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Are you planning to look for work in Sweden? You need to apply for an entry visa. This is because the Job Seeker visa does not exist! The country only issues an entry visa to applicants who want to look for work. You can get this entry visa at an embassy or consulate. Therefore, instead of searching for the Sweden Job Seeker visa requirements you need to understand the entry visa process, and how you can apply for it. Keep reading this blog to know how.
| Note: The Sweden Job Seeker Visa in this blog refers to an Entry Visa. |
This Blog Includes:
- Who is Eligible for a Sweden Job Seeker Visa?
- What Documents are Required for a Sweden Job Seeker Visa?
- How Much Bank Balance is Required for a Sweden Job Seeker Visa?
- How to Apply for a Sweden Job Seeker Visa?
- Conditions of Issuing Job Seeker Visa
- What to Do If I Don’t Need a Sweden Job Seeker Visa?
- What is the Sweden Job Seeker Visa Success Rate?
- What is the Sweden Job Seeker Visa Age Limit?
- What is the Sweden Job Seeker Visa Processing Time?
- What is the Difference between Job Seeker Visa and Work Permit?
- FAQs
Who is Eligible for a Sweden Job Seeker Visa?
You must meet the Sweden job seeker visa requirements – eligibility to get the visa. The eligibility requirements for a job seeker visa are provided below:
- You must have a Sweden Residence Permit: The Residence Permit for job seekers is called the Residence Permit for Highly Qualified Persons to Look for Work or Start a Business. This Residence permit allows you to stay in Sweden for 3 to 9 months in search of employment or to set up your own business in Sweden.
- Meet the eligibility criteria for a residence permit: You must meet the eligibility requirements for the Residence Permit for Highly Qualified Persons to Look for Work or Start a Business. It is provided in the table below.
| Category | Basic Eligibility for Job Seeker |
| Education | Completed advanced level degree (PG/PHD). For example, a 60-credit/120-credit Master’s degree, or a professional degree with 60-330 credits. |
| Purpose | You want to look for employment in Sweden or set up your own business in Sweden |
| Insurance | You must have health insurance that is valid in Sweden |
| Travel Document | You must have a passport that is valid for the entire duration of your stay |
| Location | You must be living outside of Sweden |
Know Everything About The Sweden Post-Study Work Visa
What Documents are Required for a Sweden Job Seeker Visa?
The Sweden job seeker visa requirements in terms of documents are provided below. You must have these documents to get the entry visa. Moreover, the documents must be translated into English or Swedish (if not already in any of these languages).
- A Photograph– You need a recent passport-size photograph as per the Sweden government’s requirements. This photograph will be taken at the embassy/consulate. Therefore, you do not have to arrange it beforehand (unless asked).
- Biometric Information– You will have to submit your biometric information at the embassy/consulate of Sweden in India.
- Documents for residence permit– The consular office might ask you to show the documents that you have submitted for the residence permit approval. These documents are provided below in the table.
| Documents Required for a Job Seeker | Description |
| Passport | Copies of your current passport and previous passport |
| Insurance proof | Proof of medical insurance valid in Sweden |
| Financial proof | Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses for the duration of your stay. As proof you can submit copies of your bank statements |
| Education proof | Another Sweden job seeker visa requirement is to provide proof of work experience if any |
| Experience proof (if applicable) | Another Sweden job seeker visa requirements is to provide proof of work experience if any |
| Verification Consent Form | Copy of proof that the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) can verify your credentials by contacting your university |
| Proof of residence fee payment | Proof that you have paid the fees for a Residence Permit for Highly Qualified Persons to Look for Work or Start a Business |
Note: You must submit any other additional document if the consular officer asks you for the visa. Only after submission of these documents, you can meet the Sweden job seeker visa requirements.
How Much Bank Balance is Required for a Sweden Job Seeker Visa?
One of the Sweden job seeker visa requirements is to have a minimum bank balance. The minimum amount of funds you require for the visa is provided below:
| Particulars | Minimum Bank Balance |
| Finances to travel to Sweden as a job seeker | SEK 13,000 per month |
Learn about the cost of living in Sweden
How to Apply for a Sweden Job Seeker Visa?
You can apply for an entry visa by following the steps below:
- Visit the Embassy/Consulate– Visit the Sweden Embassy/consulate in India and enquire about the visa and its requirements.
- Submit the Sweden Job Seeker Visa Requirements– That is, take your photograph at the embassy/consulate, and submit your biometric information. Provide details of the residence permit and card you have obtained (if applicable).
- Get your visa issued– You will entry visa from the embassy or consulate after the processing time is complete. After the visa is issued, you can collect your documents (If you have submitted any)
Conditions of Issuing Job Seeker Visa
The following are the conditions of receiving the job seeker visa/entry visa:
- Don’t work– You are allowed to only search for employment in Sweden, or learn the requirements to set up a business. However, you are not allowed to actually work.
- Apply for a work permit– After you get a job offer letter from a recognised employer in Sweden you will have to apply for a work permit to stay in Sweden and undertake employment activity.
To learn how you can apply for jobs in Sweden, watch this video:
What to Do If I Don’t Need a Sweden Job Seeker Visa?
Applicants who do not need a Sweden job seeker visa to enter the country, are permitted to travel to Sweden on a residence permit. However, you need to make an appointment through the embassy or consulate. After arriving in Sweden, you can get photographed, and submit your fingerprints to the officials. Thus, you can meet the Sweden job seeker visa requirements.
What is the Sweden Job Seeker Visa Success Rate?
The job seeker visa requirements are not officially provided. However, it is a general estimate that if those who have obtained a residence permit can easily get a job seeker visa. Therefore, you must get the residence card first. You can later submit your details and get the visa.
What is the Sweden Job Seeker Visa Age Limit?
There is no age limit for the job seeker visa. Those who meet the Sweden job seeker visa requirements are given the permit and the visa. Some of the requirements you need to meet include- having medical insurance, proof of sufficient funds, and having an advanced degree.
What is the Sweden Job Seeker Visa Processing Time?
The processing time for a job seeker visa is not available. Generally, a Schengen visa takes 15 days to get approved. For detailed examinations, the processing time can take between 30 to 45 days. After this time, you can contact the embassy/consulate regarding the visa decision.
What is the Difference between Job Seeker Visa and Work Permit?
The Sweden job seeker visa is different from a work permit. A job seeker visa permits you to travel to Sweden. While you are on a job seeker visa you are not allowed to work but only search for work. Similarly, you are not allowed to set up a business but only learn about the business activities in Sweden and how to establish a business.
On the other hand, a work permit authorises you to work in Sweden. You can set up a business or work for an employer in Sweden till the time the permit is valid.
FAQs
Yes. You can move to Sweden without a job. You need to apply for a Residence Permit for Highly Qualified Persons to Look for Work or Start a Business first, and get the residence card issued. Thereafter, you can apply for an entry visa to look for job.
No. It is difficult to find a job in Sweden as an immigrant. In fact, it takes immigrants 7 years to find a permanent full-time job in Sweden mainly because they can’t speak English or Swedish. Therefore, they focus on learning the language first. However, a temporary job is relatively easier to find.
Yes. Sweden has labour shortages. The main labour shortages are in the healthcare and education sectors. The labour shortage is one of the main reasons for granting residence permit to foreginers.
We hope you now understand what are the Sweden job seeker visa requirements. 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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