Many Americans are drawn to Sweden because of its stunning landscapes, exceptional work-life balance, and forward-thinking work environment. However, finding a job there might seem a daunting task. This is why I decided to make this article designed to walk you through the entire process, ensuring you have all the information to find a job in Sweden. Let’s do it!

Do Americans Need a Visa to Work in Sweden?

Yes, Americans need a visa to work in Sweden.

In fact, to obtain a work visa, you must first secure a job offer from a Swedish employer from the US.

And this job offer must meet the minimum requirements set by Swedish labor laws, including salary and employment conditions estimated in the contract (you can check out my article on this exact topic for more info).

So… how does applying for this work visa work?

Well, your employer will initiate the work permit application by providing details of the offer and demonstrating that the position could not be filled by a local or EU/EEA citizen.

As an applicant, you must prove your identity, show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself, and have, or be eligible for, health insurance coverage in Sweden.

After that, you’ll receive the decision in about 6 to 18 months (remember, you’ll need to wait for the decision in America, you can’t actually wait inside Sweden) and if it’s approved you’ll get your fingerprints and photo taken at a Swedish consulate to later receive your residence permit in your home country.

Then and only then you’ll be able to move to Sweden legally.

You might be interested in: How to move to Sweden

Job Seeker Visa for Americans

For those interested in seeking employment while being physically in Sweden, a job seeker visa is an option. This visa allows individuals to get a temporary residence permit and enter Sweden from the USA with the intent to find a job.

What are the requirements for this visa?

To qualify for a job seeker visa, applicants must demonstrate:

• a high level of education or special skills relevant to the Swedish job market
• Sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay (without recourse to public funds)
• Health insurance plan to cover any accidents in Sweden

Disclaimer: This visa does not permit you to work until you have secured a job and obtained a work permit.

You might be interested in: How to apply for the job seeker visa in Sweden?

How to Find a Job in Sweden as an American?

Finding a job in Sweden as an American involves taking advantage of both digital platforms and personal networks.

Let me give you a better idea on how I would approach finding a job in Sweden if I was just coming from America:

Use Swedish Job Portals

There are a few online job sites which are very used by Swedish companies to recruit Americans:

Arbetsförmedlingen is the Swedish Public Employment Service which main activity is to offer a database of job listings, including those suitable for English speakers.

So, my advice would be to visit their website, use the English version for easier navigation, and search for jobs using keywords related to your field and English language skills.

LinkedIn is also popular in Sweden for job listings, just like it is in America.

Here are a few tips to stand out there:

• Update your profile and CV to reflect your latest experience and skills.
• Use the job search feature to filter positions by location (Sweden) and language requirements (English).
• Network with professionals in your field based in Sweden for insights and potential job leads.

You might be interested in: How to write a cover letter in Sweden?

Other job portals like Indeed, The Local (English-language news site in Sweden with a job section). Repeat the LinkedIn steps on these platforms, customizing your search to match your language abilities and professional expertise.

Apply for English-Speaking Jobs

I’d say that to leave unemployment as an American in Sweden, the fastest approach is to apply for jobs that require English fluency as an essential requirement for the position.

These are some of the jobs that come to mind:

• IT and tech companies, where English is often the working language.
• International schools or language centers seeking English teachers.
• Tourism and hospitality, particularly in roles like tour guides or customer service positions in hotels where international visitors are common.
• Multinational corporations, where business is conducted in English.

Use Recruitment Agencies

Recruitment agencies can be incredibly helpful in your job hunt, especially if you’re navigating the Swedish job market as an American.

I mean, it’s a known fact here in Sweden that agencies like Michael Page, Adecco, and Manpower specialize in connecting candidates with companies looking for their specific skills.

They not only have access to job openings that might not be advertised publicly (which is a sad but common occurrence in Sweden), but they also offer insights into local job laws (like parental leave, notice and probation periods, etc.)

Plus, they help you understand salary expectations and ensure you’re a good cultural fit for the company.

I mean, they can even help you if you’re considering a quitting from your current position in pursuit of a new opportunity in Sweden.

