Work Permit Specialists in Sweden Since 2010
Get The Best Guarantee In The Industry
Pay Us Only After A Positive Decision
Consultants Who Understand
And Help You With Work Permit Application in Sweden
We understand:
- that an application for work permit in Sweden is not just about administering the paperwork:
People’s life plan and future is at steak,
and companies’ ability to plan their business is on the line,
- the sensitivity of getting the work permit application process correct and efficient, right from the start to the end,
- that companies need to focus on their core business. Out task is to unload their burden.
If your company needs guidance with work permits for Sweden, you’ve come to the right place. Swedworks Global has been helping both Swedish and international businesses navigate the work permit process since 2010.
We handle everything from start to finish – until you get your decision from the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) smoothly and without stress.
Why This Service?
Why This Service?
The process for applying for a work permit begins with the employer company even if the application is technically made by the employee. Many companies find it complicated and time-consuming to carry out the application for a work permit in Sweden for their newly found employees.
Incorrect or incomplete applications may lead to long(er) processing time and, in the worst case, lead to the rejection of the application. A team of experienced consultants will make sure to prohibit these undesired fallouts.
Here are some of the obligations of the employer company before and after applying for a work permit in Sweden:
Important Things For Companies to Know About Work Permit in Sweden
For Whom?
Our services are primarily are useful to these clients:
- Companies/employers in Sweden who already found person(s) from countries outside the EU to bring to Sweden for employment.
- International companies who dispatch work force to Sweden for work, either within the same corporate (Intra-Corporate Transfer) or to work for other companies in Sweden.
- Individuals originally from countries outside the EU who have obtained a job offer from a company in Sweden and need help with the application for working in Sweden.
Why Choose Us?
It is the employer’s conditions that are primarily assessed by the Swedish Migration Board. We carry out the same analysis of the employer’s conditions as the Swedish Migration Board and ensure that the application is correct and complete.
Since 2010 and with over thousands applications, we are well versed in the regulations and constantly follow changes in the law and happenings in the industry. We have represented hundreds of small, medium and large national and international companies and organizations in administering the work permit application on their behalf.
We keep a high success rate (over 95%) thanks to our pre-assessment of the case. If we realize the case is not liable, we will respectfully decline to accept the case and will provide you with useful information about the risks we see and how to work on improving them.
We strongly stand with these ideas:
Our role
Our role is to be an intermediary between you as a company/employer and all other parties involved in an application for a work permit in Sweden.
Our duty
Our duty is to relieve both employers and employees from the administrative burden and make the process as smooth as possible. By minimizing their involvement, we save time and provide peace of mind.
Our guarantee
Our guarantee is that the work permit application is handled correctly and efficiently until a decision is made by the Swedish Migration Agency.
Why Work Permits?
- There is a major shortage of skills in several professions in Sweden.
- The situation is similar in most parts of Europe and therefore many companies choose to employ skilled professionals from countries outside the EU/EEA.
- These people, in most cases, need a work permit to be allowed to work and reside in Sweden.
Pre-conditions
- The work permit must be applied for and be granted before the person can enter Sweden for work.
- The application is made by the person (is owned by the employee) but the employing company in Sweden is involved in the process at great extent.
- And it is the employer’s obligation to make sure that the person has the right to be and work in Sweden.
What Are The Steps in a Work Permit Application in Sweden?
If your future employees are not EU citizens, they’ll need a work permit to work in Sweden. Here’s how it works:
1️⃣ Job Offer First – The person must already have a formal job offer. The position must also be advertised properly before hiring.
2️⃣ The employer Starts the Application – The employer fills out the first part of the application which contains information about the company and the employment offer.
3️⃣ Union Review – The job offer is sent to the relevant trade union to give them the chance to express their opinion about the terms of the employment.
4️⃣ The Employee Completes Their Part – They get an email to continue the application and upload the required documents (like passports, work and education background, and family information if any).
5️⃣ The Fees – When the application is completed, fees are paid, and everything is sent to the Swedish Migration Agency.
Processing time? It varies – a first-time work permit can currently (2025) take 1–4 months, sometimes longer if extra information is needed.
Work permits are issued for up to two years at a time, but never longer than the passport’s validity.
If you as employer consider to make the application yourself (against our good advise), we have put together some useful tips to consider in this article:
5 Practical Tips For Employer Companies If You Are Applying For A Work Permit In Sweden By Yourself
Extensions and Renewals
We also help companies with work permit extensions.
When it’s time to renew, the Migration Agency checks all previous details carefully. You’ll need to show proof that:
The employee has been paid correctly according to the employment contract and at or above the required salary threshold.
The working conditions matched Swedish collective agreements.
The employee was covered by the required insurance policies (life, health, occupational injury, pension).
An extension can be applied for up to four months before the permit expires — and it’s important to apply while the current permit is still valid.
After 48 months (4 years) on a valid work permit, the employee can apply for permanent residency.
Why Involve Us From the Start?
If an application is rejected or needs to be corrected, the process becomes more expensive, more complicated, and much slower.
By letting us help from the very beginning, we make sure:
- The right documents are submitted.
- The application is complete and accurate.
- The process runs as fast and smoothly as possible.
We also support employers with recurring applications or multiple hires at the same time. You’ll get a dedicated case manager who knows your company and stays in direct contact with you.
Industries with higher requirements
Swedish labor laws can look complicated if you’re not familiar with them. The rules change depending on the type of job and the length of employment — and in some industries, the requirements are higher.
For example, in sectors like:
Personal assistance
Staffing agencies
Cleaning
Hospitality & restaurants
Construction
Agriculture & forestry
If your company is in one of these sectors, you’ll need to provide extra documentation to avoid delays or rejection.
Hiring someone without the proper permits isn’t worth the risk. Since 2013, EU rules mean that employers who hire people illegally can face fines or even prison sentences.
Special Rules for Certain Jobs and Countries
Some professions have different rules — for example:
Athletes and coaches
Researchers
Volunteers
Seasonal workers
Au pairs
Artists
There are also specific agreements between Sweden and certain countries for youth working holidays and other special permits.
Some people don’t need a work permit at all (e.g., diplomats, short-term technicians, or international drivers) — but most non-EU hires do.
Let’s Make It Easy for You
Swedworks Global is a pioneer in Swedish work permit application processing since 2020.
We help you from day one until approval — so you can focus on running your business instead of dealing with forms and regulations. You pay us only if the decision is positive.
Do It Yourself?
If you as employer consider to carry out the application yourself (against all odds and our good advise), we have put together some useful tips in this article that we recommend you to consider: