In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of finding a job in Sweden for foreigners. From the Swedish work culture to understanding the essential steps in the job-hunting process, we’ll equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to turn your Swedish career aspirations into reality. Let’s get it going!

Step 1: Prepare Yourself

Okay say you decided to get a new job and stop being unemployed or change your current one.

Before you start your job hunt in Sweden for a job with a good salary (let’s hope!), you should ensure you are well prepared. Otherwise, there’s no chance you’ll be able to seem worthy of a Swedish salary.

You might be interested in: Salaries in Stockholm

So… here’s what you’ll need:

Residence Permit & Swedish Tax ID (Personnummer)

If you’re not an EU/EEA citizen, you’ll most definitely need a residence permit that will allow you to stay and get a tax id in Sweden to work legally in the country.

You might be interested in: How to get a residence permit in Sweden?

Once you get your residence permit (by choosing your suitable Visa or by proving your EU citizenship) you must get a tax id that will allow you to work and enjoy the social insurance’s benefits of working in Sweden (i.e. parental leave, sickness benefits, etc).

How do you get this tax id (Personnummer)?

You might be interested in: How to get your personnummer in Sweden?

Well, here’s a summary of the process:

• Application: Submit an application to the Swedish Tax Agency after arriving in Sweden.
• Requirements: You need to prove the intention of staying in Sweden for more than 1 year (here’s where the residence permit comes into play) and have a Swedish address (a temporary address is generally accepted, excluding hotels).
• For Non-EU/EEA Nationals: Provide proof of a residence permit allowing you to live in Sweden. Note that you generally cannot receive a Personnummer until you have your residence permit card, with some exceptions like being a dependent of an EU citizen​​.

Getting your Visa (for non-EU/EEA citizens)

If you are a non EU/EEA citizen and you don’t already have access to a Swedish residence permit, one of the most common ways to stay in Sweden legally (a.k.a. get a residence permit) is with either of the following visas:

• Work Visa (Full guide: How to get a work Visa in Sweden)
• Job Seeker Visa (Full guide: How to get a job seeker Visa in Sweden)
• Self Employed Visa (Full guide: How to get a self employed Visa in Sweden)
• EU Blue Card (Full guide: How to get a Swedish Blue Card)

Interested in other visas? Check my article on residence permits in Sweden where I go over on all the ways to get a residence permit to stay and work in Sweden legally

The most popular Visa (and one could say “easier”) of those is the work visa and here is (in short) the process on how to get it:

• Application Process: You should apply for and be granted a work permit before entering Sweden. The process involves online application with clear instructions provided for filling in your application and the necessary documents​​.
• Employment Contract Requirement: Secure employment in Sweden and an employment contract. Your employer must have advertised the job in Sweden and the EU/EEA and Switzerland for at least ten days before finalizing the contract​​.
• Employer’s Role: Your employer in Sweden initiates the work permit application by providing information about the employment and your details​​.
• Submitting Documents: Include your employment contract, passport copies, and any additional required documents with your application​​.
• Application Fee: Most applications require a fee, paid via Visa or Mastercard, after which you submit your application​​.
• Processing by Migration Agency: Ensure all details and necessary documents are included for a quicker decision. The Migration Agency may need to further examine your application in some cases​​.

Open a Swedish Bank Account

You’ll need a Swedish bank account where your employers can deposit your first and subsequent salaries. Otherwise you’ll run into multiple issues.

(Technically, you can provide your Swedish employer with a European bank account since SEPA transfers keep the costs low. However, I’ve never actually seen this happen in practice.)

Here’s what I did to open my first bank account in Sweden:

• Necessary Documents: To open a bank account, you’ll typically need your passport, residence permit, employment contract, Personnummer, and Swedish ID card.
• Go to a branch: Sweden’s strict banking regulations mean you’ll likely need to open your account in person
• Receive debit card: You’ll receive your debit card in the address you declared when you opened your bank account
• Get BankID and set up online banking: In Sweden, BankID acts as a digital identification solution, allowing you to access a wide range of online services securely, including online banking, government services, and electronic signatures. After opening your bank account, you will be guided on how to obtain your BankID and set up online banking, enabling you to manage your finances conveniently from anywhere.

Make a Solid CV and Cover Letter

If you are planning on getting a job instead of starting a new business, your CV and cover letter are your first impressions, which are more than important if you’re an English speaker looking for a job in Sweden.