You might be interested in: How to negotiate salary in Sweden?

Low-Skilled Work for Americans

If you can’t take advantage of your American education and you can’t find one job offer to accept (or even decline for that matter) then you can consider applying for a low skilled job in Sweden.

I mean, Sweden has various opportunities for low-skilled workers that don’t require Swedish language proficiency, such as:

• cleaning
• warehouse operations
• construction
• restaurants (especially those catering to tourists or international clientele)

Why do I recommend these particular jobs?

Well… because, in these roles, English is usually all you need to perform well and also because these positions aren’t typically the most sought after by Swedes which should make things easier for you.

Disclaimer: Be prepared to do physical work and a lot of extra hours as these jobs are pretty exhausting and demanding.

Work on CV/Cover Letter and Interview Skills

Your CV and cover letter make the first impression on potential Swedish employers, so as an American, you should know that it’s crucial to put your best foot forward and create the most positive initial impression possible.

So, my advice would be to:

• Keep your CV concise and to the point, ideally one page, highlighting relevant experience and skills (More on: how to make a cv in Sweden)
• Tailor your cover letter for each application, focusing on how your skills and experiences align with the job and company values. (More on: how to make a cover letter in Sweden)
• Research common interview questions in Sweden and practice your responses, focusing on clear, concise communication and professionalism.

Cities to Find a Job in Sweden for Americans

I strongly believe that all Americans who want to work in Sweden should know which industries are big in each city.

I mean, since different Swedish cities have their own strong job areas, knowing this can really help you find a job faster.

Well.. let me help you with that:

Stockholm

We all know that Stockholm is the heart of Sweden’s economic, political, and cultural life.

But… what industries are strong in this city?

For starters, Stockholm is the first choice for industries such as:

• IT, with giants like Spotify, Klarna, and King leading the charge.
• Finance, home to major banks and financial services companies such as Nordea and SEB.
• Communications, where global leaders like Ericsson set the pace.

So, if you are an American software developer, financial analyst, or communications specialist, then it could be great to try your luck in Stockholm, where your skills are in high demand.

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

Gothenburg

Right behind Stockholm, Gothenburg punches well above its weight in Sweden’s industrial and cultural landscape.

But… what industries thrive in this city?

• Automotive, with Volvo Cars and the Volvo Group at the forefront.
• Shipping, thanks to the Port of Gothenburg, Scandinavia’s largest port.

So, if you’re an engineer or logistics expert from America Gothenburg could be your ideal playground, offering a wealth of opportunities in these dynamic fields.

Malmö

Malmö, the vibrant city at the southern tip of Sweden, seamlessly blends its historic charm with modern innovation.

It shines in areas like:

• Technology, where companies like Massive Entertainment (a Ubisoft studio) and Mapillary are pushing the boundaries of gaming and digital mapping.
• Sustainability, with leaders such as E.ON Sweden driving advances in renewable energy and sustainable city solutions.
• Creative industries, supported by innovative hubs like Media Evolution City, where creatives in digital media, design, and communication converge.

So, if you’re an American it professional, environmental scientist, or creative professional, Malmö could present a fertile ground for your talents!

Uppsala

Uppsala, a city renowned for its prestigious university and rich historical tapestry, also stands at the forefront of innovation and research.

It excels in fields like:

• Biotechnology, with companies such as GE Healthcare Life Sciences and Olink Proteomics leading groundbreaking research and development.
• Pharmaceuticals, home to global entities like Biogaia and Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (Sobi), which focus on developing novel therapies.
• Academia and research, supported by Uppsala University and various research institutions, making it a hub for scientific inquiry and education.

So, if you’re an American with expertise in biotech, pharmaceuticals, or academic research, Uppsala offers a vibrant community where your knowledge and skills can contribute to cutting-edge advancements.

Lund

Lund, a city celebrated for its ancient university is a center of progress in southern Sweden.

It stands out in areas like:

• Technology, with Ideon Science Park hosting companies like Sony Mobile Communications and Axis Communications, pioneers in mobile tech and surveillance.
• Life Sciences, where BioInvent and Immunovia lead the charge in developing breakthrough medical therapies and diagnostics.
• Academia, powered by Lund University, one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities, fostering research and innovation across various disciplines.

Linköping and Norrköping

Linköping and Norrköping share a close geographical and economic bond yet shine in their unique sectors.

In Linköping:

• Aerospace and Defense, with Saab as the cornerstone, driving advancements in aviation and military technology.
• Technology and Education, bolstered by Linköping University, known for its research in computer science and engineering.

In Norrköping:

• Sustainable Technology, with initiatives like the Norrköping Science Park focusing on renewable energy and smart city solutions.
• Creative and Digital Media, supported by the Visualiseringscenter C, where cutting-edge visualization and digital technology research take place.

International Companies Hiring Americans in Sweden

Americans add a lot to international companies, offering insights into the U.S. market and native English skills. It is, in fact, their strong knowledge of the US markets helps the company connect better with American customers, which is why their are sought after by these companies.

What international companies are hiring Americans? (I hear you asking…)

Among these companies are household names such as:

• Electrolux
• Ericsson
• Spotify
• H&M
• Consulting powerhouses: Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG
• and industry leaders IKEA, VOLVO, and Scania

So, if you’ve got experience in the U.S. markets or excel in international communication, exploring opportunities with these companies might be an excellent move for your career.

International companies in Sweden

American Companies Hiring Americans in Sweden

While international companies in Sweden greatly value the unique perspectives Americans bring, American companies based in Sweden are also actively seeking to recruit their compatriots.

Why?

Well.. Americans understand US companies’ cultures and what U.S. customers want which helps keep their brand strong in Sweden and back in the U.S.

These are a few of the American companies with a strong presence in Sweden:

• Microsoft
• IBM
• Google
• Apple
• McDonald’s
• Amazon
• Coca-Cola
• Automotive and manufacturing companies like Ford and General Electric (GE)
• Pharmaceutical leader Pfizer

So, if you’re looking for a job in Sweden as a person that just came from the USA, then checking open job positions in these companies might be a great idea.

Taxes for American Citizens Working in Sweden

Regardless of your citizenship, living in Sweden means you’ll pay Swedish taxes, which can be higher than what you’re used to in the U.S as its tax rate normally varies but can be up to around 50% for higher income levels.

You might be interested in: How do taxes work in Sweden?

Now… here’s the deal: As an American abroad, you have to file tax returns in both Sweden and the U.S.

Yeah, I know.. it SUCKS!

But it doesn’t mean you’ll be taxed twice on the same income as there was a “U.S.-Swedish Bilateral Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income” signed in 1994.

This treaty allows you to deduct any tax paid in Sweden from your US taxes to effectively never pay tax in the US (in most cases).

In fact, here are a few measures that can significantly reduce what you owe to the US government by living abroad:

1. Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE): This allows you to exclude a good chunk of your income earned in Sweden from U.S. taxes. For 2023, the exclusion is up to $120,000. This means if you make less than this amount, it might not be taxed by the U.S. at all.
2. Foreign Tax Credit (FTC): If your income is taxed by Sweden, you can use the FTC to avoid double taxation. It lets you deduct the taxes you paid to Sweden from what you owe in the U.S.

These two measures that can significantly reduce or even eliminate your U.S. tax liability on income earned abroad, based on various conditions and limits.

Disclaimer: We aren’t tax professionals. Consult with a tax expert to prevent any issues.

Swedish Work Laws and Work Culture

Getting to grips with working in Sweden means diving into its work laws and culture, which can feel pretty different from the U.S. Sweden is famous for making sure people have a good balance between work and life, strong support for families, and a team-based way of working. Let’s break down some of the basics.

Vacation Days

In Sweden, everyone gets at least 25 days of vacation yearly, and sometimes even more. This is a big step up from the U.S., where the average might be around 10 to 15 days, depending on the company.

Probation Period

It’s common for employment contracts in Sweden to include a probation period, usually lasting six months. During this time, both the employer and employee can easily part ways if the match isn’t right, with a shorter notice period required.

