You must have been offered a job before you can obtain a work permit. Your work permit must have been granted before you leave for Sweden. If your job is for less than three months, you may also need a visa.

There are several different kinds of work permits, e.g. for artists, au pairs, berry pickers, visiting researchers, athletes and coaches. For details, read the information on the Swedish Migration Agency website. The website also describes what exemptions apply in the case of certain occupational groups working in Sweden for a limited period. Read more at the website of  Swedish Migration Agency. 

Citizens of the EU/EEA

As an EU citizen, you are entitled to work in Sweden without a work permit.

Special rules apply if you have a residence permit and long-term resident status in another EU country.

Read more about the rules for EU/EEA citizens and long-term residents of an EU country on the Swedish Migration Agency website.

Residence permit card

When granted a residence permit, you will receive a residence permit card which proves that you have permission to enter and be in Sweden. The card features a microchip that contains your fingerprints and photograph .

The card is valid for as long as your residence permit, but never for more than five years. For more information about UT-cards visit The Migration Agency's website. 

When you apply for a residence permit at the Swedish Embassy in Amman your biometrics (photo, fingerprints and signature) are taken usually in connection with the lodging of the application and undergoing the interview. Have you applied for a residence permit electronically your biometry will be taken when you visit the Embassy to present the application documents in original and undergo an interview.

The general rule is that the residence permit must be granted and the UT-card picked up before entering Sweden. It can take up to four weeks, from the time you have received your decision, for the card to be made and sent to the Embassy.

To know when the Embassy has received the UT-card please see our website regarding Contact for visa and migration matters.

You can then pick up your UT-card in person and do not forget to bring your passport. You can also authorize (give power of attorney to) another person to receive the UT-card on your behalf. The power of attorney has to be signed by the applicant / holder of permit and must be presented for the Embassy as well as a copy of the passport. You find the power of attorney at the top of this page. 

Family members

If you obtain a permit to work in Sweden a family member (e.g. husband/wife and unmarried children under 21) may be granted a residence permit for the same period of time. If you receive a permit for at least six months, members of your family can also obtain work permits. Family members who are granted a residence permit need a residence permit card (see above).

Read more about residence permits for family members on the Swedish Migration Agency website.