Immigration
Legal help with Swedish work permits
A work permit application places requirements on both the employee and the employer. Our lawyers help you assess your eligibility under Swedish law, prepare the supporting documents, and communicate with the Swedish Migration Agency.
- Response within one business day
- Experienced lawyers
- Online, wherever you are
Applying for a work permit in Sweden
Citizens of countries outside the EU and EEA often need a work permit to work in Sweden. A signed employment agreement must normally be in place before the application process begins.
The following requirements generally need to be met:
- the employee must have a valid passport
- both parties must sign the employment agreement
- the salary must meet the threshold in effect when the application is submitted
- the salary and other terms must be consistent with the applicable collective agreement or standard industry practice
- the employer must obtain the required insurance coverage
- the position must meet any other requirements for the relevant type of work permit
The employer normally begins the application by providing information about the position. The employee then completes their part and submits the application to the Swedish Migration Agency.
Extending a work permit
Anyone who wants to continue working in Sweden must apply for an extension before their current permit expires. The Swedish Migration Agency reviews both the future position and whether the employment requirements were met throughout the previous permit period.
An extension application will generally need to show that:
- the correct salary was paid throughout the permit period
- the required insurance coverage was in place
- the other employment terms were fulfilled
- the continued employment meets the current requirements
Salary requirements and transitional rules changed in 2026. The applicable requirements may depend on when the current permit was granted and when the extension application is submitted.
If the application is denied
An application may be denied if the position, salary, insurance coverage, or documents from the employer do not meet the requirements. Previous deficiencies may also affect an extension application.
Our lawyers review the decision and assess whether there are grounds for an appeal. We help you respond to the agency’s reasoning and gather the documents needed to support your case.
How we can help you
We assist both employees and employers throughout the process and tailor our services to the circumstances of the case.
Assessment of the requirements
We review the position and determine whether the employment terms meet the work permit requirements.
Help with the application
We help you prepare the application and check that the relevant information and supporting documents are included.
Support for employers
We help employers prepare documents, review employment terms, and complete the required steps before an application is submitted.
Extensions and appeals
We help you prepare an extension application or appeal a decision denying a permit.
Get help with work permit
Schedule a 15-minute meeting with a lawyer to review and discuss your situation.
If you need further assistance, we’ll explain your options, how we can assist you, and what it would cost. If you hire us for your case, the cost of the first 15 minutes will be deducted from your final bill.
Talk to a lawyer
15-minute legal consultation
A brief meeting for quick guidance. Get answers to your questions, understand your rights and options, and learn how to move forward.
Need more help? You can also schedule a longer meeting with a lawyer for assistance with a specific task or a more complex situation.
Concerned about the cost? In some cases, part of the cost may be covered by legal expenses insurance or legal aid. We also offer payment plans through Klarna. Learn more about costs and financing →
Get help from our lawyers
Meet with one of our lawyers when you need help with an application, extension, employer requirement, or appeal.
Florita Telhaj
Lawyer
Florita specializes in migration law, business law, contract law, and employment law. In addition to Swedish and English, Florita is also fluent in Albanian and Greek.
Wazima M. Aga
Lawyer
Wazima is deeply committed to protecting individual rights and practices immigration law, administrative law, social welfare law, family law, and contract law. She speaks Swedish, English, Persian, and Dari.
Matilda Selander Persson
Lawyer
Matilda primarily works with employment law, business law, contract law, family law, and migration law. She speaks Swedish and English.
Aja Wadii
Lawyer
Aja specializes in migration law, family law, and criminal law. In addition to Swedish and English, Aja also speaks Arabic.
Nadja Hatem
Lawyer
Nadja works within family law – mainly custody disputes and international child abduction cases. She has also worked in criminal law. She speaks Swedish, English, and Arabic.
Anuta Sjunghamn
Lawyer
Anuta works in migration law – primarily handling asylum cases. She also assists with family law disputes and criminal cases. Anuta speaks Swedish, English and Persian.
Adib Hosseini
Consulting lawyer
Adib specializes in migration law, business law, competition law, and EU regulations for businesses. He speaks English, Farsi, and Kurdish.
Rebwar Fakhry
Consulting lawyer
Rebwar Fakhry has particular expertise in asylum law, work permits, and family reunification matters. He speaks Swedish, English, Kurdish, and Persian.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about work permit
Citizens of countries outside the EU and EEA often need a work permit. Exceptions may apply depending on the person’s citizenship, type of work, and other immigration status.
The salary must normally equal at least 90 percent of the Swedish median salary in effect when the application is submitted. It must also be consistent with the applicable collective agreement or standard industry practice.
You should apply before your current permit expires. The timing may affect your right to remain in Sweden and continue working while the application is processed.
Yes. The decision explains how to appeal and the applicable deadline. The appeal should address the reasons for the denial and include relevant supporting documents.
Let a lawyer contact you
Tell us briefly about your situation, and we’ll get back to you within one business day to schedule a video consultation.