Visas and jobs in Sweden

Employer-led work permits with a salary floor tied to the national median wage.

Permanent residence: 4 years. Permanent residence after 4 years on work permits, if you can support yourself.

Citizenship: 5 years. 5 years at present; the government has proposed raising this to 8 years with new tests, so check the current rule.

Visa routes

RouteValid forFee
Work permit
Job offer on Swedish collective-agreement terms, with a salary of at least 80% of the median wage.
Up to 2 years, renewable—
EU Blue Card
For graduates or experienced professionals hired at a salary above the Blue Card threshold.
Up to 2 years—
Permit to look for work (highly qualified)
Up to 9 months in Sweden to find work or start a business, for people with at least a master's degree.
3–9 months—

Official sources