Article
3 min read
Author
Michał Kowalewski
Published
February 15, 2024
Last Update
June 27, 2024
Table of Contents
Essential information for a background check in Sweden
Are background checks legal in Sweden?
What types of background checks are illegal in Sweden?
Common background check industries
Types of background checks in Sweden
Background check mistakes to avoid in Sweden
Step-by-step guide of employee background checks in Sweden
Employee background checks should be an integral part of your recruitment process when looking to hire in Sweden. Although not mandatory, they are a common practice, especially in finance, healthcare, transportation, government and tech.
Pre-employment background check of your job applicants not only helps confirm the competencies of your new hire but also ensures a safe and reliable working environment.
Additionally, given Sweden's ongoing skill gap shortage, employers should prioritize comprehensive background checks and vetting to secure the best talent out there.
In this article, you will discover:
An employee background check is the process of verifying a potential hire’s work history, education, professional qualifications, and any criminal records they might have. It’s particularly beneficial to run before finalizing an employment offer or signing a contract, as it ensures the candidate meets the company's standards and requirements.
Employee background checks in Sweden are governed by the Personal Data Act (PDA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The latter regulates data protection law across the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA).
The Swedish Data Protection Authority (IMY) is the central authority responsible for overseeing and enforcing data protection regulations in Sweden. Employers can refer to the DPA for guidance on conducting lawful background checks and handling personal data in compliance with the PDA and GDPR.
Yes, employment background checks are legal in Sweden. However, they need to comply with the GDPR, which puts certain limitations on what employers can do as far as processing, holding, and analyzing the employee's data is concerned.
In Sweden, certain background checks infringing upon individuals' privacy rights are considered illegal.
Conducting credit checks without a valid reason related to the job position is prohibited
Obtaining information about a candidate's political opinions or union membership is not permissible, as it infringes upon the protection of freedom of association and expression
Checking criminal records when it's not directly relevant to the job's responsibilities or where no legal provision requires such a check
Employers who engage in unlawful background checks may face penalties, potentially up to 4% of their annual global turnover or €20 million (whichever is greater), especially if the infringement involves GDPR violations.
In Sweden, there are certain sectors that prioritize pre-employment background checks to safeguard integrity and ensure role suitability.
In Sweden, effective employment screening covers essential aspects to evaluate a candidate's abilities. Knowing these areas helps employers tailor screening processes to meet job requirements and legal standards.
Type of Check | Common in Sweden? | Reason |
---|---|---|
Criminal Record Check | Common | Essential for assessing the candidate's suitability and safety in the workplace. |
Employment Verification | Common | Standard practice to verify the accuracy of the candidate's employment history and experience. |
Credit History Check | Less common | Less common due to the need for a valid reason related to the job position as per the PDA. |
Academic Qualifications | Common | Ensures the legitimacy of the candidate's educational background and qualifications. |
Social Media Screening | Less common | Less common due to privacy considerations and the need to ensure lawful processing of personal data. |
No matter if you’re hiring employees or contractors in Sweden, there are a few things that you shouldn’t do as an employer when it comes to background checks:
Below is a list of steps that employers in Sweden should follow to ensure legal and effective background checks:
You can also automate this process using Deel, and get a fast employee background check, with results coming in a matter of minutes.
In the past, we've had difficulty finding a background search option for international contractors that 1) is affordable, 2) is easy to use, & 3) gives us the results we need. Deel's new background search add-on was just what we needed & we will continue to use it going forward. Thanks for the fantastic new tool, Deel!
— Mindy Thompson,
Senior Vice President of HR
Solutions
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