🇸🇪 Sweden Job Seeker Visa: Travel Without a Job offer & Get Hired on Arrival
Are you dreaming of relocating to Sweden but don’t have a job offer yet? The Sweden Job Seeker Visa might be your best route in 2025. With this visa, you can enter Sweden legally, explore job opportunities firsthand, and potentially secure full-time employment—all without needing a job offer in advance.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the Sweden Job Seeker Visa: eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, and how to increase your chances of getting hired once you arrive.
What Is the Sweden Job Seeker Visa?
The Sweden Job Seeker Visa is officially referred to as the Residence Permit for Highly Qualified Persons to Seek Employment or Explore the Possibility of Starting a Business. It allows highly educated non-EU nationals to live in Sweden for up to 9 months to look for a job or explore starting a business.
This visa is especially helpful for professionals who want to move to Sweden but haven’t yet secured an employment contract.
Benefits of the Sweden Job Seeker Visa
- No job offer required prior to travel
- Up to 9 months of legal residence in Sweden
- Opportunity to attend interviews in person
- Ability to convert to a work or business visa once hired
- Access to the Swedish labor market and employer networks
Who Is Eligible for the Sweden Job Seeker Visa?
To qualify, you must meet the following conditions:
- Hold a completed advanced degree (master’s, PhD, or equivalent)
- Be a non-EU/EEA citizen
- Have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay
- Possess comprehensive health insurance
- Plan to seek employment or start a business related to your field of study
For full eligibility details, refer to the official Swedish Migration Agency page.
Required Documents
Here’s what you’ll need to apply:
- Valid passport
- Degree certificate and official transcript (translated to Swedish or English if applicable)
- Proof of funds (bank statement showing at least SEK 13,000/month for the intended stay)
- Health insurance coverage valid in Sweden
- A detailed CV
- Motivation letter explaining your plans and how they align with the Swedish job market
How to Apply for the Sweden Job Seeker Visa
You must apply from your home country or country of residence—you cannot apply from within Sweden.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Prepare your documents as outlined above.
- Visit the Swedish Migration Agency’s online portal: https://www.migrationsverket.se
- Submit your application online and pay the application fee (currently SEK 2,000).
- Wait for a decision. Processing time varies, but it typically takes 1–3 months.
- If approved, you’ll receive a residence permit card to travel to Sweden.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired in Sweden
Once you arrive, use your time strategically. Here are some top tips:
1. Build a Local Network
Attend local networking events, job fairs, and industry meetups. Sweden values personal recommendations and in-person interactions.
2. Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter
Adapt your CV to the Swedish CV format. Keep it concise and focus on results and responsibilities. Learn more from Arbetsförmedlingen.
3. Use Swedish Job Portals
Top job search platforms in Sweden include:
4. Learn Basic Swedish
Even though many jobs are advertised in English, learning Swedish shows commitment and increases your chances in non-tech sectors.
5. Apply for Jobs That Sponsor Work Permits
Once hired, your employer can help convert your Job Seeker Visa into a Swedish work permit, making your stay long-term and legal.
What Happens After Getting a Job?
If you land a job within the 9-month period, you must apply for a work permit before your current residence permit expires. You cannot start working until the work permit is approved.
Your employer must provide a written job offer and comply with the Swedish collective agreement salary standards. Learn more about work permits here: Swedish Work Permit Info.
Can You Bring Family on a Sweden Job Seeker Visa?
No. You cannot bring family members with you on this visa. They must wait until you receive a work permit to apply for dependent residence permits.
Conclusion
Sweden’s Job Seeker Visa opens the door for skilled professionals to explore job opportunities in a world-class economy without the pressure of securing a job upfront. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to take the leap, this visa offers a practical route to start a new chapter in Sweden.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Swedish Migration Agency: https://www.migrationsverket.se