Travel to Sweden for work

This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa,visa workor permitpermit.

This orinformation residenceis permit.provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with the Swedish immigration authorities or embassy.

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Sweden to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

X is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some work-relatedbusiness-related thingsactivities without needing a visa or work permit, such as attend business meetings.

These areIt usuallydoes coverednot bymatter how many countries you visit in the Schengen visaarea. waiver.Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re goingstaying for longer, or for other types of workwork, you may need a visa,visa work permit or residence permit.

The Swedish authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

If you’re working in more than one countrycountry, you will need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Sweden. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with the Swedish authorities or embassy.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

• translated
• ‘legalised’ (apostillised)(with an apostille) or notarised
• originals, or if copies are acceptable
• signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
• dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Sweden, so you know which ones to use when speaking to the Swedish authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You don’tdo not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to SwedenX for up to 90 days withinin 180a days180-day for:period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

• running or attending job interviews
• going to court as a witness
• attending trade fairs
• meeting clients or customers (including entertainment like eating at a restaurant)
• meeting colleagues, contractors or sellers
• fact-finding visits
• negotiating, signing and executing deals or contracts in certain situations
• attending, speaking or presenting at a conference if you’re not being paid
• team building activities
• leisure travel, such as holidays or visiting friends or family

Or for the following types of training, so long as it’s for the same company or group:

• receiving classroom-based training
• receiving on-the-job training
• shadowing someone’s job

These activities are covered by the visa waiver.waiver.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

• proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
• health insurance that covers your stay
• proof of accommodation for your entire stay
• enough money for the duration of your trip
• an invitation letter from your employer explaining your trip, or a plan for any training with a description of the purpose of your visit

Check Sweden’s exemptions

Certain types of work-related activities do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.

These do not require a visa or permit in Sweden:

• emergency repairs or installation activities, including technical fitters and instructors – for up to 2 months
• participating in training, testing, preparation or completion of deliveries, or similar activities as a business transaction – for up to 3 months in a 12-month period
• specialists working temporarily for an international corporation for less than 90 days
• consular officials or diplomats and their families and staff – this generally applies to the current mission only
• temporary TV or radio workers for Nordisk Television AB (TV4-gruppen/TV4 AB), Sveriges Utbildningsradio AB, Sveriges Radio AB or Sveriges Television AB – for up to 1 month
• performers for film, audio-visual content and shows and their technical production team – so long as the performer has been invited by an established arranger from the Swedish Migration Agency – for up to 14 business days over 12 months
• professional athletes and functionaries taking part in international competitions – for up to 3 months over 12 months
• railway personnel and international commercial traffic lorry drivers employed outside of Sweden
• temporary employees working for a company that doesn’t have a branch or office in Sweden, such as journalists or salespeople
• caregivers working for an employer who is visiting Sweden for medical treatment – for up to 3 months
• professors and researchers invited to teach, research or hold lectures at higher education institutions – for up to 3 months in a 12-month period
• claimants (plaintiffs) or witnesses in a criminal investigation who obtained a residence permit as a result of that
• volunteers giving aid support for a disaster or accident in Sweden – for the period of deployment
• drivers and travel guides who accompany tourist groups to Sweden – for up to 3 months
• those with a residence permit for higher education studies in Sweden
• those with an EU-intra company transfer permit (EU ICT) from another country – for 90 days in a 180-day period
• sole traders working for Swedish clients on contracts – for a maximum of 90 days or the amount of available Schengen days they have (conditions apply so check with the authorities)

Employers need to submit a notification to the Swedish work environment authority (SWEA) for all workers sent (posted) to Sweden to work.

Show proof of exemption

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:

• an assignment or invitation letter
• employment confirmation
• a contract
• proof of required qualifications, such as a diploma or professional certificate
• CV

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from the Swedish embassy.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit type, but you need to check the exact rules and processes with the Swedish Migration Agency or embassy.

Taking your family

If you have a family they may be able to join you on dependant visas.visas. It depends what type of permit you have.

Find out about permits for family members.

Work and residence permits

Sweden offers the same permits for short or long stays. If you’re working in Sweden for 3 months or less, you will only need a work permit. If you’re working in Sweden for more than 3 months you will need a work and residence permit.

You must apply for a permit if you’re in Sweden because you’re:

• transferring to the Swedish branch of a UK-based company
• working for a Swedish company on a Swedish employment contract
• providing services to a client in Sweden
• carrying out self-employed work
• conducting research work

They are valid for up to 32 years depending on which one you need.

