Regulated professions

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

Because professional status must be approved before taking such a job in Sweden, please find out which government authority grants approval of your occupation’s license or certification and turn to them for more information.

A regulated profession is one that requires some kind of licensed or registered status, normally certifying the completion of a specialized training program. In Sweden, this applies to 21 professions within health care and medical services, as well as 9 other occupations. Educational background and prior experience are the main requirements for permission to work in Sweden, and must be approved by either the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen), the Swedish National Agency for Higher Education (Högskoleverket) or other national authorities.

Find out if your profession is regulated