Stockholm at a Glance
Working in Stockholm
Kista is known as Sweden's "Silicon Valley".
Stockholm is not only a green city, it is also a major hub for people working in Stockholm’s green technologies sector. In fact, the city is one of the cleanest metropolises in the world, and was appointed European Green Capital in 2010.
But this is not all! In 2011, Stockholm has made it to the list of global “cities of opportunities”, along with New York, Toronto and San Francisco. Expats working in Stockholm are in for a treat as Sweden's capital got high scores in sub-categories such as intellectual capital and innovation or demographics and livability. Expats working in Stockholm thus enjoy many opportunities and a high quality of life.
Working in Stockholm: Important Sectors
There is almost a complete absence of heavy industry in Stockholm, which turns Sweden’s capital into one of the cleanest cities in the world. Most expatriates working in Stockholm have found an occupation in the services sector. This economic branch accounts for 85% of all jobs of people working in Stockholm.
In recent years, the green technologies sector has grown significantly, creating new job opportunities for expats who plan on working in Stockholm. In addition, more and more employees working in Stockholm are occupied in high technology companies such as IBM or Ericsson.
Or would you rather be working in Stockholm’s finance sector? In fact, Stockholm is Sweden’s financial center and home to the Stockholm Stock Exchange (Stockholmsbörsen). Major Swedish banks such as Swedbank, Handelsbanken and Skandinaviska Euskilda Banken are located here as well.
Working in Stockholm: Kista
Kista has a distinct entrepreneurial flair. This northernmost district of Stockholm is the place where Sweden’s future internet entrepreneurs meet and mingle. Expats who plan on working in Stockholm’s IT and Communications Technology will sooner or later find themselves in Kista. IT companies such as Ericsson and IBM have their Swedish HQ here, too.
In the 1990s Kista emerged as Sweden’s “Silicon Valley” as it became home to a large number of innovative companies. Today, Kista Science City is the place to be for expats working in Stockholm’s telecommunications sector and in the field of wireless systems.
Working in Stockholm: Life Science
“Stockholm Life Solna-Stockholm” combines research and development facilities within the field of life sciences. The area is still under development. However, companies, health care providers, research facilities and academic institutions located in this area have offered jobs in the field of life science to people working in Stockholm for quite a while.
Working in Stockholm: Visa and Work Permits
Before hopping on a plane to Stockholm to start your international career, you need to apply for a work permit. This is only necessary, of course, if you are a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country. Will your expat assignment take longer than three months? Then keep in mind to apply for a residence permit for your stay in Stockholm as well.
You can turn to the nearest Swedish consulate or embassy to apply for your work permit. Remember that once you have submitted your application, you cannot travel to Sweden before your visa has been processed and approved. Alternatively, you can apply directly to the Swedish Migration Board.
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