Here’s how to make them count:

• CV: Keep it concise, professional, and tailored to the job you’re applying for. Highlight your skills that match the job requirements. I made an article on how to create a CV in Sweden to get a job, check it out.
• Cover Letter: This should complement your CV, emphasizing why you’re the perfect fit for the role and how you align with the company’s values and culture. For instance, if the job you’re applying to normally involves overtime work, you can show yourself open to doing extra hours in your cover letter. I also made an article on how to make a cover letter to get a job in Sweden.

You might be interested in: How to write a Cover Letter in Sweden?

Is Swedish Necessary to Find a job in Sweden?

While speaking Swedish is beneficial, it’s not always necessary, especially in certain sectors.

You might be interested in: How to find a job in Sweden without speaking Swedish?

In high-demand industries like technology, many companies are willing to hire skilled individuals from abroad and may not require Swedish proficiency.

So… if you’re skilled in areas that are in high demand, you might find job opportunities even without knowing Swedish.

Also, for international companies or startups that require quick workforce expansion, English is often the preferred language, providing opportunities for non-Swedish speakers.

Step 2: Apply for Jobs

Given the lack of experience, most foreigners don’t really know where to start looking for a Swedish job.

Well, here’s what I’d do:

Use Swedish Job Boards

Sweden’s job market is vibrant and diverse, and online platforms are a fantastic way to tap into it and get your first job offer to accept (or decline too!)

You can start with popular Swedish sites like:

• Arbetsförmedlingen
• The Local
• Jobbsafari.se
• Studentjob.se
• Jobb.blocket.se
• Academicwork.se
• jobsinstockholm.com (this is a job board focused on employers looking for English speaking workers!)

You might be interested in: How to find a job in Stockholm?

You can also go for “bigger” job boards, such as:

• Indeed
• LinkedIn (more on that later)
• CareerBuilder
• Monster
• Glassdoor

You can also consider becoming a freelancer and getting jobs on your own taking advantage of the whole gig economy. Here are a few sites of companies that could help you get a job as a freelancer:

• Cool Company: Cool Company is a Swedish platform that simplifies freelancing. It offers services for invoicing, tax declarations, and insurance, making it easier for freelancers to manage their administrative tasks while focusing on their work.
• Gigstr: Specializing in the gig and freelance economy, Gigstr connects businesses with freelancers and part-time workers in various fields, including events, marketing, and sales. It’s a great platform for flexible work opportunities.
• Yobber: Yobber offers a platform where freelancers can connect with businesses in need of short-term help. This platform is particularly useful for those looking for gigs in a variety of fields such as marketing, IT, or creative services.

Apply Through LinkedIn

LinkedIn plays a pivotal role in the Swedish job market.

Ensure your profile stands out with a professional photo and detailed work experiences. Don’t forget to garner endorsements and recommendations from colleagues and previous employers, as these add credibility.

Do this to make your profile stand out:

• Professional Photo: Choose a clear, professional headshot. This is often the first impression you make.
• Detailed Work Experiences: Break down your roles and achievements. Use bullet points for clarity and include metrics or specific accomplishments when possible.
• Skill Endorsements: Actively seek endorsements for key skills from colleagues and previous employers. This adds credibility to your expertise.
• Personalized Recommendations: Request personalized recommendations, particularly from supervisors or clients who can vouch for your professional abilities and work ethic.
• Engage with Content: Regularly post or engage with relevant industry content. This demonstrates your active involvement and knowledge in your field.
• Use Keywords: Incorporate industry-specific keywords in your profile. This improves visibility in searches by recruiters.
• Follow Industry Leaders and Companies: Stay updated with industry trends and potential job opportunities by following leaders and companies in your field (make extra focus on international firms, as they are the ones that hire foreigners the most!)
• Join Groups: Participate in LinkedIn groups related to your profession. Engage in discussions to increase your visibility and network.

You might be interested in: Recruitment agencies in Sweden

Use Recruiting Companies

There are a few big companies in Sweden that have as their main business model to help you get a job with a Swedish employer, these are what we call recruiting companies.

You might be interested in: Top recruiting companies in Sweden

So… how do they work?

What you’d do is to check their website, upload your CV and submit your personal data, work and education experience.

Hopefully, after a few weeks/months, they’ll contact you when a job fits your job profile.

Here’s a list of the biggest recruiting companies with presence in Sweden:

• Randstad
• Experis
• Manpower, etc…

Step 3: Do the Job Interview

Alright, you got your job interview… now what?!