Transferring to a Swedish branch of a UK-based company

You need one of the following permits if your UK-based company moves you to a Swedish branch to work:

• EUIntra-company intra-company transfer permit (assignment)
• Work and residence permit (assignment)(assignment or long-term employment)

EUIntra-company intra-company transfer

You need a long-term intra-company transfer permit (ICT) if your UK-based company moves you to a branch in Sweden to work for:

• up to 32 years if you’re a manager or specialist
• 1 year if you’re a trainee

To qualify you must:

• have worked for the company abroad for at least 3 consecutive months
• be a manager, specialist or trainee
• be of great importance to the business if you’re a manager or specialist – having a manager or specialist title is not enough
• have a bachelor’s level degree as a trainee, or relevant work experience as a specialist or manager
• have specialist knowledge in the field
• have the required qualifications recognised in Sweden for regulated professions
• be paid a salary that is at least at the same level as in the Swedish collective agreements, or equivalent to similar positions in Sweden
• have employment terms that are at least on the same level as for employees on assignment in Sweden
• get insurance covering health, life, occupational injury and pension from your employer
• keephave youra UK employment contract or trainee agreement
• be able to return to work at the UK branch of your company when your assignment ends
• be on UK or Swedish payroll

AAn long-term ICT permit can take up to 3 months to get. YouIt’s can’tvalid extendfor itup beyondto the2 3years years,if you’re a manager or specialist or 1 year if you’re a trainee. You can extend it for trainees.an extra year if you’re a manager or specialist.

If you have a partner, or children under 18, they can join you with this permit type. Find out about permits for family members.

How it works

You need to check with the Swedish authorities on the exact process. The following is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer creates an online account and applies for your work permit with the Swedish Migration Agency. The website explains how once you’ve signed up.

2. Your employer submits the ‘union opinion’.

3. You log in and complete the online application and submit the necessary documents.

4. You submit biometric information at the Swedish embassy and collect your biometric residence card permit when available.

5. Your employer submits a posted worker declaration to the Swedish work environment authority (SWEA).

6. Your employer notifies the Swedish tax agency on the 12th day of the month following the day that you started working in Sweden.

Application documents

Swedish authorities may request different documents. Usually, they need:

• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for the duration of the assignment and with 2 blank pages
• assignment letter orand employment contract from your UK employer
• trainee agreementagreement, for trainees
• union statement (‘union opinion’)
• degree certificatecertificate, for trainees
• marriage certificate or the equivalent for a registered partner, if applying with family,family translated(translated into English or Swedish by a certified translatortranslator)
• accommodation contract showing monthly cost for housing, if already settled
• documents showing you’ve lived together in another country for at least 6 months, if applying with a cohabiting partner,partner translated(translated into English or Swedish by a certified translatortranslator)
• birth certificate for any children joining you,you translated(translated into English or Swedish by a certified translatortranslator)
• comprehensive health insurance that’s valid in Sweden for at least 3 months, or 1the yearfull assignment period if the assignment is shorter than 1 year

Work and residence permit (assignment)

You need a long-term work and resident permit if your UK-based company moves you to a Swedish branch to work temporarily.

To qualify you must:

• be paid a salary that is at least at the same level as in the Swedish collective agreements, or equivalent to similar positions in Sweden
• have employment terms that are at least at the same level as for employees working in Sweden
• get insurance covering health, life, occupational injury and pension from your employer
• keep your UK employment contract
• have an employment contract in Sweden
• be on UK or Swedish payroll

A long-term work and residence permit can take between 1 and 12 months to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and can be extended.

This permit type may lead to permanent residence after 4 years continuous residency if you meet the criteria.

If you have a partner, or children under 21, they can join you with this permit type. Find out about permits for family members.

How it works

You need to check with the Swedish authorities on the exact process. The following is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer creates an online account and applies for your work permit with the Swedish Migration Agency. The website explains how.

2. Your employer submits the ‘union opinion’.

3. You log in and complete the online application and submit the necessary documents.

4. You submit biometric information at the Swedish embassy and collect your biometric residence card permit when available.

5. Your employer submits a posted worker declaration to the Swedish work environment authority (SWEA).

6. Your employer notifies the Swedish tax agency on the 12th day of the month following the day that you started working in Sweden.

Application documents

Swedish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for the duration of the assignment and with 2 blank pages
• marriage certificate or the equivalent for a registered partner, if applying with family, translated into English or Swedish by a certified translator
• documents showing you’ve lived together in another country for at least 6 months, if applying with cohabiting partner, translated into English or Swedish by a certified translator
• birth certificate for any children joining you, translated into English or Swedish by a certified translator

Working for a Swedish branch of a company on a Swedish employment contract

You need one of these work permits if you’re working on a Swedish contract:

• work and residence permit if you have an employment offer
• EU Blue Card for highly skilled workers
• work permit for athletes and coaches
• work permit for performers

Work and residence permit (local employment)

To qualify for a work and residence permit. you must:

• have an offer of employment from a company in Sweden
• have been offered a salary that is at least at the same level as that set by Swedish collective agreements, or equivalent to similar positions in Sweden
• have employment conditions that are at least at the same level as in the Swedish collective agreements, or what is common for your profession or industry
• get insurance covering health, life, occupational injury and pension from your employer

It can take between 1 and 12 months to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it.

This permit type may lead to permanent residence after 4 years continuous residency if you meet the criteria.

If you have a partner, or children under 21, they can join you with this permit type. Find out about permits for family members.

How it works

You need to check with the Swedish authorities on the exact process. The following is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer advertises the position in Sweden, the rest of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, for at least 10 days.

2. Your employer creates an employment offer and gives the relevant trade union the opportunity to comment on the employment conditions.

3. Your employer creates an online account and applies for your work permit with the Swedish Migration Agency. The website explains how.

4. Your employer submits the ‘union opinion’.

5. You log in and complete the online application and submit the necessary documents.

6. You submit biometric information at the Swedish embassy and collect your biometric residence card permit when available.

7. Your employer notifies the Swedish tax agency on the 12th day of the month following the day that you started working in Sweden.

Application documents

Swedish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for at least 2 years and with 2 blank pages
• union statement (‘union opinion’)
• accommodation contract showing monthly cost for housing, if already settled
• marriage certificate or the equivalent for a registered partner, if applying with family,family translated(translated into English or Swedish by a certified translatortranslator)
• documents showing you’ve lived together in another country for at least 6 months, if applying with cohabiting partner,partner translated(translated into English or Swedish by a certified translatortranslator)
• birth certificate for any children joining you,you translated(translated into English or Swedish by a certified translatortranslator)

EU Blue Card

You can apply for an EU Blue Card if you’re a highly skilled worker and want to work for a Swedish company for at least 1 year.

To qualify you must:

• have an offer of employment for highly qualified work for at least 1 year
• have the equivalent of 180 credits of tertiary education or 5 years’ professional experience
• have a salary of at least 1.5 times the average gross salary in Sweden
• have or have applied for comprehensive health insurance that’s valid at least 3 months of care in Sweden
• have employment conditions that are at least at the same level as the Swedish collective agreements, or what is common for your profession or industry
• get insurance covering health, life, occupational injury and pension from your employer

An EU Blue Card can take up to 3 months to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it.

This permit type may lead to permanent residence after 4 years continuous residency if you meet the criteria.

If you have a partner, or children under 18, they can join you with this permit type. Find out about permits for family members.

How it works

You need to check with the Swedish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer advertises the position in Sweden, the rest of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, for at least 10 days.

2. Your employer creates an employment offer and gives the relevant trade union the opportunity to comment on the employment conditions.

3. Your employer creates an online account and applies for your work permit with the Swedish Migration Agency. The website explains how.

4. Your employer submits the ‘union opinion’.

5. You log in and complete the online application and submit the necessary documents.

6. You submit biometric information at the Swedish embassy and collect your biometric residence card permit when available.

7. Your employer notifies the Swedish tax agency on the 12th day of the month following the day that you started working in Sweden.

