Start exploring Sweden here
Quick facts about Sweden
Everyday life in Sweden
Swedish culture and traditions
Visit Sweden
Work in Sweden
Do business with Sweden
Study in Sweden
Sweden.se blog portal
Skip to content

Labor market

The Swedish labor market has long been known for combining business innovation, generous employment benefits and long-term job security. Together with one of the highest living standards in the world, Sweden now sets a new standard for labor migration laws, making it easier than ever for non-EU citizens* to live and work in Sweden.

*Other rules also make it easy for EU, EEA, Nordic and Swiss citizens to move to Sweden for work.

Work permit legislation

More liberal Swedish labor migration laws came into force in December 2008, making it much easier to move to Sweden for work. In short, if a Swedish employer needs your skills, a work permit is not far behind.

Family migration

For people with partners and children, moving from one country to another is never a simple task. Swedish law takes this into account, making it possible for family members to receive work and residence permits and join you.

Salary and standard of living

The Swedish welfare system can be described as providing lifetime benefits for all citizens. Salaries are comparable with other industrialized countries and Swedish residents enjoy a very high quality of life.

Main Swedish business sectors

Sweden’s business sectors cover a wide range of innovative industries — from iconic Ikea furniture to the building expertise of Skanska.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Swedish business has a reputation for being fair, honest and transparent. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a core aspect of doing business in Sweden.

Regulated professions

As in most countries, Sweden requires special permits for certain professions. This is especially true for workers in the health care sector, as well as for lawyers, electrical contractors and public school teachers.

Business culture

In a Swedish workplace it is common to wear jeans and people usually call the boss by her or his first name. Informal is probably the best word to describe it.

Employee rights

Sweden takes workers’ rights seriously. And these rights are not just protected through individual employee contracts, but are regulated by law.

Swedish trade unions

Workers in Sweden enjoy some of the most generous benefits in the world. This is due to a cooperative effort between trade unions and employers.

 

Sweden.se is administered by the Swedish Institute. It's a cooperative effort by:

A part of the official gateway to Sweden