How to Get a Visa and Work Permit in Sweden (2025)

Sweden is a beacon for fast-growing organizations seeking top-tier talent and innovation-friendly markets. With a skilled workforce and business-friendly regulations, Sweden offers both employers and employees the chance to thrive in a thriving Nordic economy. Tapping into this potential, however, means navigating complex Swedish immigration requirements and work permit rules.

For many, the Swedish work visa process feels like a maze—sponsorship rules, labor-market tests, salary thresholds, and documentation requirements stack up quickly. Even a small misstep can mean costly delays, rejections, or compliance penalties. Businesses running remote or distributed teams often face even higher hurdles, from entity set-up costs to handling local legal nuances.

These roadblocks can stall your expansion plans and frustrate world-class talent eager to join your team. That’s where Deel Immigration comes in—we streamline the work visa Sweden process, manage sponsorship obligations, and keep you 100% compliant without drowning in paperwork. With Deel, you’ll move talent to Sweden faster, minimize risk, and focus on what really matters: building your business.

How easy is it to get a work visa in Sweden?

Obtaining a work permit in Sweden is moderately challenging for foreign nationals. The difficulty often depends on factors such as the applicant’s skills and education level, and whether there is high local demand for the applicant’s potential job title and scope.

See also: Moving to Sweden: A Guide for Expats and Digital Nomads

Are there different types of entry visas and work permits in Sweden?

Below are some of the most commonly used work and dependent visa types in Sweden, along with their main requirements and benefits:

• Standard Work Permit: A Standard Work Permit suits non-EU nationals who have received a job offer from a Swedish employer. Applicants must hold relevant qualifications or professional experience and meet the minimum salary requirement of SEK 13,000/month before tax (Source: Swedish Migration Agency). The employer must conduct a labor-market test by advertising the role for at least 10 days in Sweden and the EU. The permit’s initial validity can be up to 2 years and is renewable to reach a total of 4 years of continuous residence

• EU Blue Card: The EU work permit Blue Card is designed for highly skilled professionals earning at least 1.5 times the average gross salary in Sweden. Candidates need a university degree or equivalent professional qualifications in the relevant field. This card grants an initial stay of up to 3 years, with the possibility to renew for another 2 years. Blue Card holders benefit from facilitated mobility within the EU and a faster path to permanent residency after 33 months

• Dependent Visa: A Dependent Visa enables spouses and minor children of work-permit holders to reside, and in many cases work, in Sweden. Applicants must prove family ties and maintain valid health insurance throughout their stay. Dependents receive a permit matching the principal applicant’s validity and may apply for independent work authorization. The visa duration aligns with the sponsor’s permit and can be renewed concurrently

See also: Digital Nomad Visas for Remote Work: The Complete 2025 List

Sweden visa and work permit eligibility requirements for candidates

Below is a comparison of Sweden’s most common work and dependent visa types, outlining their key requirements, validity, processing times, and whether employment can begin before the visa is secured.

Use Deel’s fast, expert visa assessments to get a detailed cost breakdown and eligibility review within 48 hours.

See also: Self-Verify Global Employee Visa Eligibility in Minutes

Sweden visa and work-permit sponsorship criteria for employers

Employers must be registered Swedish companies with a valid organization number and demonstrate their ability to employ the foreign worker, including fulfilling labor-market test requirements. Companies must provide audited financial statements, proof of genuine business activity, and a formal job contract outlining salary and benefits. The labor-market test mandates advertising the role for 10 days in Sweden and across the EU to confirm no local or EU candidates are available.

Many businesses choose to engage an Employer of Record (EOR) to handle sponsorship duties on their behalf. An EOR registers the employment locally, sponsors the work permit, submits all required filings, and ensures ongoing compliance with Swedish labor laws. This arrangement lets companies avoid the complexity of setting up a local entity or navigating unfamiliar regulatory frameworks.

Deel Immigration, a G2-leader in Employer of Record services across 150+ countries, can sponsor your employees in Sweden quickly and at scale. We manage over 200 permit categories in 40 countries, excel at handling high-volume caseloads, and streamline complex compliance requirements. With Deel’s in-app visa tracker, real-time alerts, and flat-fee transparency, you’ll get a seamless sponsorship experience end to end.

See also: Easy Visa Sponsorship for Exploring New International Markets

Sweden’s work permit application process

Employers must first advertise the job for at least 10 days in Sweden and the EU before applying to ensure no suitable local or EU candidate is available. Follow this five-step roadmap to secure your Swedish work permit efficiently.

Step one: Complete the labor-market test

Advertise the vacant position in Sweden and the EU for at least 10 days to comply with the labor-market test. The employer publishes and tracks responses on official job portals.

Tip: Use Deel Talent to find and hire top global talent through trusted recruiters.

Step two: Check eligibility

Ensure the candidate meets the eligibility criteria, including salary threshold and qualifications.

Tip: Use Deel’s eligibility checker to assess candidate qualifications quickly, then streamline compliant contract generation and signing—all within the platform.

Step three: Submit application

Prepare and submit the work permit application to the Swedish Migration Agency with all required documentation.

Tip: Deel’s immigration experts guide you through application forms, and the platform reminds you of crucial deadlines.

Step four: Await processing

Processing typically takes between 8 and 12 weeks, depending on permit type and applicant nationality.

Tip: Deel’s visa tracker sends real-time tracking alerts so you always know your application status.

Step five: Start employment

Receive the decision and, if approved, obtain the work permit allowing employment in Sweden.

Tip: Leverage Deel’s relocation partners and exclusive discounts for assistance with travel logistics.

See also: Application Guide for Enterprise Employee Visas

What is the cost of a visa and work permit in Sweden?

Below is a summary of government and documentation fees for Sweden’s main work and dependent visa types.

Deel provides transparent, flat pricing on all immigration and sponsorship services without hidden fees. Clients receive a detailed, upfront breakdown, so budgeting for talent mobility in Sweden is easy and predictable.

Is Deel Immigration the best choice for hiring in Sweden?

Absolutely. Deel Immigration simplifies the complexities of Sweden’s work permit system, making it the top solution for employers seeking to hire skilled talent efficiently and compliantly. With expert support and seamless digital tools, Deel ensures your hiring process in Sweden is smooth from start to finish.

• End-to-end immigration management handling all permit categories, including Standard Work Permit, EU Blue Card, and Dependent Visas
• Fast, free visa assessments providing detailed eligibility and cost breakdowns within 48 hours
• Personalized expert support guiding you through Sweden’s labor-market test and employer sponsorship requirements
• Real-time application tracking with automated status alerts via the Deel app
• Automated renewal reminders and relocation discounts to ease employee transitions

Discover how Deel Immigration can streamline your Sweden hiring journey and keep your workforce compliant.

Hire employees in Sweden faster with Deel Immigration

Hiring in Sweden can be time-consuming due to strict labor-market tests and documentation requirements. Deel Immigration accelerates the process with end-to-end immigration management that handles job advertising, application filing, and compliance monitoring—so you can focus on growing your business.

Take advantage of Deel’s personalized expert support to navigate Sweden’s complex employer sponsorship duties confidently. Our team stays up to date with the latest regulations, ensuring your applications meet all criteria and deadlines.

Book a free consultation today to see how quickly and easily you can onboard your next Swedish hire with Deel.