Application documents

Swedish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 2the yearsduration andof withyour 2 blank pagesstay
• union statement (‘union opinion’)
• degree certificate or register excerpt from your university, or an employer’s certificate from previous employers, translated into English or Swedish by a certified translator
• marriage certificate or the equivalent for a registered partner, if applying with family,family translated(translated into English or Swedish by a certified translatortranslator)
• documents showing that you’ve lived together in another country for at least 6 months, if applying with a cohabiting partner,partner translated(translated into English or Swedish by a certified translatortranslator)
• birth certificate for any children joining you,you translated(translated into English or Swedish by a certified translatortranslator)
• accommodation contract showing monthly cost for housing, if already settled
• comprehensive health insurance that’s valid in Sweden for at least 3 months

Work permit for athletes and coaches

You can apply for this work permit if you:

• have a written contract with a club or association in Sweden that’s affiliated with the Swedish Sports Confederation play or coach at least in Division 1 (for men) or in Damallsvenskan or Elitettan (for women)
• play or coach in Basketligan or Basketettan (for women and men)
• meet the salary requirements
• have health and accident insurance consistent with what’s usual for your sport and level
• have confirmation from the Swedish Sports Confederation that your employment is vitally important to the positive development of the sport

It can take between 1 and 12 months to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it.

This permit type may lead to permanent residence after 4 years continuous residency if you meet the criteria.

If you have a partner, or children under 21, they can join you with this permit type. Find out about permits for family members.

How it works

You need to check with the Swedish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer creates an online account and applies for your work permit with the Swedish Migration Agency. The website explains how.

2. You log in to complete the online application and submit the necessary documents.

3. You submit biometric information at the relevant embassy and collect your biometric residence card permit when ready.

4. Your employer notifies the Swedish tax agency on the 12th day of the month following the day that you started working in Sweden.

Application documents

Swedish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 2 years, or the duration of theyour employment, and with 2 blank pagesstay
• a contract signed by the club and yourself, with information about your salary (in Swedish kronor), insurance and the validity period of the contract
• marriage certificate or the equivalent for a registered partner, if applying with family, translated into English or Swedish by a certified translator
• documents showing that you’ve lived together in another country for at least 6 months (if applying with a cohabiting partner), translated into English or Swedish by a certified translator
• birth certificate for any children joining you, translated into English or Swedish by a certified translator

Work permit for performers

A work permit for performers is for:

• singers and other musicians
• dancers
• circus performers
• actors
• directors and filmmakers
• those accompanying performers, such as technicians or similar roles

To qualify you must:

• have a contract with an organiser in Sweden including information on fees, venue and a tour plan
• have a written offer of work in Sweden
• have sufficient salary to support yourself during your stay

It can take between 1 and 12 months to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it.

This permit type may lead to permanent residence after 4 years continuous residency if you meet the criteria.

If you have a partner, or children under 21, they can join you with this permit type. Find out about permits for family members.

How it works

You need to check with the Swedish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer creates an online account and applies for your work permit with the Swedish Migration Agency. The website explains how.

2. You log in to complete the online application and submit the necessary documents.

3. You submit biometric information at the Swedish embassy and collect your biometric residence card permit when ready.

4. Your employer notifies the Swedish tax agency on the 12th day of the month following the day that you started working in Sweden.

Application documents

Swedish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need to see:

• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for the duration of the stay and with 2 blank pages
• the contract, signed by you and the organiser, stating the tour plan (if any), your remuneration (pay or equivalent) and the time and place of the engagement
• marriage certificate or the equivalent for a registered partner, if applying with family, translated into English or Swedish by a certified translator
• documents showing you’ve lived together in another country for at least 6 months, if applying with a cohabiting partner, translated into English or Swedish by a certified translator
• birth certificate for any children joining you, translated into English or Swedish by a certified translator

Providing services to a client in Sweden

If your UK employer has a contract or work order with a Swedish company, you can apply for a ‘work permit to provide services’.

To qualify you must:

• be paid a salary that is at least at the same level as in the Swedish collective agreements, or equivalent to similar positions in Sweden
• have employment terms that are at least on the same level as for employees who on assignment in Sweden
• keep your UK employment contract
• stay on UK payroll

A work permit to provide services can take between 1 and 12 months to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it.

This permit type may lead to permanent residence after 4 years continuous residency if you meet the criteria.

If you have a partner, or children under 21, they can join you with this permit type. Find out about permits for family members.

How it works

You need to check with the Swedish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer creates an employment offer and gives the relevant trade union the opportunity to comment on the employment conditions.

2. Your employer creates an online account and applies for your work permit with the Swedish Migration Agency. The website explains how.

3. Your employer submits the ‘union opinion’.

4. You log in and complete the online application and submit the necessary documents.

5. You submit biometric information at the Swedish embassy and then collect your biometric residence card permit when it’s ready.

