If you came to Sweden on a residence permit to look for work (a “job-seeker” / “look for work” permit) and now have a concrete job offer, good news: in many cases you can convert that into a residence permit to work without leaving Sweden. Below I’ll walk you through exactly what to prepare, who does what, how to apply, and common pitfalls — with links to the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) pages you’ll rely on.
Yes — if you have a residence permit to look for work, you can usually apply for a work permit from inside Sweden once you get a job offer.
The employer normally starts the application in the Migration Agency’s e-service; you then complete and submit your part.
Your job and employment contract must meet Swedish requirements (valid passport, signed contract, salary and terms at or above applicable Swedish standards / collective norms).
Once you have applied for the work permit (while still in Sweden), you are allowed to work for that employer during processing — but do not start work before you’ve submitted the application.
You (the employee): provide ID, sign and upload the employment contract, fill in personal information in the e-service, attach required documents (diplomas, CV, passport copy), and pay any fees if applicable.
Your employer: starts the application in the Migration Agency’s employer e-service and enters details about the job (salary, employment duration, occupational duties). The employee receives an e-mail link to finish the application.
Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket): processes the application, may request further information, and issues the decision. If a biometric residence permit card is needed, you’ll be instructed to go to an embassy or Migration Agency office for ID verification/biometrics.
Before anything, ensure the job offer is real and that the terms meet the Swedish requirements:
A written employment contract signed by both parties.
Clear info about salary, working hours, start date and duration (if temporary). Salary must be at or above the occupation’s norm (often set by collective agreements or the median salary used by Migrationsverket). Employers must follow Swedish employment standards.
Why this matters: if the contract or salary is below Swedish norms, the Migration Agency can refuse the permit.
Your employer should go to the Migration Agency’s employer e-service and begin the application by entering employment details. After they finish, you’ll receive an email with a link to complete your part of the application online. The application isn’t registered until you (the employee) finish and submit it.
When you get the link:
Log in (follow the security instructions in the email).
Upload: passport copy, signed contract, diplomas or proof of qualifications, CV, and any supporting documentation (proof of accommodation if asked, previous permit details).
Answer questions about your background and travel history.
Pay the application fee (if required) — online or follow the instructions in the e-service.
Important: If your job offer arrived while your job-seeker permit is still valid, submit the new application before your current permit expires. If you submit on time, you can stay while it’s processed.
Do not start working until you have submitted the work-permit application.
Once the application is submitted, you are permitted to work for the employer and in the position you applied for while the Migration Agency processes the application — even if a final decision has not yet arrived. (This applies to those who applied from within Sweden under a look-for-work permit).
The Migration Agency may contact you or the employer for clarifications (e.g., proof of qualifications, evidence that salary meets Swedish standards, work duties). Respond quickly — delays can prolong the decision.
If the decision is positive, you’ll be granted a residence permit for work. If you’re in Sweden, you may receive a residence permit card — you’ll be told where to provide biometrics (embassy or Migration Agency office) if needed. If you applied from abroad, the embassy procedure will be part of the process.
Valid passport (photo page).
Signed employment contract (with salary, start date, working hours, duties).
Diploma/degree certificates, professional licenses (if the job requires them).
CV and references (helpful).
Proof of current residence permit (your job-seeker permit) and any previous Swedish permits.
Employer documents (company registration, proof of ability to pay salary) — the employer will upload these via the employer e-service.
Processing time: varies by case and workload; recent median/average times can change and Migrationsverket publishes updates (the employer page notes periodic updates to salary/processing info). Always check the Migration Agency for current processing times.
Fee: a fee applies for work permit/residence permit applications (amounts can change). Pay via the online e-service or follow the instructions you receive.
Practical tip: ask your employer to register the application as soon as the contract is signed — that starts the clock and lets you lawfully work once you’ve submitted your part.
Starting work before applying/submitting — this can create legal complications. Don’t start until you have submitted the application.
Salary below Swedish norms or no clear contract — the Migration Agency evaluates the salary/terms strictly. Make sure your offer is clear and meets or exceeds industry/collective standards.
Missing documents or slow responses — when the Agency requests extra evidence, respond fast. Delays cost time and sometimes mean refusal if the Agency can’t verify key facts.
Letting your current permit expire before applying — always apply before expiry; otherwise you may have to leave Sweden and apply from abroad.
Register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) to get a personal identity number (personnummer) if you will stay long-term — this unlocks everyday things like healthcare, banking, and employment benefits.
Learn your rights at work in Sweden (probation periods, sick pay, union rules). Swedish labour protections are strong; many sectors have collective agreements that determine pay and conditions.
Work permit / residence permit to work (main guidance) — Swedish Migration Agency.
Apply for a work permit (requirements & how) — Swedish Migration Agency detail page.
If you got a job while looking for work (apply from inside Sweden) — explains rights to apply and to work while processing.
Information for employers (how employers start the application) — employer e-service instructions.
Signed employment contract that meets Swedish norms.
Employer ready to start the e-service application.
Your passport, diplomas, and permit details ready to upload.
Submit your part of the application before your current permit expires.
