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Immigration Support for Hiring in Sweden 2025 Guide

Sweden has a tightly regulated, efficient immigration system focused on compliance, transparency, and the protection of both local and foreign workers. Employers seeking to hire non-EU/EEA nationals must sponsor and apply for work permits on behalf of employees, following strict criteria under the Swedish Aliens Act and Swedish Migration Agency guidelines.

Key Facts (2025)

  • Work permit required for all non-EU/EEA staff before entering Sweden for work.
  • Sponsorship is employer-driven—permits are tied to the job, salary, and Swedish labour market rules.
  • Conditions and pay must match local collective agreements (CBAs) or industry norms.
  • Family (dependant) visas are available; spouses/partners and children may usually live and work in Sweden for the duration of the main permit.

Step-by-Step: Swedish Work Permit Process

  1. Labour Market Test
    Employer must ensure no suitable candidate is available within Sweden/EU/EEA/Switzerland. For most roles, job must be advertised via the Swedish Public Employment Service.
  2. Offer of Employment
    Detailed offer (role, salary, terms) provided to candidate and submitted to the Swedish Migration Agency.
  3. Application Submission
    Candidate submits work and residence permit application (with required documentation) online or via Swedish embassy/consulate.
  4. Union Involvement
    Applicable union is asked to review and endorse employment terms for compliance.
  5. Biometrics and Decision
    If approved, applicant provides biometrics and receives decision.
  6. Entry to Sweden
    Employee and family members may enter and begin work only after the permit is issued and collected.
  7. Registration
    Registration at the Swedish Tax Agency (“Skatteverket”) for personal identity number (personnummer) and tax purposes.

Typical Processing Time:

  • 1 to 3 months for complete, compliant applications. Delays are common if information is missing or if union review is slow.

Employer of Record (EOR) in Sweden: Streamlining Work Permits

For businesses without a Swedish entity, using an EOR is the most efficient way to legally sponsor, onboard, and employ foreign staff.

What an EOR in Sweden Does:

  • Acts as the local legal employer, handling all sponsorship, payroll, tax, social security, and reporting.
  • Ensures contracts and pay meet CBA/market standards.
  • Manages the entire work permit and dependent visa process, from application to onboarding.
  • Provides ongoing compliance monitoring and renewals.

Benefits of Employer of Record in Sweden

  • No need to set up a Swedish company.
  • Lower risk of non-compliance or rejection due to unfamiliarity with local rules.
  • Rapid hiring for project or pilot teams; supports full-time, fixed-term, and remote roles.
  • Family reunion and dependent support as part of integrated relocation.

Required Documents for Swedish Work Permit Applications (2025)

For Main Applicant:

  • Passport copy (valid for duration of permit)
  • Job offer (including salary and employment terms)
  • Evidence of previous education and experience
  • Proof of health insurance (if applicable)

For Family Members:

  • Passports
  • Birth/marriage certificates (with translation if not in Swedish/English)
  • Proof of family relationship

Fees:

  • Paid by employer or candidate; confirm with Migration Agency or embassy.

Family Reunification and Dependent Rights

  • Spouses/registered partners and children under 21 are eligible for residence permits as dependants.
  • Dependant spouses may work without restriction in Sweden for the duration of their permit.
  • All family members must have valid health insurance until they are registered with Swedish authorities.

Global Payroll Calculator (GPC): Precision in International Hiring

When planning workforce expansion into Sweden, understanding total employment cost is critical. The Global Payroll Calculator enables you to:

  • Instantly calculate employer and employee costs in Sweden, with real-time updates on taxes, social security, and all CBA requirements.
  • Compare costs across 190 countries for strategic workforce decisions.
  • Generate gross-to-net and net-to-gross payroll scenarios.
  • Ensure all projected employment offers meet Swedish minimums and are CBA-compliant.
  • Reduce legal and financial risk by aligning compensation with local benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions (2025)

Can I hire an employee in Sweden without a company?
Yes, using an Employer of Record enables full legal employment, payroll, and work permit sponsorship for non-EU/EEA staff.

How long does a work permit take?
Typically 1–3 months if all documentation is complete and the union review is fast.

Can dependants work in Sweden?
Yes, spouses and registered partners of work permit holders are free to work.

Does EOR cover family immigration?
Yes, comprehensive Global EOR support includes dependent visa sponsorship, relocation advice, and local registration.

Are there quota or cap restrictions?
No, there is no quota for skilled permits, but all applications must be CBA-compliant and require full documentation.

Is the process different for remote/hybrid roles?
No, but the employment contract and payroll must be fully compliant and locally administered.

What happens if the permit is delayed or refused?
No legal work can start until the permit is issued. EOR providers can re-submit, update documentation, or advise on alternative routes if needed.

Disclaimer

We do not provide immigration support as a standalone service to individuals. All work permit and visa applications are part of our end-to-end employer of record solutions for businesses hiring in Sweden.

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