Work in Sweden
Working in Sweden suits those with strong resumes, relevant experience, language skills, and expertise, thanks to the country’s economic stability and competitive salaries. The average full-time monthly salary is around 30,000 kronor (about 2,700 euros), with a minimum wage of 21,000 kronor. Generally, incomes between 200 to 481 kronor per hour support a decent living.
New workers can get a two-year work permit, renewable afterward, and apply for residency after four years of employment, income, and tax payments. To migrate for work, apply via official websites, employment agencies, or contact Malekpour Immigration Institute for a free initial consultation on immigration to Sweden.
Why Work in Sweden?
- Decent salary and income
- Better job opportunities
- Better living conditions
- Possibility of living in a safe country
- Economic and political stability
- Possibility of working in needed jobs and obtaining residency
Work Conditions in Sweden
In Sweden, the standard workweek is 40 hours over 5 days, with some jobs offering shorter hours. Overtime is paid at a higher rate. Workers receive at least 25 days of paid vacation plus official holidays. Parental leave allows up to 480 days, shared between parents.
Swedish law strongly protects workplace safety, requiring employers to prevent hazards and provide regular health and safety training, especially in high-risk industries like construction.
General Work Conditions in Sweden
To migrate to Sweden through work, you must meet the following conditions:
- Knowledge of Swedish or English
- Work experience or skills
- Relevant educational qualification
- No criminal record
- Provide health certificate
- A job offer
List of Jobs Needed in Sweden
According to the Swedish Labor Agency’s website at https://www.government.se/government-agencies/swedish-public-employment-service/, the jobs that require a university education and for which Sweden faces a workforce shortage are as follows.
| Nurse | All IT Fields | Civil & Building Engineering |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric Services | Electrical & Technical Engineer | Social Worker |
| Teacher | Kindergarten Teacher | Software Programmer |
| Operating Room Technician | Elderly Nurse | Midwife |
| Emergency Nurse | Pediatric Nurse | Telecommunications Engineering |
| Radiologist | Structural & Civil Engineer | Web Designer |
Jobs in demand in Sweden that do not require a university education and for which Sweden has a shortage of workforce are also as follows.
| Cook | Crane Operator | Toolmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Mechanic | Flooring Installer | Tiler |
| Heavy Vehicle Mechanic | Automation Technician | Electrician |
| Rebar Worker | Builder | Butcher |
| Insulator | Carpenter | Baker |
| Glazier | Telemarketer | House Painter |
| Plumber | Nursing Assistant |
It should also be mentioned that the best jobs for women in Sweden could include professions like physiotherapy, healthcare, nursing, sewing, cooking, and even baking jobs in Sweden.
High-Paying Jobs in Sweden
In fact, Sweden is considered one of the best countries to work in. Below is a list of 10 profitable jobs in Sweden.
| Profession | Average Monthly Salary (SEK) | Average Monthly Salary (GBP) | Average Monthly Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon | 168,000 | 14,500 | 19,900 |
| Judge | 141,000 | 12,200 | 16,700 |
| Lawyer | 114,000 | 9,800 | 13,500 |
| Chief Executive Officer | 101,000 | 8,700 | 12,000 |
| Marketing Manager | 60,400 | 5,200 | 7,100 |
| Pilot | 67,100 | 5,800 | 8,000 |
| Orthodontist | 90,600 | 7,800 | 10,700 |
| Chief Financial Officer | 94,000 | 8,100 | 11,100 |
Salary and Income Levels in Sweden
The average annual salary in Sweden ranges from 200 to 481 kronor. The average wage in Sweden dropped to 193 kronor per hour (monthly 2,832.482 USD) in July 2023. The maximum average wage rate for employees was 184 kronor per hour. The minimum rate was 134 kronor per hour.
Therefore, the minimum wage for simple workers in Sweden is also 134 kronor per hour.
| City | Annual Salary (SEK) | Annual Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Stockholm | 546,959 | 70,691 |
| Gothenburg | 490,470 | 61,912 |
| Malmö | 476,281 | 60,503 |
| Lund | 530,447 | 69,424 |
| Uppsala | 434,145 | 60,123 |
| Linköping | 411,841 | 53,036 |
| Helsingborg | 496,112 | 65,328 |
| Västerås | 448,114 | 55,682 |
Documents Required for Working Migration to Sweden
To work in Sweden and obtain a Swedish work visa, certain documents and conditions are required, the most important of which are stated below:
- A job offer from an employer in Sweden. Can be obtained through MIE.
- The applicant must prove that the salary is sufficient to cover their living expenses.
- The applicant must have at least IELTS 6.
- The applicant must have at least a bachelor’s degree.
- The applicant must have at least one to two years of work experience in the past year.
