Embark on your career journey in Sweden! Unravel the Sweden Job Seeker Visa Requirements and Application Process for seamless entry into the job market.
Sweden is an attractive destination for many people looking to work and stay in Europe. It’s a peaceful country with a budding economy, making it a popular choice among young job seekers.
Previously, you had to have a job offer to apply for a long-stay visa. This changed in 2022 following the introduction of the job seeker visa, a temporary residence permit that allows highly skilled persons to migrate to Sweden.
The visa is valid for up to nine months.
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What is the Sweden Job Seeker Visa?
The job seeker visa is a permit that allows you to move to Sweden without a job offer. It is valid for three to nine months.
During this period, you must find a suitable job or start a business. Otherwise, you’ll have to leave Sweden once the visa expires.
Eligibility Requirements for a Sweden Job Seeker Visa
Here are the eligibility criteria you need to meet when applying for a Sweden job seeker visa.
- You must be a citizen of a country outside the European Union.
- You must be living outside Sweden when you start your application.
- You must have a valid passport.
- You must have an advanced degree. This means your Master’s degree must have at least 60 credits, your professional degree must have at least 330 credits, or you must have a PhD.
- You must prove the intent of looking for a job or starting a business in Sweden.
- You must be financially independent. The Swedish Migration Agency requires applicants to have at least SEK 16,806 (€1,466) monthly for upkeep. You must also have enough money to pay for a return flight.
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Application Process for a Sweden Job Seeker Visa
The following are the steps to use when applying for a job seeker visa.
1. Create an Account
The first step involves creating an account on the Swedish Migration Agency website. Once you sign up, fill in the details and upload the required documents.
These include a copy of your passport, bank statements other proofs of income, and a copy of your health insurance policy.
You must also upload your academic and professional certificates. This is often accompanied by a letter granting the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR) permission to contact your university and verify your degree.
2. Pay the Application Fee
After submitting your application, pay the SEK 2,000 processing fee.
3. Wait for a Decision
Visa processing usually takes two weeks, but it may be longer. The waiting time usually depends on your nationality and the number of applications received by the Swedish Migration Agency.
You can track the progress of your application using your online account.
If your application is successful, you will receive an email with details on how to collect your visa from your nearest Swedish embassy.
You must collect the visa within three months after the approval.
After receiving the visa, you can start your travel arrangements. Ensure you take your passport with you. You must travel to Sweden within six months after approval.
