If you’ve been dreaming about living and working in Sweden, a country known for innovation, equality, and breathtaking natural beauty, there’s now a new way to get your foot in the door. Since June 2022, Sweden has introduced a Job Seeker Visa that allows individuals to stay in the country while they search for employment or explore starting their own business.
What Is the Sweden Job Seeker Visa?
Sweden Job Seeker Visa is essentially a temporary residence permit. It’s designed for non-EU nationals who want to come to Sweden and look for work or start a business, but haven’t secured a job just yet.
Unlike traditional work visas where you need a job offer upfront, this visa lets you arrive, settle in, and then begin your search or startup exploration. It’s a game-changer for people who are confident in their skills and want to tap into Sweden’s progressive economy.
Also read: Everything You Need to Know About the Belarus Work Visa
Who Can Apply? Basic Requirements Explained
Let’s break down what you’ll need to qualify:
1. Educational Background
You must have at least a Bachelor’s degree (Honours) or an equivalent international qualification. Sweden places a strong emphasis on education, so your degree will be one of the first things reviewed.
Having your degree evaluated or attested before applying can give your application a stronger edge.
2. Clear Intention
You should be genuinely planning to look for a job or evaluate business opportunities. This isn’t just a tourist visit with side ambitions, your focus should be professional.
3. Health Insurance
A comprehensive health insurance policy is mandatory. Since you won’t be covered by Sweden’s public system right away, this ensures you’re protected in case of medical needs.
4. Financial Proof
You need to prove you can support yourself. The current requirement is at least 13,000 SEK per month (that’s around €1,150). If you’re planning to stay for 6 months, you’ll need around 78,000 SEK in total.
Pro Tip: A recent bank statement showing this amount is key. Make sure it’s in your name and clearly shows accessible funds.
5. Valid Passport
Your passport should be valid for your entire intended stay in Sweden. It’s also a good idea to have some extra validity beyond that, just in case your plans evolve.
6. Applying from Outside Sweden
You must be outside of Sweden when you apply. You can’t apply from within the country or while visiting on another visa type.
7. No Family Members Allowed At First
This visa is only for you. If you’re successful in finding a job and apply for a work permit, your family can join you later through reunification options.
8. You Can’t Work Until You Apply for a Permit
This one is important. You’re not allowed to work while on the job seeker visa. But here’s the good news: once you secure a job and submit your work permit application, you can start working immediately. You don’t have to wait for it to be fully approved.
Required Documents Checklist
Here’s a full list of what you’ll need to gather before applying:
- Passport: Submit a scanned copy of the first two pages and any pages with visas or stamps.
- Photograph: A professional, passport style photo with a white background (34x45mm), ideally wearing a formal shirt and tie.
- FRC (Family Registration Certificate) and Marriage Registration Certificate (if married).
- Educational Certificates: From Matric/SSC to your most recent degree. These should be attested by the relevant authorities.
- Work Experience Letters: If you’ve worked before, include proof because it strengthens your application.
- Bank Statement: As mentioned earlier, you need to show that you have enough money (13,000 SEK/month) to support yourself.
Visa Cost and Expenses
Here’s how much the process typically costs:
- 500 € – Payable at the time of document submission. This is non-refundable.
- 2,000 € – Payable after visa approval.
- Total: 2,500 €
While this may seem like a large amount, remember, it covers your full processing support, consultation, and documentation preparation. Think of it as an investment in your future.
Note: This is the general fee structure for third-party facilitation. Government fees may differ slightly and should always be checked on the officia website.
How to Apply: A Simple 5 Step Process
- Check Your Eligibility Make sure your education, finances, and documents meet the basic criteria.
- Gather Your Documents Prepare scanned copies of all required materials, and make sure everything is up to date.
- Submit Application You’ll apply via the official Swedish Migration Agency website or through an authorized agent/facilitator like Itaz, who can guide you step by step.
- Wait for a Decision The processing time can vary but usually takes 4-12 weeks. Keep checking your email and portal for updates.
- Get Your Visa and Fly to Sweden Once approved, you’ll receive your permit and can start planning your journey!
Why Sweden?
If you’re still wondering why Sweden, here’s a quick reminder:
- Ranked among the most innovative economies in the world.
- Home to global companies like Spotify, IKEA, Volvo, and Ericsson.
- Known for its progressive work culture, high quality of life, and welcoming attitude toward international talent.
- Strong support for startups and entrepreneurs, especially in tech, green energy, and health innovation.
Final Thoughts from Itaz
This visa is perfect for independent, skilled individuals ready to take charge of their future. It offers a rare chance to be physically present in the job market, attend interviews, meet potential employers, and explore startup hubs, all while legally residing in Sweden.
At Itaz, we’re not just about providing information, we’re here to guide, support, and walk with you through every step. From document preparation to visa tracking, we’re in your corner.
So if you’re ready to take the leap toward your dream career in Sweden, let’s make it happen.
Have questions? Reach out to the Itaz team today and start your Sweden journey with confidence.
