Different rules apply depending on whether you are a citizen of a Nordic country, an EU/EEA country, Switzerland or a country outside the EU/EEA.

Work permit

Nordic citizens

Citizens of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway do not need a work permit or a residence permit to work in Sweden. They can start working in Sweden without applying for a permit.

If a Nordic citizen moves to Sweden for at least one year, they must report their move to the Swedish Tax Agency for population registration.

For more information, see the Swedish Migration Agency's information for Nordic citizens External link, opens in new window..

EU/EEA citizens

EU/EEA citizens do not need a work permit or a residence permit to work in Sweden. They can start working immediately.

If they stay in Sweden for more than three months, they must meet the conditions for a right of residence, for example by working, running a business, studying or having sufficient funds to support themselves.

EU/EEA citizens do not need to register their right of residence with the Swedish Migration Agency.

For more information, see the Swedish Migration Agency's information for EU/EEA citizens External link, opens in new window..

Swiss citizens

Swiss citizens do not need a work permit to work in Sweden. If they plan to stay in Sweden for more than three months, they need to apply for a residence permit.

For more information, see the Swedish Migration Agency's information for Swiss citizens External link, opens in new window..

Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA

Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA will in most cases need a work permit to work in Sweden.

As a general rule, a first-time work permit application must be made from outside Sweden and the work permit must be granted before the person travels to Sweden to start working. There are exceptions for certain categories and circumstances.

For information about how to apply for a work permit, see [Work permit application].

For more information, see the Swedish Migration Agency's information about work permits External link, opens in new window..

Work for less than 90 days

There are exemptions from the work permit requirement for certain occupations and activities, even when the work is carried out in Sweden for less than 90 days.

For example, researchers and teachers in higher education may work without a work permit when participating in research, teaching or lecturing activities for a total of no more than three months during a twelve-month period.

There are also other exemptions for certain occupational groups and activities. If there is any uncertainty about whether an exemption applies, the Swedish Migration Agency should be consulted.

For more information, see the Swedish Migration Agency's information about exemptions from the work permit requirement External link, opens in new window..

Visa

Not needing a work permit does not necessarily mean that a person can enter Sweden without a visa.

Citizens of certain countries outside the EU/EEA need a Schengen visa to enter Sweden for a short stay. Visa requirements depend on the person's nationality and circumstances.

For more information, see the Swedish Migration Agency's information about visiting Sweden for up to 90 days External link, opens in new window..