This is longer than many U.S. jobs, where probation might last only 90 days.

Notice Period

Depending on your tenure with the company, you might need to give or receive notice ranging from one to six months before a resignation or termination takes effect.

This is much longer than in the U.S., where two weeks’ notice is standard.

Sick Leave

Sweden has a strong sick leave policy where employees can take paid sick leave from day two to day 14 of an illness (day one is usually unpaid).

Beyond this, social insurance kicks in, offering a substantial portion of your salary.

In the U.S., paid sick leave can vary widely, with some employees getting a few days and others none at all, depending on state laws and company policies (For instance, in a state like Arizona, employees earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, capped at 40 hours per year)

Parental Leave

Parental leave in Sweden is both generous and flexible, totaling 480 days for each child, with 390 of those days paid at around 80% of your salary.

Parents are encouraged to split this leave, promoting gender equality and allowing both parents to bond with their child.

This is incredibly generous compared to the U.S., where paid parental leave is not guaranteed by federal law, and many parents get much less time off, if any.

Health Insurance

Healthcare in Sweden is primarily funded through taxes and is known for being high-quality and free for the most part.

While everyone has access to public healthcare, some employers offer additional private health insurance as a benefit.

In contrast, in the U.S., health insurance is often tied to your job, and the quality and cost can vary greatly which is almost NEVER free.

Collective Agreements

Much of Sweden’s work life is regulated by collective agreements negotiated between unions and employer associations and cover everything from salaries to working hours, ensuring fair conditions across sectors.

You might be interested in: Trade unions in Sweden

Working Hours

The standard workweek in Sweden is 40 hours, typically spread over five days.

Flexitime is common, allowing employees to vary their working hours around a core period. Moreover, there’s a growing interest in work-life balance, with discussions around shorter workweeks continuing to gain traction, which is almost NON-EXISTENT in America.

Working as an American Freelancer in Sweden

There are a few bureaucratic steps you must follow to become an American freelancer in Sweden.

Here’s a what you’d need to do:

1. Visa and Residence Permit

First off, you’ll need the right to live and work in Sweden.

For non-EU freelancers, this typically means applying for a self-employment visa/residence permit.

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

In short: You’ll need to prove you have significant experience in your field, show evidence of client contracts or a viable business plan, and demonstrate financial self-sufficiency for at least the first two years.

2. Registering Your Business

Once you have your permit, you’ll need to register your freelance business with the Swedish Companies Registration Office (Bolagsverket).

Depending on your business structure, this could involve setting up a sole proprietorship (enskild näringsidkare), which is common for freelancers.

You might be interested in: How to start a business in Sweden?

3. Tax Registration

Next, you’ll register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) for tax purposes.

This includes getting a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer), which is crucial for almost all aspects of life in Sweden, and registering for VAT if your turnover exceeds a certain threshold.

You might be interested in: How to get a tax id in Sweden?

4. Bank Account

Opening a Swedish bank account will make it easier to manage your finances, pay taxes, and invoice clients.

With your personnummer and proof of your business registration, you can approach banks to find the best options for your business needs.

5. Permits and Licenses

Depending on your freelance work, you may need specific permits or licenses in Sweden.

For example, certain trades (like legal advisors or CPAs) are regulated and require proof of skills or certification. Check with relevant Swedish authorities to ensure you comply.

6. Invoicing and Payments

Understanding how to properly invoice your clients, including applying VAT and keeping accurate records, is crucial for compliance with Swedish law as an American freelancer.

There are various online tools and software that can help you manage this aspect of your freelance business. But my personal advice would be to hire a Swedish CPA and go from there.

7. Social Security Contributions

As a freelancer, you’ll also be responsible for paying your own social security contributions and taxes in Sweden, which cover pension, health insurance, and parental leave benefits.

Again, I’d hire a Swedish CPA to get rid of all the tax-related questions any American freelancer would have when moving to Sweden.

You might be interested in: How to apply for a self employed visa in Sweden?