You might be interested in: How to ace your HR interview in Sweden

Well, I’d say that when preparing for a job interview in Sweden, there are a few key aspects to focus on:

• Understanding Swedish Interview Etiquette:
  • Be punctual, but don’t be surprised if the interview feels more like a conversation. Swedes value a relaxed, egalitarian approach.
  • Prepare to talk about working hours, work-life balance and your interests outside work, as these are often important to Swedish employers.
• Common Interview Questions:
  • Expect questions that not only prove your professional skills but also how you fit into the team and company culture. It’s a good idea to prepare examples that showcase your adaptability and teamwork.
• Dress Code and Cultural Norms:
  • The dress code is typically smart casual, but it’s always wise to do a bit of research on the company culture beforehand.
  • Swedes appreciate humility and authenticity, so while you should showcase your skills, avoid overselling yourself.

How Does the Interview Go?

Well, normally this is how a Swedish job interview goes:

• Short phone call: This is when the HR department calls you to tell you a bit about the position and to show interest in your profile. They might also ask a few standard questions to validate what you wrote in your CV and cover letters
• 30-45 minute HR interview: This interview might be in person at the company’s offices or through a video call, and it’s where an HR employee asks a series of questions (10 to 15 questions) to make sure you are a right fit for the company and the job
• 1 to 5 area-focused interviews: This is where you’ll talk with the specific area you’ll work at. Normally, it starts with an interview with a Senior employee, and he/she likes you, then you might get a second or even third interview with senior staff in the division. They’ll ask specific questions about your work experience to make sure you’re the right person for the job
• Final HR interview: If the Senior staff at the company likes your profile, they’ll communicate the HR department they’ll want to hire you. The HR person will call you and that’s when it’s time to negotiate the conditions of your employment that will be in your contract.

Step 4: Start Working

Here’s where all the preparation you did comes into play, as your employer will ask you the following documentation:

• Your personnummer (You might be interested in: How to get your personnummer in Sweden?)
• Your Swedish bank account information

And that’s it… you’re ready to start working!

Let me offer you one last piece of advice: Me, and many others believe that it’s very important to understand your rights as a foreigner working in Sweden.

And for that, you should not only thoroughly read your job contract but also familiarize yourself with Swedish employment conditions, which is why I’ve written the following guides:

• Parental allowance in Sweden
• Taking sick days in Sweden
• How do vacations work in Sweden
• Probation period in Sweden
• How do notice periods work in Sweden
• Reading the Swedish payslip to check everything is in order
• Working hours and overtime work in Sweden

I’d also advise joining a trade union that represents workers in your position, as they are (and were) essential for:

• Getting higher salaries
• Providing legal protection to employees
• and additional employment support services through collective bargaining

Step 5: Pay Swedish Taxes

Yeah, I know, this step is not the most popular one, particularly if you take into consideration that Sweden has some highest taxes in the world, but you must do it anyways.

So… how do you pay taxes in Sweden?

You might be interested in: Taxes in Sweden: Full Guide

Well, as an employee, you’ll probably pay the following taxes:

• Income tax
• Social security contributions (paid by your employer)

Here’s, in short, what you’ll need to do:

In late March or early April you’ll get access to your pre-filled tax declaration for the past year and you will be responsible for checking the pre-filled amounts, making necessary adjustments, and possibly claiming deductions. It’s your responsibility to ensure that all information is accurate and submitted on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequent questions that people usually

Is it so hard to find a job in Sweden?

Finding a job in Sweden as a foreigner can indeed be challenging. You’ll face several hurdles, both legal, like immigration requirements, and social, such as potential language barriers.

However, learning Swedish, although not always a requirement, can significantly increase your chances of finding a job as many companies value bilingual proficiency, even though almost everyone in Sweden speaks English.

In fact, if you have in-demand skills, you may find opportunities even without speaking Swedish.

From my experience, platforms like LinkedIn are incredibly useful for job searches, especially for roles in international companies where English is the working language​

What are the most popular job sectors in Sweden for non-Swedish speakers?

In Sweden, the IT and tech industries are particularly in high demand, offering various roles for non-Swedish speakers.

Positions in engineering fields are also plentiful, including electrotechnology engineers, chemical engineers, and civil engineers, among others. Other sectors like life science, medicine, construction, translation, and teaching also offer numerous opportunities.

Should my CV be written in English or Swedish?

This is a difficult question to answer as I believe that the language of your CV should match the language of the job advertisement.

If the advertisement is in English, then your CV should be in English and be flawless in its composition.

If you’re comfortable with Swedish and the job ad is in Swedish, writing your CV in Swedish could give you an advantage.

However, it’s essential to choose the language in which you can best represent your qualifications and experiences