Welcome to Sweden, the beating heart of Nordic innovation and one of Europe’s fastest-growing tech ecosystems right now. From Stockholm’s AI superstars like Lovable and Sana AI to scale-ups in Gothenburg and Malmö, Sweden has become a global magnet for ambitious talent, visionary founders and forward-thinking companies.
Sweden blends local values of trust, equality, and sustainability with a global growth mindset. The result? A place where skilled professionals thrive, startups scale faster, and life outside work stays beautifully balanced.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of relocating to Sweden as a skilled worker — or supporting your employees’ move — from work permits and family applications to registration, healthcare, and settling in smoothly.
Visa and Work Permit Requirements (Non-EU/EEA Nationals)
Non-EU/EEA nationals need a residence and work permit to live and work in Sweden. Sweden’s immigration system is designed to attract international expertise while keeping the process clear and structured.
Work Permit for Employees Most skilled professionals apply under Sweden’s standard work permit. To qualify, the employee must have a confirmed job offer from a Swedish company, with employment conditions and salaries that match local standards. The permit is typically granted for the length of the employment contract, up to two years at a time, and can be renewed.
Employers play an active role by initiating the permit process and ensuring all terms of employment comply with Swedish labor law. This collaborative approach helps companies onboard new talent efficiently and legally.
EU Blue Card Sweden also participates in the EU Blue Card scheme for highly qualified workers. It’s ideal for professionals with higher education degrees or equivalent experience, offering more flexible mobility within the EU. Read more about the EU Blue Card here.
Application Process The process begins online before arrival in Sweden. The employee submits the application through the official portal, while the employer confirms the job offer electronically. Once approved, the residence card is issued, and the employee can enter Sweden to start work.
Because each case differs depending on the role, contract, and family situation, many employers rely on relocation partners to manage applications and ensure full compliance from day one.
Registration for EU/EEA Nationals
For employees relocating from another EU or EEA country, the process is simpler, no visa or residence permit is required. However, after moving to Sweden, the employee must register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) to obtain a personal identity number (personnummer).
This number unlocks nearly everything in Sweden: opening a bank account, accessing healthcare, signing leases, and paying taxes.
The registration process involves submitting proof of employment and address, then verifying identity in person at a Skatteverket service center. Once registered, the employee is officially part of Sweden’s population system and can access public services.
For companies bringing in multiple EU hires, coordinating this registration is key to ensuring payroll and tax compliance from the start. Our relocation team helps both HR and talent complete these steps efficiently and in the right order, minimizing delays and unnecessary stress.
Family Reunification
Sweden supports family unity and provides clear options for spouses, partners, and children to join employees relocating for work.
Family members can apply for residence permits based on family ties. This typically includes a spouse or registered partner, a long-term cohabiting partner, and children under 18. Each family member files their own application and provides documents proving the relationship — often translated and legalized before submission.
For skilled workers, family permits can usually be processed alongside the employee’s own permit, so everyone can arrive together. Dependents often gain the right to work or study as part of the same decision.
Every family situation is unique, and employers often support these applications to make relocations smoother for their teams. We help companies and their employees coordinate family permits, prepare documentation, and manage simultaneous submissions for faster approvals.
Residence Registration and Post-Arrival Steps
Once in Sweden, completing post-arrival registrations is essential to access local services, payroll, and benefits.
Typical steps include:
Population registration and personal identity number (personnummer): via Skatteverket — required for healthcare, banking, and tax purposes.
Tax registration: obtain a Swedish tax card to ensure the correct withholding rate from salaries.
Bank account setup: needed for salary payments and e-identification.
Address registration: ensures access to municipal services and mail delivery.
While each step is straightforward, timing matters — many depend on receiving your identity number first. That’s why HR teams often partner with relocation experts to align the process and prevent administrative bottlenecks.
We coordinate all post-arrival steps for both employees and employers, from scheduling appointments to confirming compliance, so new hires can focus on settling in and performing from day one.
Health Insurance and Social Security
Sweden’s healthcare and social security systems are world-class, providing comprehensive coverage once you’re registered as a resident.
Employees working in Sweden are generally covered by the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan), which provides access to healthcare, parental benefits, and other social protections. Employers also provide occupational healthcare by law — often supplemented by private insurance for faster access to specialists.
During the first weeks after arrival, some employees may need temporary private coverage until public benefits start. Employers relocating international staff often handle this transition to ensure continuous coverage.
We help confirm coverage, manage registrations with Försäkringskassan, and coordinate healthcare setup for both employees and dependents ensuring a smooth transition into Sweden’s system.
Additional Resources and Contacts
Here are the key authorities and services involved in the relocation process:
Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) – Residence and work permits
Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) – Population registration, tax cards, and identity numbers
Försäkringskassan – Social insurance and healthcare benefits
Sweden.se – Official national portal for newcomers
Work in Sweden – Government information for employers and employees on international recruitment
Although these services provide excellent resources, coordinating multiple agencies can still be complex. Our team supports employers and talent through every step handling applications, registrations, and authority communication on your behalf.
Ready to Relocate Talent to Sweden?
Sweden is where innovation meets lifestyle, a place for ambitious people and bold thinkers shaping the future of tech, AI, and sustainable business. Whether you’re moving one specialist or scaling international teams, our relocation team helps make every move seamless, compliant, and human.