Extending a Work Permit in Sweden: What You Need to Know

Guidance for non-EU citizens living and working in Sweden

Posted by Amir M on August 25, 2025

Moving to Sweden for work can be an exciting journey, but the immigration process requires careful preparation. If you are a non-EU citizen already living and working in Sweden, it’s important to understand the requirements for obtaining or extending a residence and work permit. This guide walks you through the essential steps, documents, and rules you need to follow.

1. Required Documents

To begin the application process with the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket), you will need to prepare the following:

  • Completed application questionnaire – based on Migrationsverket’s form for residence and work permits.

  • Passport copy – identity page and validity period (must meet the agency’s requirements).

  • Residence permits – if you hold valid permits from countries other than your country of origin.

  • Power of Attorney – required if someone else will handle your case (must be hand-signed; electronic signatures are not accepted).

  • Employment contract with your Swedish employer – this can be digitally signed only if verified (e.g., DocuSign with verification page). Otherwise, print, hand-sign, and scan the contract.

2. Family Members

If your spouse or children will accompany you, their applications should be submitted together with yours. For each family member, you will need:

  • Passport copy (identity page, validity, and any current permits).

  • Marriage certificate (original plus certified translation into English or Swedish).

  • Birth certificates of children (original plus certified translation into English or Swedish).

  • Power of Attorney (signed by your spouse, mentioning any children).

💡 Tip: Always check the validity of passports. If they are close to expiry, renew them before applying.

3. Work & Residence Permit Rules

The Migration Agency applies the following rules when issuing permits:

  • If your employment contract includes a probationary period, the permit will only be valid for that period. You will then need to apply for an extension.

  • Permits issued for less than 12 months come with limitations:

    • You will not receive a Swedish personal number immediately (instead, a coordination number is issued).

    • You will not be covered by the Swedish public healthcare system until you receive a personal number – private health insurance is therefore recommended.

    • You will not be able to use BankID until a Swedish ID card is issued.

Permit validity and rights during extensions:

  • Less than 4 months → You cannot stay or work in Sweden while waiting for an extension.

  • 4–6 months → You may stay in Sweden, but are not allowed to work during the processing time.

  • 6 months or more → You may both stay and work in Sweden while waiting for the extension decision.

4. Previous Residence in Sweden

If you have lived in Sweden before (for example, on a student or work permit), you must provide a copy of the full decision letter from the Migration Agency.

5. Visiting Migrationsverket: Passport Check & Biometrics

Applicants already in Sweden must visit a local Migrationsverket service center for identity verification and biometrics.

  • After submitting your application, you will receive an invitation to book an appointment.

  • At the service center, you must bring your passport and provide biometrics (photo and fingerprints).

  • After approval, a Residence Permit Card (UT Card) will be produced and sent to your registered Swedish address, usually within 2–4 weeks.

  • This card, along with your passport, serves as proof of your right to stay and work in Sweden.

6. Schengen Zone Rules

Even while holding a Swedish permit, your stay in the wider Schengen Area is limited:

  • Visa-free nationals → maximum 90 days within any 180-day period (outside of Sweden).

  • Schengen visa holders → must follow the visa conditions exactly.

  • Overstaying can result in fines, rejected applications, entry bans (1–4 years), and being flagged in the Schengen Information System.

👉 Use the [Schengen Stay Calculator] to track your allowed days.

7. Important Reminders

  • You cannot remain in Sweden while your first-time application is being processed abroad (extensions are allowed while in Sweden).

  • Do not book international travel until you have received your official decision.

  • If your arrival in Sweden is delayed by more than four months from the start date in your decision, it may cause problems for future permanent residence applications. In such cases, a new application may be required.

Conclusion

Applying for a Swedish residence and work permit requires careful planning, but by preparing the right documents and following Migrationsverket’s rules, the process becomes much smoother. Always double-check passport validity, submit family applications together, and keep in mind the restrictions linked to short permits.

With the correct preparation, you can focus on settling into life and work in Sweden while your legal status is secured.