Steps for Working Migration to Sweden
Working migration to Sweden is a multi-step process that requires specific steps to be taken. If you intend to migrate to Sweden through work, you must follow these steps:
- Finding a Job in Sweden
The first step for working migration to Sweden is finding a job offer from an employer in Sweden. For this purpose, you can use job search websites or professional networks. The Swedish employer must first demonstrate that they were unable to find workforce from within Sweden before offering you a job.
- Receiving a Job Offer
After finding a job, the employer must provide you with a formal job offer (or a valid job offer). Please note that the job offer you receive must include details such as salary and working conditions between the employee and employer. Additionally, the offered salary must comply with the minimum wage standards in Sweden.
- Applying for a Work Visa (Work Permit)
After receiving the job offer, you need to apply for a work visa. This can be done online through the Swedish Migration Agency’s website (Migrationsverket) at https://www.migrationsverket.se/. The employer must also prove that they have sufficient financial capability to pay your salary.
- Review of Application by the Migration Agency
The Swedish Migration Agency will announce approval or rejection after reviewing the application and ensuring that you meet the necessary requirements. If approved, your work permit will be issued. This process can take a few months.
- Receiving Work and Residence Permit
After your application is approved, the work and residence permits are issued. This permit allows you to migrate to Sweden and work in your desired profession. Typically, the initial work permit is issued for a duration of 2 years and can then be renewed.
- Working Migration to Sweden
After receiving the work and residence permit, you can migrate to Sweden. Upon arrival in Sweden, you must register for a national identification number (personnummer) from the Tax Agency (Skatteverket), which is essential for accessing public services and banking.
Obtaining Accompanying Visa through Work in Sweden
Certainly, married individuals prefer to migrate as a family. A person who has received a work visa in Sweden can also obtain a dependent visa for their companions based on the validity of their residence permit. If the residence permit is issued for more than 6 months, the spouse is also allowed to work in Sweden.
It is important to note that accompanying companions are only considered a spouse and children under the age of 21. If an individual has a child over 21, they must prove that the child is unable to support themselves and is dependent on their parents. It should also be noted that the stepchild or partner’s child can be considered as an accompanying family member.
Unemployment Rate in Sweden
According to the latest announced statistics, the unemployment rate in Sweden is reported to be 9.2 percent. The following chart displays the unemployment rate in Sweden in recent years.
Job Searching Methods in Sweden
There are many ways to search for jobs in Sweden, and below we will introduce some of them.
- Find a job reference that can be from relatives, friends, classmates, professors, etc.
- Apply in person for work as a service worker such as working in a restaurant, hair salon, repairs, childcare and elderly care, etc.
- Use job sites in Sweden and the European Union and send your resume to them.
- Contact experts at the MIE Institute for job search in Sweden.
Employment Agencies in Sweden
Sweden’s job search site usually provides job listings (often in Swedish), and you can share your work resume with them. Some of these employment agencies in Sweden have been introduced in the list below.
- careerbuilder.se
- studentjob.se
- jobb.blocket.se
- metrojobb.se
- jobbsafari.se
- monster.se
- stepstone.se
Obtaining Residence through Work in Sweden
After obtaining the approval from the Swedish Migration Agency for a work visa in Sweden, initially residence in Sweden is granted temporarily for two years. Provided that the job continues, the temporary two-year visa can be extended for another two years. After four years of working and paying taxes, an individual can apply for permanent residency in Sweden. If a person has lived for five consecutive years in Sweden and integrates into society, they can apply for Swedish citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Work in Sweden
- Name the job search websites in Sweden?
The following are some of the reputable job search websites in Sweden:
- careerbuilder.se
- jobb.blocket.se
- jobbsafari.se
- studentjob.se
- metrojobb.se
- monster.se
- stepstone.se
- What are the methods for job searching in Sweden?
Finding a referral for work, which can be from relatives, friends, classmates, professors, etc., visiting in person for jobs as service staff such as working in a restaurant, hair salon, repairs, childcare, elderly care, etc., using job search websites in Sweden and the European Union, and sending your resume to them, contacting the experts of MIE Institute for job placement in Sweden.
- What documents and conditions are required for working in Sweden and obtaining a work visa?
– A job offer from an employer in Sweden.
-The applicant must prove that the salary will cover their living expenses.
-The applicant must have at least IELTS 6.
-The applicant must have at least a bachelor’s degree.
-The applicant must have at least one to two years of work experience in the past year.
Conclusion:
Sweden’s economy is strong with many job opportunities, but obtaining a work visa for non-EU individuals can be challenging. Malekpour Institute recommends entering Sweden through education at its reputable universities, then improving language skills and finding a job to apply for a work visa. After four years of working and paying taxes, you can apply for permanent residency. For more details, contact Malekpour Institute. Feel free to ask questions in the comments.
