how to get a work visa in Sweden countries Non-EU Citizens

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to getting a work visa (work & residence permit) for Sweden as a Non-EU/EEA citizen (third-country national) 🇸🇪:

🇸🇪 1) You MUST have a job offer first

👉 Before you can start any visa or permit process, you must have a written job offer from a Swedish employer. You cannot go to Sweden just to look for a job and then apply.

🧾 2) Understand what permit you need

There are 2 main scenarios:

📌 a) Work Permit (Residence Permit for work)

This is the standard permit you need if you’re moving to Sweden to live and work for a Swedish employer.

📌 b) Short-term work (less than 3 months)

In some cases (seasonal work, certain short contracts), you may need both a work permit and a visa if your job is < 90 days.

📄 3) Basic eligibility requirements

To be granted a work permit, these must be true:

✅ You have a valid passport
✅ You have a signed employment contract
✅ Salary & working conditions meet Swedish norms (equal or better than collective agreements)
✅ Salary gives you a good standard of living (at least 80 % of median Swedish salary)
✅ Your employer takes out insurance for you (health, pension, etc.)

Your employer must also advertise the position in Sweden/EU for at least 10 days before hiring you.

🪪 4) Apply for the work & residence permit

📍 Where to apply

👉 Normally outside Sweden in your home country through:

• Online application on the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) website

• Or submitted via the Swedish embassy or consulate in your country

You and your employer will both be involved:

• Employer starts the process with job details

• You complete your part and upload documents.

📍 Important:

You must get the work permit granted BEFORE you move to Sweden. You cannot enter Sweden to start working or apply from there unless you already have a residence permit that allows you to stay.

🕰️ 5) Timeline — how long does it take?

• Many work permit decisions take several weeks to a few months once everything is in order.

• If an application is incomplete or missing documents, it can be delayed.

After the permit decision, you’ll generally need to visit an embassy or Swedish mission for fingerprints and a residence card photo.

👨‍👩‍👧 6) Can your family come with you?

Yes — if you apply for a work permit, your spouse/partner and children (usually under 21) can apply for residence permits as family members at the same time or later.

📌 7) Once you arrive in Sweden

After the permit is granted and you move:

✔ Register with the Swedish Tax Agency
✔ Get a Swedish personal identity number
✔ Open a bank account
✔ Start paying taxes and contributing to social insurance — necessary to work and live in Sweden.

🧑‍💼 8) Extending or changing jobs

• Work permits are usually valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed.

• If you change employers or job terms, you may need to apply for a new permit.

📍 Quick Checklist — before applying

✅ Job offer from a Swedish employer
✅ Contract with proper salary
✅ Employer advertises job in Sweden/EU
✅ Employer starts application
✅ You complete online application + documents
✅ Wait for decision before travel

If you want, I can break this down for a specific country’s embassy requirements (like from Estonia) or explain the working holiday visa options that exist for some nationalities as alternatives. Just tell me which nationality you’re applying from! 🇪🇪✨