Visa & Immigration
Non-EU and non-EEA citizens planning to work in Sweden must possess a valid Swedish Work Permit. To obtain this permit, an official job offer and a signed employment contract from a Swedish employer are mandatory. Typically, work permits must be applied for and approved before entering Sweden. While there are exceptions in specific cases, it's advisable to contact us for detailed information.
As a Fast Track partner with the Swedish Migration Agency, Human Entrance can directly apply for your company. Normally, a regular work permit application can take up to 12 months or more. However, by partnering with us, the application process is expedited, taking only a few months for approval. We collaborate exclusively with companies to submit work permits. If you're interested in our services, please discuss it with your employer.
Ensure your employees' permit applications are accurate from the start. Let us assist you!
What are the stipulated salary criteria for Swedish work permits?
A vital aspect of a work permit application involves the consideration of salary levels. The Aliens Act governs the acceptable salary standards for obtaining a work permit, stipulating that the salary must align with current collective union agreements or prevailing industry practices. While companies are not obligated to have such agreements in place, salaries must still correspond to these benchmarks.
During the permit application process, the Swedish Migration Agency evaluates this criterion, often obtaining input from the relevant labor union. If the union declines to provide a statement on applicable employment conditions, the agency has the authority to assess the salary level using data from SCB – Statistics Sweden.
Additionally, the current law mandates that an employee holding a work permit must earn a minimum of SEK 13,000 per month. It's crucial to note that this minimum amount applies even to employees working part-time, although this standard is currently undergoing review and is expected to see a substantial increase soon.
In Sweden, companies traditionally rely on collective agreements rather than minimum wages, a practice different from many other countries. This distinction can pose a challenge for companies employing foreign workers, as obtaining precise information on suitable salary levels might be complex.
In Sweden, annual salary evaluations are routinely carried out.
Important things to consider during a salary review are:
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Noteworthy salary hikes do not require reporting to the Migration Agency.
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It's crucial to maintain salaries above the prevailing collective agreement standard, even in case of wage reductions.
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Salary progress and development must conform to the existing and pertinent collective agreement.
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Late salary assessments or insufficient pay raises could lead to a breach of regulations.
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The Swedish Migration Agency scrutinizes potential violations during permit extension applications. Depending on the gravity of the violation, an application might be declined, leading to the employee's mandatory departure from the country.
Residency Status for the Long Term
Once you've held a valid work permit for a minimum of 48 months, you fulfill the fundamental requirement for eligibility for a permanent resident permit. This permit is only issued in conjunction with an application for an extended residence permit.
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Noteworthy salary hikes do not require reporting to the Migration Agency.
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It's crucial to maintain salaries above the prevailing collective agreement standard, even in case of wage reductions.
-
Salary progress and development must conform to the existing and pertinent collective agreement.
-
Late salary assessments or insufficient pay raises could lead to a breach of regulations.
-
The Swedish Migration Agency scrutinizes potential violations during permit extension applications. Depending on the gravity of the violation, an application might be declined, leading to the employee's mandatory departure from the country.
Specific conditions exist for acquiring permanent residency under a dependent permit
Business Visa
A Swedish work permit is distinct from a business travel visa, also known as a Schengen visa. The Schengen visa is mandatory for citizens of countries not exempt from visas, allowing them to enter Sweden for up to 90 days. Nationals from visa-exempt countries can stay in Sweden for 90 days without needing a Schengen "business" visa.
To determine if you require a visa, refer to the list of foreign citizens needing a visa to enter Sweden: List of Foreign Citizens who Require Visa for Entry into Sweden.
Swedish identity card
To obtain a Swedish Residence Permit Card, commonly known as your UT card, you will need to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph. Usually, this process occurs at the embassy in your home country. However, citizens from visa-exempt countries can enter Sweden and complete the biometric submission locally.
It's important to note that your UT card (Uppehållstillstånd) is distinct from the Swedish Identity Card. You will receive the Swedish Identity Card after your relocation to Sweden. More information about the Swedish Identity Card and obtaining a Swedish Personal Number can be found here.