Your Guide on Jobs and Finding Work in Sweden

Jump right in:

• How to get a job in Sweden as a foreigner
• What is the minimum wage & salary?
• Self-employment
• What is business culture like in Sweden?
• Social security & benefits
• Maternity & paternity Leave

How to get a job in Sweden as a foreigner

When applying for a job in Sweden, it’s important to stand out. One of the best ways to do this is learning Swedish. Many jobs require fluency or at least basic proficiency in Swedish.

To find job opportunities, start by exploring online job portals and tailoring your CV and cover letter to Swedish standards. Additionally, networking and attending industry events can improve your chances. Continue reading to find out more about networking events.

Tips for job applications

Online platforms:

There are many online sites that can be used to find job opportunities for foreigners in Sweden. If you're interested in working for a specific company, it's best to apply directly through their website. Many companies post their current job openings there. If there are no listings available, you can reach out to ask if they accept unsolicited applications. If a job posting is in Swedish, consider submitting your resume and cover letter in Swedish as well.

Top job search websites for positions in Sweden:

• The Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen)
• Indeed.com
• LinkedIn
• Jobbsafari

Resume (CV):

When applying for jobs in Sweden, your CV should be clear, concise, and tailored to the specific role. While most international companies accept CVs in English, positions that require Swedish expect your CV to be in Swedish.

Swedish CVs follow a straightforward format, typically no longer than two A4 pages, and should include sections such as

• Work Experience
• Education
• Language Skills
• Computer Skills

Including a professional photo is optional but common. Be sure to proofread carefully, as spelling and grammar mistakes can leave a negative impression.

Cover Letter:

• Cover letters should be clear, concise, and no longer than one A4 page.
• Swedish culture tends to value simplicity in communication, and overly elaborate or formal language may feel out of place. While it's common to open with “Dear [First Name],” in English cover letters, many people also use a simple “Hello” or “Hej,” depending on the workplace.
• The structure of the letter is quite standard: a short introduction, a few sentences explaining why you're interested in the role, and a summary of your most relevant experience.
• If you're new to Sweden or still learning the language, it's a good idea to mention this and show openness to learning and adapting to Swedish work culture.

Interview:

• Aim for a balanced, friendly professionalism.
• Punctuality matters, so try to arrive about ten minutes early.
• Your attire should be smart or business casual attire, depending on what’s typical in the industry.
• You’ll likely be addressed by your first name, and it’s common to greet everyone with a brief handshake.
• Instead of focusing solely on achievements, Swedish interviewers often want to understand how well you’ll fit into the team. Humility and honesty are valued more than self-promotion.
• You may also be asked about your motivation for moving to Sweden or working in a Swedish environment, so showing genuine interest in the local work culture is important.

Networking:

In Sweden, networking is often a more guaranteed way to land an interview (or a job) than the traditional route of submitting your application. Building connections can help you access the so-called “hidden job market.” A good way to start is by attending industry events, seminars, or career fairs. Some of the events include:

• Handelsdagarna
• Opportunity Day
• Tech Summit
• Jobbfestivalen

You can also join professional groups on LinkedIn, follow companies you’re interested in, and reach out to people in your field for informational chats. The expat groups at InterNations is another great way to connect with other internationals working in Sweden and expand your network.

Job opportunities for foreigners in Sweden

Sweden periodically updates a list of occupations experiencing labor shortages, focusing mainly on skilled roles such as engineering, teaching, healthcare, and IT. These roles continue to enjoy prioritized processing, and in some cases, less stringent Swedish language requirements.

According to the Statistics Sweden some of the occupational groups experiencing shortages and are in-demand are as follows:

• ICT architects, systems analysts and test managers
• Personal care workers in health services
• Primary- and pre-school teachers
• Nursing professionals
• Engineering professionals
• Electrical equipment installers and repairers

What is the minimum wage & average salary

Sweden is one of a handful of countries in Europe that does not have a set minimum wage. However, do not let this dissuade you. Instead, wages are determined through collective bargaining agreements between trade unions and employers' organizations.

These agreements set minimum wages and other employment conditions, and they vary by industry and job type. The average salary in Sweden is around 44,470 SEK (4,700 USD) monthly. Someone working an hourly service industry job can expect to make about 130-170 SEK (13-17 USD) per hour.

What is a good salary in Sweden?

