FAQ for third-country citizens living in Denmark
Are you a third-country citizen living in Denmark and considering work in Sweden? Here you can find answers to common questions about work permits, residence permits and cross-border commuting.
Before you apply for a work permit in Sweden
To work in Sweden while living in Denmark, you must have a work permit that specifically allows you to work in Sweden. You must apply for and receive the permit before you start working.
To apply for a work permit in Sweden, you must first have a job offer or employment contract.
This information applies to citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
Please note!
Contact the Danish Immigration Service before applying for a work permit in Sweden. A work permit in another country may affect your residence permit in Denmark.
Can I work in Sweden with a Danish work permit?
No. Residence and work permits issued in Denmark only apply in Denmark and do not give you the right to work in Sweden.
As a third-country citizen living in Denmark, you must have a work permit that specifically allows you to work in Sweden.
Is it possible to get a work permit in Sweden?
If you are a third-country citizen living in Denmark, it may be possible to get a work permit in Sweden if you meet certain requirements.
Please note that all applications are assessed individually, and there is no guarantee that you will be granted a work permit in Sweden.
Some rules also depend on your occupation and citizenship.
See the requirements for work permits at migrationsverket.se
See the special rules for occupations and citizenships at migrationsverket.se
Can I apply for a work permit before finding a job in Sweden?
No. You must have a job offer or employment contract before you can apply for a work permit in Sweden.
Once you have a job offer, you can apply for a work permit before you start working. You must also meet the other requirements for obtaining a work permit in Sweden.
See our page about finding jobs in Sweden
How do I apply for a work permit in Sweden?
Applications are submitted online via the Swedish Migration Agency’s website. You will receive instructions about how to complete the application and which documents you need to provide.
To apply, you must have a signed employment contract. Your employer starts the application process, and you will receive an email when it is time to complete your part of the application.
Read about the work permit application process at migrationsverket.se
Does it cost anything to apply for a work permit?
Yes. You must pay a fee when applying for a work permit in Sweden. The cost depends on the type of permit and your situation, but is usually around 2,000 SEK.
Make sure you read the requirements and application process carefully before applying.
Read about work permit fees in Sweden at migrationsverket.se
What should I do after receiving a work permit in Sweden?
Contact the immigration authorities in your country of residence to find out how a Swedish work permit may affect your residence permit in Denmark.
In most cases, your work permit is valid for the same period as your employment. You must also make sure that your passport remains valid during your entire work period.
A Swedish work permit can normally be granted for up to two years at a time. If you want to continue working in Sweden after your permit expires, you must apply for an extension before the permit expires.
If you have any questions, contact the immigration services in Sweden or Denmark:
