Finding work in the cultural sector in Sweden
Would you like to work in the cultural sector in Sweden? Here you can find practical tips on where to look for jobs, how to apply and what to be aware of when working across Øresund.
Search broadly
Companies and organisations in the cultural sector often advertise vacancies on their own websites and social media channels. Make sure to check them regularly.
You can also send an unsolicited application.
Useful websites for your job search:
Stagepool - jobs in the cultural sector
Statist.se - the Nordic region's largest casting site
Platsbanken - job listings from the Swedish Public Employment Service
At Øresunddirekt’s Information Centre in Malmö, you can also meet advisers from the Swedish Public Employment Service, Arbetsförmedlingen, who can help you with your job search in Sweden.
Apply proactively
Have you found an employer that seems interesting? Then consider sending an unsolicited application.
Swedish employers generally do not keep unsolicited applications on file for long. It is therefore a good idea to send your application directly to the manager responsible for your area of interest.
CV and application
A strong CV and application can improve your chances of finding work in Sweden. Tailor your application to the position, highlight relevant experience and keep your CV clear and easy to read.
The Swedish Public Employment Service, Arbetsförmedlingen, offers webinars with tips on career choices, CV writing and job applications.
Industry networks
Industry networks, centrumbildningar, can help you build contacts and gain insight into working in a specific area of the cultural sector.
Most centrumbildningar have a local branch in Malmö. You can find networks for theatre, dance, drama, film, literature, music, comics and many other cultural fields.
Find industry networks at centrumbildningarna.se (in Swedish)
Check the employment conditions
The Danish and Swedish labour markets are similar in many ways, but there are also important differences.
For example, a full-time working week in Sweden may not exceed 40 hours.
You should also check whether you are covered by a collective agreement. Collective agreements are more common in Sweden and may regulate matters such as pay, working hours, pension and other employment conditions.
Work permits
The rules for living and working in Sweden depend on your citizenship.
- If you are a Nordic citizen, you are free to move to Sweden to live and work.
- If you are a citizen of another EU/EEA country, you can stay in Sweden for up to six months while looking for work.
- If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA, your right to a residence permit and work permit depends on a number of factors.
Questions about your situation?
Finding work in another country can raise many questions. If you need guidance on working in Sweden or looking for a job across Øresund, you are welcome to contact the experts at Øresunddirekt’s Information Centre.
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New brochure - Work as a cultural worker in Sweden
In our new brochure, we have collected information relevant to cultural workers who often travel to several countries for different short assignments. If you travel often on assignments between Sweden and Denmark, it is not always clear in what country you are supposed to pay taxes, have social insurance or a-kassa, or where you earn your pension.
Opera singer Klara Ek has the entire Öresund region as her workplace
Klara Ek is a freelance opera singer, living in Copenhagen and with experience of working both in Sweden and Denmark.