Although salaries in Sweden are set to cover the high cost of living, they are only slightly above the EU average. Expats moving to Sweden can expect to make enough to live comfortably, but you may not be able to save a huge amount.

While monthly expenses depend on personal lifestyle, a family of four needs an average monthly salary of around 70,000 SEK (7,370 USD) to live in Stockholm, Sweden's most expensive city. For a single expat, a good salary in the same city would be around 25,000 SEK (2,630 USD) per month.

In Gothenburg, the second most expensive city in the country, a family of four needs 57,000 SEK (6,000 USD) per month, while a single person needs 20,000 SEK (2,100 USD).

What are the annual salaries for Sweden’s most in-demand roles?

As mentioned before, Sweden publishes an annual report of job shortages. Here are the average salaries for some of them:

Self-employment

To take up self-employment in Sweden as a non-EU/EEA citizen, you must apply for a residence permit specifically for self-employed persons. This permit can take more than a year to process, and, if approved, is initially granted for up to two years. You can read more about the visa requirements for self-employment in our Visas and Work Permits section.

While Sweden's self-employment requirements may seem less restrictive than some other EU countries, applicants are expected to have prior business experience, a credible business plan and sufficient funds to support themselves. It's also important to show proof of future clients or business contacts.

How to be self-employed in Sweden?

One of the first steps to being self-employed in Sweden is to register yourself as a private company. Most freelancers register as a sole trader (enskild firma) as this is one of the simplest business form to register with no initial capital requirement and fewer administrative hurdles. Keep in mind that by registering as a sole trader, you are certifying that you will be solely responsible for any debts and legal action that the business may incur.

If you want to start a business with others, you can register a trading partnership (handelsbolag) or a limited partnership (kommanditbolag). Both need at least two people.

• In a trading partnership, all partners share full responsibility for the business’s obligations.
• In a limited partnership, one partner has limited liability and the other full liability.

In addition to registering your business, you’ll need either a coordination number (samordningsnummer) or a personal identity number (personnummer), depending on your residency status in Sweden. If you're not yet registered as a resident, a coordination number is typically sufficient to begin. These identification numbers are issued by the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) and are essential for applying for F-tax status, registering for VAT, and fulfilling tax and social contribution obligations.

Most of these registrations can be completed online through Verksamt.se or Skatteverket.se.

How to find a work as a freelancer in Sweden?

Freelancers in Sweden typically find work through two main channels: online platforms and networking. Sweden’s digital-first society means a lot of information can be found online, including a government portal with information organized by region. There are popular freelance websites and platforms for local and global clients such as

• Freelancer
• Folq.se (For IT consultants)
• Fiverr
• Upwork

On the networking side, local organizations like Nyföretagarcentrum and regional business foundations offer advice and host events where freelancers can connect with businesses and other professionals. Swedish culture believes strongly in working as a unified group. This mentality extends even to self-employed workers. Joining co-working spaces, attending industry meetup events can help you build a network that may lead to work opportunities.

Top self-employed jobs in Sweden

Self-employed expats that specialize in IT or business may have the best luck finding work in Sweden.

Other areas where self-employed expats may find work include:

• fashion and design
• writing, editing, and proofreading
• game development

What are the self-employment benefits?

Even as a self-employed person, you are required to pay into Swedish social security. Typically, around 28.97% of your net business income, which includes contributions for old-age pension, survivor’s pension, health insurance, parental insurance, and occupational injury insurance. Paying these contributions gives similar benefits to those available to regular employees such as:

• sick-leave
• retirement pension
• survivor’s pension
• healthcare
• occupational injury insurance
• parental insurance
• unemployment insurance

Some benefits will be handled differently than if you were to work for a Swedish company. For example, to receive sickness benefits as a self-employed person, you must report your illness on the first day. Compensation is then calculated based on your declared income.

What is business culture like in Sweden?

To some expats, Sweden’s business culture may feel unique. A country unconcerned with hierarchy, Sweden address everyone from interns to CEOs by their first name. When greeting someone for the first time, do not be surprised when they immediately use your first name. You will be expected to do the same. Work attire is also casual, but leans toward conservative. This means the Swedish workplace dress code typically shies away from business suits, promotes solid, neutral colors, and can even include sandals.

Punctuality: Although Swedish business culture is more relaxed than in some other European countries, punctuality is still strictly adhered to. Similarly, arriving too early can be seen as inconsiderate, so aim to arrive about five to ten minutes before your meeting.