6. Your employer submits a posted worker declaration to the Swedish work environment authority (SWEA).

7. Your employer notifies the Swedish tax agency on the 12th day of the month following the day that you started working in Sweden.

Application documents

Swedish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• contact details and power of attorney for the client in Sweden
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for the duration of the assignment and with 2 blank pages
• marriage certificate or the equivalent for a registered partner, if applying with family, translated into English or Swedish by a certified translator
• documents showing you’ve lived together in another country for at least 6 months, if applying with a cohabiting partner, translated into English or Swedish by a certified translator
• birth certificate for any children joining you, translated into English or Swedish by a certified translator

Self-employed work

To apply for a self-employment permit your business needs to be set up as a limited liability or trading company in Sweden.

To qualify you must show:

• significant experience in your chosen field with previous experience of managing your own business
• knowledge of Swedish or English (if you deals with many suppliers or customers in Sweden, you must have very good knowledge of Swedish)
• proof that you own at least 50% of the business and have executive responsibility
• proof that the project is economically viable
• that you can financially support yourself and any family members that may join you
• proof that any products are sold or produced in Sweden
• proof of qualifications if you work in a regulated profession
• that you have an established network in Sweden
• that after the trial period of 2 years your company’s finances are in balance and that you can support yourself and any family members (the required amount is based on the Swedish standard for income support plus housing costs)

ItThis permit can take between 14 and 2025 months to getget. andIt is valid for up to 2 years. The self-employed work permit may lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a partner, or children under 18, they can join you with this permit type. Find out about permits for family members.

How it works

You need to check with the Swedish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You:

• apply online for a residence permit
• create an online account and apply for a work permit – the website explains how
• submit biometric information at the relevant embassy and collect your biometric residence card permit when it’s ready

Application documents

Swedish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for atthe leastduration 2of yearsyour and with 2 blank pagesstay
• proof you can support yourself and your family for at least 2 years
• purchase contract if you’ve bought or are intending to buy the company or business
• if you’re buying a business, bank certificates showing you have enough money to buy it and for the costs and investments you need to run it
• trading company agreement or share register
• document showing that you’ve paid the purchase price, or your share of the purchase price, if you bought the business
• contracts with customers or suppliers and premises
• 2 most recent annual accounts or financial statements (if the company has been operating that long)
• balance sheet and profit and loss statement for the current financial year up to the previous month (if the company has been operating that long)
• language course certificate or other proof that you know Swedish or English
• qualification certificates from your studies
• registration certificate for other companies you have, or have had, outside Sweden
• marriage certificate or the equivalent for a registered partner, if applying with family, translated into English or Swedish by a certified translator
• documents showing that you’ve lived together in another country for at least 6 months, if applying with a cohabiting partner, translated into English or Swedish by a certified translator
• birth certificate for any children joining you, translated into English or Swedish by a certified translator

Research work

If you work for a recognised research institution you can apply for a residence permit for research.

To qualify you must:

• have a hosting agreement with a research funding body (the party receiving the research work) that’s approved by the Swedish Research Council
• have enough money for your stay in Sweden including for your return travel
• have, or have applied for, comprehensive health insurance (if you’re going to be in Sweden for a maximum of 1 year)

A residence permit for research can take between 1 and 12 months to get. It’s valid for the same duration as the hosting agreement, or the validity of your passport, whichever is less. You can extend it.

If you have a partner, or children under 18, they can join you with this permit type. Find out about permits for family members.

How it works

You need to check with the Swedish authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You create an online account and apply for a residence permit and submit the necessary documents. The website explains how.

2. You submit biometric information at the relevant embassy and then collect your biometric residence card permit when available.

3. Your employer notifies the Swedish tax agency on the 12th day of the month following the day that you started working in Sweden.

Application documents

Swedish authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• passport for you and any dependants, valid for 2 years or the duration of your stay, and with 2 blank pagesstay
• the hosting agreement from your research funding body
• marriage certificate or the equivalent for a registered partner, if applying with family, translated into English or Swedish by a certified translator
• documents showing you’ve lived together in another country for at least 6 months, if applying with a cohabiting partner, translated into English or Swedish by a certified translator
• birth certificate for any children joining you, translated into English or Swedish by a certified translator
• comprehensive health insurance

Swedish government guidance

You can find out more about working in Sweden from the Swedish Migration Agency.

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check general travel advice for Sweden, for updates on issues such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.