Sweden has long been a top destination for skilled professionals seeking to live and work abroad. Previously, Sweden did not offer a visa specifically for individuals wishing to come to the country to search for employment or start a business. However, in June 2022, the Swedish government introduced the Sweden Job Seeker Visa, a residence permit that allows highly qualified individuals to look for work or start their own business in Sweden.
What is the Sweden Job Seeker Visa?
This new visa enables individuals to search for employment in Sweden. The visa is valid for a minimum of 3 months and can be granted for up to a maximum of 9 months.
Key Requirements for Sweden Job Seeker Visa
To be eligible for the Sweden Job Seeker Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Advanced Degree: You must have an advanced degree, such as a Master’s degree, PhD, or other equivalent professional qualification.
- Intention to Seek Employment or Start a Business: You must intend to look for work or explore the possibility of starting your own business in Sweden.
- Financial Stability: You must prove that you can financially support yourself during your stay in Sweden.
- Health Insurance: You need comprehensive health insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Sweden.
- Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for the entire period of your intended stay.
- Located Outside Sweden: You must be outside of Sweden when applying.
What is Considered an Advanced Degree?
Your degree qualifies as “advanced” if it corresponds to one of the following:
- A 60-credit Master’s degree
- A 120-credit Master’s degree
- A professional degree worth 60-330 credits
- A Postgraduate or PhD-level degree
As part of your application, you must provide a letter granting the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) permission to contact your educational institution to verify your documents. The Swedish Migration Agency will send your documents to UHR for verification.
Application Process
You can apply through Sweden’s e-services platform by submitting the following digital documents:
- Passport: A digital copy of the passport pages showing your personal information, photo, signature, passport number, issuing country, and validity.
- Educational Documents: Digital copies of your examination certificates and official academic transcripts.
- Financial Proof: Digital copies of bank statements or other documents demonstrating that you have at least SEK 13,000 per month for the duration of your stay.
- Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance valid in Sweden.
- Letter of Consent: A signed letter giving UHR the authority to verify your educational documents.
- Application Fee: You must pay any application fees via credit or debit card.
If your documents are not in English or Swedish, they must be translated by an authorized translator and attached alongside the originals.
Paper Application Process
If you cannot submit your application through the e-service, you can complete a paper application and submit it at a Swedish embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Along with the application, you need to submit all the required documents and pay the application fee.
After Submitting Your Application
Once the Swedish Migration Agency processes your application, they will make a decision. The visa can be granted for a minimum of 3 months, up to a maximum of 9 months.
If Your Application is Approved
If approved, and your permit is valid for more than 3 months, you will receive a residence permit card. This card will serve as proof of your authorization to stay in Sweden and will include your fingerprint and photo.
If you require an entry visa, you must visit the Swedish embassy or consulate to have your photo taken and provide your fingerprints.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bring my family with me? You cannot bring family members on this permit. However, if you find a job in Sweden, you can apply for a work permit and your family may join you.
- Can I work on the Job Seeker Permit? You cannot work while on the job seeker permit. However, if you find a job, you can apply for a work permit and start working immediately after applying, even before it’s approved.
- What is Comprehensive Health Insurance? Comprehensive health insurance covers emergency medical care, hospitalization, dental care, and repatriation for medical reasons. Ensure that your insurance covers you throughout your stay in Sweden.
- How Can I Start My Own Business in Sweden? If you wish to start a business in Sweden, you can apply for a residence permit as a self-employed person and operate your business while your application is processed.