Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd)

Migrationsverket lists SEK 2,200 for the employee work-permit application, SEK 1,500 for each adult accompanying family member, and SEK 750 for each child. Citizens of Japan do not pay the application fee, and Migrationsverket says the fee is not refunded if the application is rejected.

For applications received from 16 June 2026, the standard threshold is SEK 34,470/month before tax (90% of the SEK 38,300 median). The current 75% figure is SEK 28,725, but it applies only to recognised exempt occupations or groups. A temporary rule lets holders of permits granted under the previous rules use the old maintenance test for extension applications registered from 1 June through 1 December 2026; applications registered from 2 December use the new rule.

It can. When extending, you may request permanent residence after holding and meeting the conditions of work permits and working in Sweden for 4 of the past 7 years. You must also be able to support yourself sustainably and meet the good-conduct requirement; the grant is not automatic.

There is no general degree requirement for the standard work permit, but the job must not be in an excluded occupation and the salary, insurance, and employment terms must meet the official requirements. From 1 June 2026, work permits cannot be granted for forest berry picker or personal assistant roles.

If you have held a work permit for less than 2 years, changing employer requires a new permit. After more than 2 years, changing employer requires a new permit only if the occupation also changes. A change of occupation, work duties or material terms, or the employer’s organisation number/ownership can also require a new application; check the exact situation before starting the changed job.

Yes. A spouse, registered or cohabiting partner, and children under 21 can apply at the same time. You must meet the family maintenance requirement. If granted permits, adult family members and children turning at least 16 during the current year may work.

A personnummer is the personal identity number assigned by Skatteverket when you are first listed in the Swedish Population Register. If you move to Sweden intending to live there for at least 1 year, notify Skatteverket and attend the required identity check; Skatteverket decides whether you meet the registration requirements.

Yes. The Swedish work permit requires a signed employment contract from a Swedish employer for a specific position. The employment must meet the current salary threshold, collective-agreement or industry-practice terms, and required insurance conditions before you can apply. Confirm current requirements on Migrationsverket.

Migrationsverket's recent-case statistics show about 1 month for complete highly qualified employee cases and about 4 months for other complete employee cases. Incomplete cases are slower, so check the current waiting-time page before applying.

Common reasons beyond salary include missing any of the required employer insurances, terms below Swedish collective-agreement or industry practice, work in an excluded occupation, and Migrationsverket screening for "offer-for-sale" arrangements where employers sell sponsorship without genuine employment. A negative trade-union comment, while advisory, can also trigger scrutiny. Confirm requirements on Migrationsverket.