Lagom: Swedish workers are known for their diligence and efficiency, but within clear boundaries. This concept is referred to as lagom. This word does not have a direct English translation, but basically means “not too much, not too little—just right amount.” You will not see much clocked overtime in Sweden, nor will you see workers skimp on holiday or parental leave.

Flat hierarchy: Similar to the disregard for formal titles, hierarchy within Swedish working culture is not strictly followed. Managers and CEOs are easily accessible to other employees, and all workers are treated as equals. The company is viewed as a unified entity rather than as a hierarchy of various levels of responsibility. Business decisions are typically based on consensus and compromise rather than seniority.

Social security & benefits

To work in Sweden, you must have a social security number. All Swedish citizens born in Sweden are given a social security number at birth. Non-residents have to apply for the number through the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket).

What is a social security number in Sweden?

A social security number in Sweden is called a personnummer (personal number). Your personnummer is a 10-digit number that registers you within the Swedish tax system. Once you have your personnummer you will use it everywhere:

• to get a job
• sign up for a gym membership
• changing your driving license
• opening a bank account

All foreigners can eventually receive a personnummer in Sweden, but the timing and criteria depend on your status. EU/EEA citizens have a right of residence and aren’t required to obtain a personnummer immediately if staying less than one year.

How to get a social security number in Sweden?

If you plan to stay in Sweden for a year or longer, you’ll need to register with the Swedish Population Register and receive a personnummer.

EU/EEA and non-EU citizens are generally required to present the same documents with the exception of the Swedish residency permit. The Swedish residency permit is required of non-EU citizens. EU citizens need only to present their ID or passport.

To apply for a personnummer in Sweden, you and all accompanying family members will need to visit the Swedish Tax Agency in person. You will ask to register with the Swedish Population Register to report that you have moved to Sweden. You will need to bring the following documents:

• Swedish residence permit valid for at least one year (only required of non-EU citizens)
• passport
• birth certificates for you and all accompanying family members
• certificates verifying your civil status such as a marriage certificate or divorce document
• proof of address in Sweden

Other requirements based on your citizenship may include an employment contract and proof of sufficient income to support yourself and your family while in Sweden. Children under 18 will need to have the consent of their legal guardian to move to Sweden. If one legal guardian is not in Sweden, they will need to provide written consent.

If any of the required documents are still being processed at the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket), you can ask to have them back or they can give you certified copies to present to the Swedish Tax Agency.

What are the social security benefits in Sweden?

One key benefit of having a Swedish personnummer is that it serves as your main ID in daily life. Whether you're visiting the bank or renewing your driver’s license, you typically only need to provide your personnummer to be identified in the system.

Sweden offers generous benefits through its social insurance system, but you need to be covered either by living long-term or working in Sweden. For example, residents can receive financial help for:

• large families
• disability
• old age pension
• unemployment (requires previous work in Sweden and registration with a-kassa)
• sick leave (valid if you’re working)
• parental leave and benefits
• incapacity due to injury at work (valid if the injury occurred while legally working)

Sweden is famous for its high taxes, a good portion of which is contributed to social security. Therefore, those in need of financial support from social security benefits will largely find ample help and resources. To receive most social insurance benefits, you should register yourself with the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan).

Maternity & paternity leave

Sweden has some of the most generous maternity and paternity benefits in the world. While most countries focus primarily on maternity leave, Sweden places emphasis on both parents. This parental leave policy has even given rise to the term “latte dads” referring to fathers who take parental leave to care for their children while their partners return to work.

Parental leave

In Sweden, it is difficult to talk about maternity leave versus paternity leave because both parents are required to take time off after the birth of a child.

In total, parents are allocated 480 days of paid parental leave per child. For 390 days, the compensation is based on the income. For the remaining 90 days, the compensation is set at 180 SEK (19 USD) per day. For twins or multiple births, parents receive additional days.

Each parent is entitled to take 240 days. 90 days of these are non-transferable and must be used by each parent. The remaining days can be transferred between parents as they wish. A single parent is entitled to all of the days. Parents can take the leave together or separate and spread the leave until the child turns 12 years old.

Parents can transfer up to 45 days of parental leave to another caregiver, such as the child's grandparent. Single parents can transfer up to 90 days.

To be eligible for parental benefit:

• must be insured in Sweden and the child has to live in Sweden
• care for a child instead of working, studying or actively seeking work

For more information on parental leave and benefits in Sweden, visit the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan) website.