1. What is a job seeker visa?

If you have completed studies equivalent to a second-cycle qualification, you may apply for a residence permit to come to Sweden to look for work or explore the possibility of starting your own business. A second-cycle qualification refers, for example, to a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The application for the permit must be submitted and approved before you enter Sweden. If you find employment during your stay in Sweden, or decide to start your own business, you can then apply for a work permit or a residence permit as a self-employed person. We have extensive experience with the application process and can help you avoid the most common pitfalls.

2. When do you need a job seeker visa?

If you do not already have the right to reside or work in Sweden, you need a work permit in order to start working here. To obtain a work permit, you must have a job offer from an employer in Sweden, which is not always easy to arrange from your home country. If you have a second-cycle qualification, you can instead apply for a residence permit to come to Sweden to look for work or explore the possibility of starting your own business on site. It is important to follow the rules, as deviations can make it harder to obtain a permit in the future. Therefore, make sure you understand the requirements that apply to you, and do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance with the process.

3. What are the requirements for a job seeker visa?

To obtain a residence permit to look for work or start your own business in Sweden, the following requirements must be met:

• You must have a valid passport.
• You have completed studies equivalent to a second-cycle qualification. Your degree should correspond to either a 60-credit master’s degree, a 120-credit master’s degree, a professional degree of 60–330 credits, or a postgraduate/PhD-level degree.
• You plan to look for work or explore the possibility of starting your own business.
• You must be able to support yourself for the entire period covered by your permit. To meet this requirement, you must show that you have bank assets corresponding to at least SEK 13,000 per month for the period covered by your application. In addition to SEK 13,000 per month, you need funds to cover your return travel from Sweden.
• You must have comprehensive health insurance that covers medical care in Sweden for the entire duration of your stay. The insurance must cover emergency and other medical care, hospitalization, emergency dental care, and medical repatriation.
• You must be outside Sweden when applying and waiting for your decision. 

Source: The Swedish Migration Agency

If you do not meet the requirements listed above, it may be difficult for you to obtain a residence permit to look for work or start your own business. Do you have questions about whether you meet the requirements? Please contact us free of charge.

4. How long does it take to get a job seeker visa?

It is difficult to state an exact processing time, as it depends on several factors, such as whether the application is complete or requires additional documentation.

According to the latest statistics from the Swedish Migration Agency, cases are on average decided within 11–12 months.

5. For how long can a job seeker visa be granted? 

This residence permit can be granted for a maximum of nine months. However, please note that the permit cannot be valid for longer than the remaining validity of your passport.

6. Can I apply for a job seeker visa if I am already in Sweden?

If you are applying for a residence permit to come to Sweden to look for work or explore the possibility of starting your own business, you must submit your application before traveling to Sweden, as the application may otherwise be rejected.

7. If I get a job in Sweden, can I apply for a work permit while I am in the country?

If you receive employment in Sweden during the period covered by your permit, you can apply for a work permit while in the country. You may not start working before your application has been submitted. During the time the Swedish Migration Agency processes your application, you are allowed to work, but only for the employer and in the occupation stated in your application.

Read more about work permits here.

8. If I decide to start my own business, can I apply for a residence permit while I am in Sweden?

If you plan to start a business in Sweden, you can apply for a residence permit as a self-employed person and run your business while the Swedish Migration Agency processes your application. Contact us for assistance with your application.

9. Can I appeal the Swedish Migration Agency’s decision if my application is rejected?

Yes, you can appeal the Swedish Migration Agency’s decision to reject your application for a permit to look for work in Sweden or start your own business. An appeal to the Migration Court does not require leave to appeal, but if the case is taken further to the Migration Court of Appeal, leave to appeal is required. This means that only cases of particular importance for the application of the law are reviewed. Therefore, it is important to submit a well-prepared appeal from the start. Please contact us if you need assistance.

10. How can Enkla Juridik assist me with my application?

Our specialists can help you review your application and ensure that all important documents are included, reducing the risk of requests for additional information. They can also assist with appealing a possible rejection from the Swedish Migration Agency and improve your chances of obtaining a favorable decision from the Migration Court. By engaging us at Enkla Juridik from the start, you can fully benefit from our support. It is important to seek assistance in time, otherwise there is a risk that your application may be incorrect and the process delayed by several months or years. Please contact us for a free legal assessment.