Sweden work visa: requirements, fee and processing time
This page covers the Sweden work visa — used for taking up employment with a local employer. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Sweden consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.
Where to apply for a Sweden work visa
Migrationsverket's online work permit e-service, normally started by the Swedish employer, with biometrics at the Swedish Embassy in London or a VFS centre.
Required documents
- Completed Migrationsverket online work permit application
- Valid passport
- Signed employment offer meeting Migrationsverket's template requirements
- Employer certification of salary, insurance and terms via the e-service
- Evidence the salary meets the current threshold of 90% of the Swedish median salary
- Proof of qualifications or professional registration where the occupation requires it
- Confirmation the employer notified the relevant trade union
- Proof the employer is registered and able to pay wages and insurance
- Passport photograph
- Biometric enrolment in the UK
Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.
Fees, reductions and exemptions
- Main applicant work permit€190— About SEK 2,200
- Accompanying adult family member€130— About SEK 1,500
- Accompanying child under 18€65— About SEK 750
- Biometrics service fee€30— Charged locally for the UK appointment
SEK 2,200 (about EUR 190) for the main applicant, SEK 1,500 for accompanying adults and SEK 750 per child.
Booking an appointment
The employer files the job offer and certification in the e-service first; you then complete your own application online and attend the UK appointment for biometrics.
Practical tips
Since June 2026 the salary requirement is 90% of the Swedish median salary (about SEK 34,470 a month), replacing the old flat threshold - check the published figure before applying, and make sure the employer completes their certification first, which is the single most common cause of delay.
What is unusual about the Sweden process
Applications filed from outside Sweden take considerably longer than in-country extensions, often four to seven months, and the permit is tied to the specific employer and occupation for the first two years.
Official sources
If you are applying from the United Kingdom
- London — VFS Global — Sweden Visa Application Centre66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BTShort-stay visas and biometrics for residence permits.
- Edinburgh — VFS Global — Sweden Visa Application CentreCargill House, 7 Hill Street, Edinburgh EH2 3JZServes Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.
Updated today against official Sweden consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a Sweden work visa cost?
- For a Sweden work visa, the consular fee is €190. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Main applicant work permit — €190; Accompanying adult family member — €130; Accompanying child under 18 — €65; Biometrics service fee — €30. SEK 2,200 (about EUR 190) for the main applicant, SEK 1,500 for accompanying adults and SEK 750 per child. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
- How long does a Sweden work visa take to process?
- A decision on a Sweden work visa typically takes around 150 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
- Where do I apply for a Sweden work visa?
- Migrationsverket's online work permit e-service, normally started by the Swedish employer, with biometrics at the Swedish Embassy in London or a VFS centre. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
- What documents are required for a Sweden work visa?
- The Sweden consular network lists: Completed Migrationsverket online work permit application; Valid passport; Signed employment offer meeting Migrationsverket's template requirements; Employer certification of salary, insurance and terms via the e-service; Evidence the salary meets the current threshold of 90% of the Swedish median salary; Proof of qualifications or professional registration where the occupation requires it; Confirmation the employer notified the relevant trade union; Proof the employer is registered and able to pay wages and insurance; Passport photograph; Biometric enrolment in the UK. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
- How do appointments work for a Sweden work visa?
- Appointment model: Outsourced center. The employer files the job offer and certification in the e-service first; you then complete your own application online and attend the UK appointment for biometrics.
- Can I apply for a Sweden work visa from the United Kingdom?
- Yes. We list 2 submission points in the UK for Sweden, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.
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