Looking to Live & Work in Sweden? Sweden now offers a Residence Permit for highly qualified individuals to seek work or start a business.
کیا آپ سویڈن میں رہنا اور کام کرنا چاہتے ہیں؟ سویڈن اب اعلیٰ تعلیم یافتہ افراد کے لیے کام تلاش کرنے یا کاروبار شروع کرنے کے لیے ریزیڈنس پرمٹ پیش کر رہا ہے۔
What is the Sweden Job Seeker Visa?
- Purpose: Allows you to seek a job or explore starting a business in Sweden.
- Validity: Minimum 3 months, maximum 9 months.
- Launched: June 2022.
Key Requirements for Eligibility
- Advanced Degree: Master’s, PhD, advanced vocational, or professional degree.
- Intent: Actively seeking employment or business opportunities in Sweden.
- Financial Capability: Must be able to support yourself financially for the entire stay (equivalent to at least SEK 13,000 per month + travel home).
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance valid for care in Sweden.
- Passport Validity: Valid for the entire intended stay.
- Location: Must be located outside of Sweden at the time of application.
What Qualifies as an “Advanced Level Degree”?
Your degree is considered advanced if it corresponds to:
- A 60-credit Master’s degree
- A 120-credit Master’s degree
- A professional degree worth 60-330 credits
- A Postgraduate/PhD-level degree
Important: You’ll need to provide consent for the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) to verify your educational documents. Apply Now: Kuwait Jobs Free Visa for Pakistani 2025
How to Apply: E-Services & Documents
Required Digital Copies:
- Passport: Pages with personal data, photo, signature, passport number, validity, entry stamps, and residency permissions (if any).
- Education: Examination certificate & official transcript showing courses.
- Financial Proof: Bank statements or documents showing sufficient funds (SEK 13,000/month + travel home). Include central bank permit if required.
- Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance valid in Sweden.
- UHR Consent Letter: Signed letter allowing UHR to verify your education.
- Payment: Credit or debit card for application fee.
Document Translation: If your educational documents are not in Swedish or English, have them translated by an authorized translator. Attach both original and translated copies.
Paper Application Option
If unable to use e-services:
- Fill in the form “Residence permit for highly qualified persons to look for work or start a business.”
- Attach all required documents, including the UHR consent letter.
- Submit at a Swedish embassy or consulate-general in your country of residence and pay the fee.
After You Submit Your Application
- The Swedish Migration Agency verifies your application and documents.
- Permit granted for a minimum of 3 months, maximum of 9 months.
Upon Approval
- Residence Permit Card: If your permit is for more than 3 months, you’ll receive a card with your photo and fingerprints, proving your authorization to be in Sweden.
- Entry Visa (If Needed): Visit the Swedish embassy or consulate-general in your country to provide fingerprints and photo for your entry visa as soon as possible. Contact them beforehand.
FAQs about Sweden Job Seeker Visa
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Can I bring family members?
- No, not on this permit. However, if you find employment and get a work permit, family members can then join you.
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Can I work on this permit?
- No. You are not allowed to work on the job seeker permit.
- Action: If you find a job, apply for a work permit. You can start working immediately after submitting the work permit application (no need to wait for approval).
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What is Comprehensive Health Insurance (CHI)?
- Covers: Emergency care, other medical care, hospitalization, dental care, and repatriation for medical reasons.
- Tip: A good comprehensive travel insurance often covers these. Ensure it’s valid for your entire stay.
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Can I start a business in Sweden on this permit?
- Yes, you can explore the possibility. If you decide to proceed, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit as a self-employed person in Sweden. You can operate your business while the Swedish Migration Agency processes your self-employment application.
