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Sweden has become a popular choice for skilled professionals seeking opportunities to live and work overseas. Previously, Sweden did not offer a visa that allowed individuals to enter the country specifically to search for employment or establish their own business. However, in June 2022, the Swedish government introduced a new type of residence permit tailored for highly qualified individuals who want to explore job opportunities or start a business in Sweden. This permit is known as the Sweden Job Seeker Visa.
Understanding the Sweden Job Seeker Visa
The Sweden Job Seeker Visa is a special type of visa designed to allow highly skilled individuals to explore job and business opportunities in Sweden. With this visa, you can stay in Sweden for up to nine months, giving you plenty of time to search for employment or start your own business.
This visa differs from the Sweden Work Permit. The Job Seeker Visa is meant for those who want to explore opportunities in Sweden without having a job offer beforehand. It lets you stay in the country and look for work or set up a business, but you’re not allowed to work during this period.
If you manage to find a job or successfully establish a business, you can apply for a regular work permit or a self-employment permit while still in Sweden. In contrast, the Work Visa is for people who already have a job offer from a Swedish employer, allowing them to start work right away and remain in Sweden for the length of their employment contract, with the possibility of an extension.
In summary, the Sweden Job Seeker Visa is for exploring career and business possibilities, while the Work Visa is for those who have already secured a job in Sweden.
Requirements for the Sweden Job Seeker Visa
To apply for the Sweden Job Seeker Visa, you need to meet the following requirements:
| Requirements | Details |
| Educational Background | Must hold an advanced degree (e.g., master’s, PhD, or advanced vocational/professional degree). |
| Purpose | Should intend to seek employment or explore starting a business in Sweden. |
| Financial Resources | Must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Sweden. |
| Health Insurance | Required to have comprehensive health insurance coverage for the entire stay. |
| Valid Passport | The passport must be valid for the full duration of your intended stay in Sweden. |
| Location of Application | An application must be submitted from outside of Sweden. |
Understanding an Advanced Level Degree
To apply for the Sweden Job Seeker Visa, you must have an advanced-level degree. Your degree will be considered advanced if it meets any of the following criteria:
| Type of Degree | Description |
| 60-credit Master’s Degree | A Master’s program consisting of 60 credits. |
| 120-credit Master’s Degree | A Master’s program consisting of 120 credits. |
| Professional Degree | A professional degree ranging from 60 to 330 credits. |
| Postgraduate/PhD-Level Degree | A degree at the postgraduate or doctoral (PhD) level. |
When submitting your application, you must include a letter that authorizes the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) to contact your educational institution to verify your academic credentials.
Once your application is submitted, the Swedish Migration Agency will forward your documents to UHR for evaluation. UHR will then assess the level of your education. It’s important to note that the Migration Agency cannot determine the level of your degree before your application is submitted.
This visa serves as an initial step towards obtaining a work permit, known as the Sweden Work Visa.
Application Process for the Sweden Job Seeker Visa
There are two methods for applying for this visa:
1. Submitting Application Using e-Services
To submit your application for the Sweden Job Seeker Visa through the e-services platform, you will need the following digital documents:
| Required Documents | Details |
| Passport Pages | Digital copies of the passport pages that show your personal data, photo, signature, passport number, issuing country, validity period, entry stamps, and any permits to live in other countries. |
| Educational Certificates | Digital copies of your examination certificate. |
| Academic Transcripts | Digital copies of the official transcript of academic records, including the courses completed during your education. |
| Proof of Financial Resources | Digital copies of bank statements or other documents proving you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay, with a minimum of SEK 13,000 per month plus funds for return travel. |
| Central Bank Permission (if applicable) | If required, digital copies of the permit from your country’s central bank or equivalent to withdraw funds. |
| Health Insurance | Digital copies of documents showing you have comprehensive health insurance that covers medical care in Sweden. |
| Letter of Consent | A digital copy of a signed letter of consent allows the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) to contact educational institutions in your home country to verify your academic documents. |
| Payment Method | A credit or debit card to pay any applicable application fees. |
You need to include these documents with your online application. Make sure all digital copies are clear and legible to avoid delays in processing your application.
2. Submitting a Paper Application
If you’re unable to submit your application online via e-services, you have the option to apply for the Sweden Job Seeker Permit using a paper form titled “Residence Permit for Highly Qualified Persons to Look for Work or Start a Business.”
Here’s how to proceed:
a) Fill Out the Form:
Download and complete the relevant application form. This form will outline all the necessary documents that need to be included with your application.
b) Include Required Documents:
Make sure to attach all the required documents as specified in the form. One crucial document is the signed letter of consent, which authorizes the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) to contact educational institutions in your home country to verify your academic qualifications.
c) Submit Your Application:
Take the completed form and all attached documents to a Swedish embassy or consulate-general in your country of residence for submission.
d) Pay the Application Fee:
When you submit your application at the embassy or consulate-general, you will need to pay the application fee at that time.
What Happens After You Submit Your Application?
Once you submit your application for the Sweden Job Seeker visa, here’s what to expect:
- Application Review: The Swedish Migration Agency will examine your application and the documents you have submitted.
- Decision Making: The agency will then make a decision based on their evaluation of your application.
- Permit Validity: If your application is approved, the permit will be issued for a period ranging from at least 3 months to a maximum of 9 months.
What to Do After Receiving Your Permit Approval?
Once your Sweden Job Seeker Permit is approved for more than 3 months, you will receive a residence permit card. This card serves as official proof of your authorization to stay in Sweden and includes your photo, fingerprints, and other personal details.
If you require an entry visa to travel to Sweden, follow these steps:
1. Visit the Embassy or Consulate-General:
Go to the Swedish embassy or consulate-general in your country of residence to have your photo taken and provide your fingerprints.
2. Contact in Advance:
Before visiting, be sure to contact the embassy or consulate-general to make necessary arrangements and confirm the process.
FAQs About the Sweden Job Seeker Visa
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about the Sweden Job Seeker Visa:
1. Can I bring family members with me on this permit?
The Sweden Job Seeker Visa does not permit you to bring family members. However, once you secure a job and obtain a work permit, you can apply for a residence permit for your family to join you in Sweden.
2. Can I work with the Job Seeker Visa?
No, you cannot work while holding the Job Seeker Visa. If you find a job, you must apply for a work permit to legally start working. You can begin your employment immediately after applying for the work permit, even if the application is still under review.
3. What is comprehensive health insurance?
Comprehensive health insurance (CHI) covers:
- Emergency medical care
- Routine medical care
- Hospital stays
- Dental services
- Medical repatriation
A thorough travel insurance plan usually includes these types of coverage. Ensure your insurance is valid for your stay in Sweden and that you have documentation proving this coverage.