Transitioning from a Student Visa to a Work Permit in Sweden
If you’re an international student in Sweden and planning to remain in the country for work after your studies, transitioning from a student visa to a work permit is a crucial step. This guide will help you understand the process and the requirements involved.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a work permit from within Sweden, you must hold a valid passport and either possess a residence permit for studies at a university or university college or have a residence permit to stay in Sweden while looking for work after completing your studies. You should have completed at least 30 higher education credits or one semester of doctoral education in Sweden. It’s important that you apply for your work permit before your current student residence permit expires.
You must have secured employment and signed a contract with your employer. The job offer must include working conditions and a salary that are at least equivalent to those set by Swedish collective agreements or those that are common in the industry. Your employer must also provide you with health insurance, life insurance, industrial injury insurance, and an occupational pension. Furthermore, your monthly salary must be no less than SEK 28,480, which corresponds to 80% of Sweden’s current median salary as published by Statistics Sweden. For detailed updates, refer to the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket).
Application Process
Begin by securing employment that fulfills all the above criteria. The application process starts when your employer submits employment details to the Swedish Migration Agency and obtains a statement from the relevant trade union. Once your employer has completed their part, you will receive an email with instructions on how to complete your portion of the application.
You’ll then need to submit required documents such as a copy of your passport, proof that you’ve completed at least 30 higher education credits, your signed employment contract, and proof that the necessary insurance coverage has been arranged. The application fee is SEK 2,000. After submission, your application will be reviewed by the Swedish Migration Agency, and you will be notified once a decision is made.
It’s important to note that if you apply before your student residence permit expires, you are legally allowed to begin working while waiting for your application to be processed.
Family Members
Your immediate family, including your spouse or registered partner and children under 21, are eligible to apply for residence permits to join you in Sweden. Their applications can be submitted at the same time as yours to ensure a smoother process.
Important Considerations
It is essential to apply for the work permit before your current student residence permit expires to avoid any legal complications or interruptions to your stay. The job you are offered must be full-time and meet all stated salary and insurance requirements. If you wish to change employers during the first two years of your work permit validity, you must submit a new application to the Swedish Migration Agency for approval.