Your details such as your date of birth, citizenship, email address, and name are required by the employer for this purpose.
- Swedish Migration Agency Sends an Email-You will receive an email that consists of details on how you can apply for the permit. You must also verify that the employment you would be undertaking meets the terms and conditions. Also, verify the details of the contract.
- Pay the Work Permit Fee– Sweden charges you fees for issuing a permit. You can pay this fee using Visa or Mastercard. After the fee payment, a confirmation email is sent to you and your employer.
- Processing Take Place- The Migration agency will process your application. You will be contacted if any additional details are required.
- Show Passport- The Migration Agency will ask you to show your passport, and verifies the same. The passport verification can take place either digitally or in person. Those who are living outside Sweden have to visit the Swedish embassy or consulate-general for this purpose.
- Visit the Embassy/Consulate– Those living outside Sweden have to visit an embassy or consulate to get an entry visa. The entry visa can be obtained after you have submitted your biometric information and your passport.
- Get the decision- Lastly, the Swedish Migration Agency send you an email confirming the decision on your application. You and your employer will receive this email. While you collect your decision you must bring your passport to the embassy or consulate general.
- Residence permit- If you are going to stay in Sweden for more than 3 months, a residence permit card is issued. A residence card will be available within 4 weeks of receiving the application.
To learn more about how to apply for a Sweden work permit, watch this video:
Where to Apply for a Sweden Work Permit for Indians?
The application for a Sweden work permit can be filed in either of the following:
- Online– By visiting the offical website of the Migration Agency
- Consulate/Embassy– By visiting in person a Swedish embassy or consulate-general you are living.
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What is the Sweden Work Permit for Indian Fees?
The fees for the Sweden Work Permit for Indians are as follows:
| Particulars | General Work Permit Fees |
| Sweden Work Permit fees | SEK 2,200 |
Special fees are charged for certain occupations
| Particulars | Fees |
| Au pair | SEK 1,500 |
| Self-employed | SEK 2,000 |
| Performer | SEK 1,500 |
| Professional athletes and coaches | SEK 1,500 |
| Researcher | SEK 1,500 |
| Working holiday visa for young people | SEK 1,500 |
| Trainee (through an international exchange programme or agreement) | SEK 1,500 |
| Seek employment after completing research | SEK 1,500 |
| Volunteer | SEK 1,500 |
What is the Sweden Work Permit for Indian Processing Time?
The exact processing time for the Sweden work permit is not available. However, it is estimated that it will take around one to three months to process your application. It is important to remember that the processing time can be affected by several factors like the if you have submitted accurate information, submitted relevant documents, etc. The processing time can also take longer if further documents have to be submitted.
How Long is the Sweden Work Permit for Indians Valid?
The work permit validity period is provided below. The permit validity period can be shortened depending on factors like the length of your employment contract. The permit validity period can also be shortened if the migration agency finds it difficult to access the duration of your work contract.
| Particulars | Validity Period |
| Sweden work permit | 2 years |
Does the Sweden Work Permit for Indians Permit Bringing Family Along?
Yes. You are permitted to bring your family along with you on a residence permit. However, you must have sufficient funds to support your family for the duration of their stay. Also, you can only bring your immediate family members. That is,
- Unmarried children below the age of 21
- Wife/Husband
- Cohabiting partner/registered partner
Application Fees for Family Members Applying for/Holding a Work Permit
When family members are applying for a work permit, additional fees have to be paid. The fee is provided below:
| Particulars | Application Fees (Work Permit for Family) |
| Children under the age of 18 | SEK 750 |
| Adult | SEK 1,500 |
Can I Get a Sweden Work Visa Without Job Offer?
Yes. You can get a ‘Residence permit for highly qualified persons to look for work or start a business’. This residence permit will give you 3 to 9 months to look for work in Sweden or learn about setting up a business activity. The Sweden Job Seeker visa is the entry visa that you get after travelling to Sweden as a job seeker. You need both the residence permit and the entry visa to look for work in Sweden. After you have secured a job, you can apply for a work permit.
Can My Sweden Work Permit Be Extended?
Yes. Sweden work permit for Indians can be extended. However, the application for a work permit extension must be submitted before your current permit expires. That is, at least 4 months before the existing permit expiry. You need to keep the following things in mind while you apply for a work permit extension.
- Those who have held the work permit for at least 6 months can continue to work while their work permit extension is being considered.
- To extend your work permit you must have worked at the job for which you have received the work permit for. Moreover, your salary and terms of employment must be as per the industry standard. That is, a minimum of 80 per cent of the median salary published by Statistics Sweden (SCB)-SEK 2,200.
- After you have held the work permit for 24 months you are permitted to change your employer without filling out a new application.
- During the first 24 months, you need to file a new work permit application if you want to change your employer.
What is the Sweden Work Visa for Indians?
The Sweden Work visa is an entry visa you get to travel to Sweden. It is not a work permit. A work permit allows you to work, and a work visa allows you to travel. You need both. Sweden does not issue work visas. Instead, an entry visa is given. You can get this visa at an embassy/Consulate of Sweden in India. To get the entry visa you need to submit-
- Your passport copy
- Biometric information (fingerprints)
If you do not need a visa to travel to Sweden you can directly travel to Sweden. In such cases, the biometric information, and fingerprints must be submitted on arrival.
FAQs
Yes. You can get a job in Sweden from India. To find a job in Sweden you can check out popular job portals like LinkedIn, Jobit, etc. You can also check out ‘The Swedish Public Employment Service for job-related information.
Those who have secured a job offer from a recongised employer in Sweden are eligible to work in Sweden. However, the salary obtained must be decent. That is at least SEK 28,480 before tax. You can get a work permit all requirements are met.
You can get a PR in Sweden if you meet the permanent residency criteria. For example, you must have met all terms for the current and previous jobs, received a work permit for at least 48 months, and have worked in Sweden for at least 44 months in the last 7 years.
Your application must be submitted before your work permit expires. If your application is for the same employer and profession as the one for which you already hold a permit, you should submit it no more than four months before it expires. It is occasionally required to apply before your work permit expires if you are changing occupations or employers.
If you believe your application is taking too long to be processed, you can submit a formal request to the Swedish Migration Agency to have your case closed. Four months must have passed since you submitted your application before you can submit a request to the Swedish Migration Agency. The Swedish Migration Agency must then decide whether to accept or reject your application within four weeks.
You must submit a written request to the Swedish Migration Agency to have your case closed. Please fill out and send the form Request to close a case (number 271011) to the Swedish Migration Agency. In each scenario, you can only submit one request.
You can run your own business while working in Sweden if you have a work permit and a residency permit. Your employment must be the primary reason for your visit to Sweden, and the requirements for your work permit must be met. The company’s earnings will not be considered when determining whether the work permit’s restrictions have been met.
If you are a partner in a limited company, you must own at least 50% of the shares to administer the business while continuing to work full-time. The reason for this is that you might otherwise be mistaken for a company employee rather than a business owner.
We hope you now understand the Sweden Work Permit for Indians. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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