Various regulations apply depending on if it's a citizen of a Nordic country, an EU/EEA country or a non-EU country.

Work for less than 90 days

As a general rule, non-EU/EEA nationals require a work permit to work in Sweden, even for employment lasting less than 90 days.

There are exceptions to the work permit requirement for teachers and researchers in higher education. If the work involves research, teaching, or other lecturing activities, and the duration does not exceed three months within a twelve-month period, a work permit is not required. This exemption applies specifically to higher education institutions.

For other positions, such as administrative staff, a work permit is required even if the employment duration is less than 90 days. The Swedish Migration Agency provides detailed information on work permit requirements for various occupations.

You can read more about visiting Sweden for up to 90 days External link, opens in new window. and about exceptions from work permit requirements External link, opens in new window. at the Swedish Migration Agency´s (Migrationsverket) website.

Visa

If a work permit is not required, citizens of certain non-EU/EEA countries must still obtain a visa to enter Sweden. Usually, the visa process needs to be initiated and managed by the applicant, and applications are generally submitted through a web-based system.

For more information about visas External link, opens in new window., please visit the Swedish Migration Agency’s website

Work permit

Nordic and EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of Nordic or EU/EEA countries can start working immediately in Sweden, as they do not need a work permit or registration of right of residence with the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket). Remember to bring a valid passport or identity card that states your citizenship when entering Sweden.

Nordic citizens External link, opens in new window.

EU/EEA citizens External link, opens in new window.

Non EU/EEA citizens

Most citizens of non-EU/EEA countries must obtain a work permit to work in Sweden. The work permit must be granted before entering Sweden. Please note that the processing time for work permit applications at the Swedish Migration Agency may vary depending on the specific case.

For more information and guidance, visit the Swedish Migration Agency’s website: Work permit requirements External link, opens in new window., Application guide External link, opens in new window.

Visiting researcher

A visiting researcher from a non-EU/EEA country who will stay in Sweden for longer than 90 days and mainly conduct research must obtain a residence permit and have a hosting agreement with a Swedish research institution.

This rule does not apply to third-country nationals conducting research as part of a doctoral degree. Therefore, doctoral students are not considered visiting researchers.

Doctoral students

Persons admitted to third-cycle education in Sweden, aiming to obtain a doctoral degree (PhD), must apply for a residence permit for doctoral studies. A study certificate from Jönköping University must be attached to the application, which the university is responsible for providing.

For more information, see the Swedish Migration Agency’s website: Studying at a university or university college. External link, opens in new window.