Work in Sweden 2025: what do Ukrainians need to know?

Sweden remains one of the most attractive countries for Ukrainians looking for work abroad. Find out which professions are in demand in 2025, what types of work visas exist, how to apply for a work permit, and what documents are required for official employment in Sweden

Legal assistance on employment issues for Ukrainians

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Working abroad is a great opportunity to gain valuable professional experience, as well as get to know another country, its culture and new people.

Sweden is today one of the popular destinations for labor emigration among Ukrainians, because the country has a developed economy, a high standard of living and good salaries. Citizens planning to work in Sweden will find many prospects and opportunities here.

What do Ukrainians need to know about working in Sweden in 2025? We tell you.

A memo for Ukrainians with the rules for leaving Ukraine and entering the EU 2025 at the link.

What can be imported and exported from Ukraine: customs rules here. Rules for crossing the Ukrainian border in 2025 in this article.

Unsure how to prepare documents for working abroad? Trust the professionals – Visit Ukraine's lawyers will prepare everything quickly and efficiently!

Where can Ukrainians work in Sweden?

​​Sweden has a demand for Ukrainian workers in various industries. Specialists with specialized skills and high qualifications are especially in demand. Here are some of the most in-demand occupations for foreign workers in Sweden:

- IT professionals: Software developers, data analysts, engineers with knowledge of a wide range of programming languages.

- Engineers: Electrical, mechanical, electronic and civil engineers.

- Healthcare professionals: Doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.

- Teachers: Teachers of English and other foreign languages, as well as teachers specializing in science, mathematics and other subjects.

- Finance professionals: Auditors, accountants, financial analysts and risk management specialists.

- Marketing professionals: Marketing managers, digital marketers, public relations specialists.

- Management consultants: Strategic management specialists, project management and management consulting consultants.

- Restaurant and hotel business: Cooks, waiters, hotel and restaurant managers.

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How do Ukrainians find work in Sweden?

Most foreigners find work in Sweden via the Internet, the following portals are popular: The Swedish Public Employment Service, Jobbland, Indeed, Arbetsförmedlingen (the state website of the Swedish employment service), Monster, LinkedIn.

Also try to search for work on local bulletin boards or on company websites.

As soon as you find a suitable vacancy and the employer confirms the employment, you can start collecting documents and applying for a work visa.

Requirements for employment in Sweden

Thanks to the visa-free regime with the EU, citizens of Ukraine can stay in Sweden without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period if they have a biometric passport. This rule applies to tourist trips, business trips, visiting friends or participating in short-term events.

If you plan to work in the country, you need to obtain an appropriate work visa before traveling.

Seasonal work in Europe is a great opportunity for Ukrainians to earn money, as well as to get to know new countries and cultures. Read here about the best countries for seasonal work and useful tips for successful employment.

Types of work visas in Sweden

Work visa (Work visa / Residence permit for work)

- For whom: those who have received a job offer in Sweden.

- Features:

1. You must have a contract from an employer from Sweden.

2. It is usually submitted online on the Migrationsverket website (Migration Administration).

3. The employer must meet the requirements for wages and working conditions.

4. It is usually issued for 1-2 years with the possibility of extension.

Visa for highly qualified workers (EU Blue Card)

- For whom: specialists with higher education and experience in the field of IT, engineering, medicine, etc.

- Features:

1. Requires a diploma, contract and salary that meets the minimum threshold for the Blue Card.

2. Allows you to live and work in Sweden and later apply for a PMP.

Sweden will simplify the rules for issuing EU Blue Cards, details in this material.

Self-employment visa

- For whom: entrepreneurs who want to open a business in Sweden.

- Features:

1. It is necessary to submit a business plan, confirmation of financing and business experience.

2. The permit is issued for 2 years with the possibility of extension.

3. Has high requirements for the profitability of the project.

Researcher visa (Researcher visa / Residence permit for researchers)

- For whom: scientists who have an invitation to conduct research activities from a Swedish institution.

- Features:

1. Simplified procedure for scientists.

2. Family members can be transported.

3. An agreement with a research institution is required.

We tell you how Ukrainians can move to Sweden in 2025 in this article.

Important! All long-term visas to Sweden are actually issued as a residence permit, not a standard "D visa" as in some other countries. The application must be submitted before arrival in Sweden, and the decision is made by the Migrationsverket. Only the application for a temporary protection permit is submitted directly in the country.

To determine which visa is right for you and prepare the necessary package of documents, consult a visa lawyer Visit Ukraine. This will help to avoid mistakes and speed up the process of obtaining the document.

How to apply for a work visa in Sweden?

You can apply for a work visa to Sweden in two ways: online and at the embassy or consulate general of the countries.

The procedure for applying for a work permit in Sweden online

This procedure is simpler and faster, it includes the following steps:

1. Receive a job offer from an employer in Sweden. The employer must advertise the vacancy in Sweden, the EU/EEA and Switzerland ten days before offering you the job.

2. The employer initiates the application. Your employer must initiate the application for a work permit by filling out a job offer. To do this, you will need to provide the employer with personal information such as name, date of birth, citizenship, education and email address.

3. Receive an email. After your employer has filled out the job offer, you will receive an email with information on how to apply for a work permit.

4. Attach the package of documents. Copies of the passport pages and the power of attorney must be provided with the application. These documents must be scanned or photographed.

5. Pay the visa fee and submit the application.

6. Wait for the application to be processed. The Swedish Migration Agency will make a decision on your application after you have provided all the necessary information and documents.

You and your employer will receive a decision on your application by mail.

In 2025, Sweden introduced digital passport verification for foreigners applying for a work visa. Read here how digital control works and what are the requirements for applicants.

How to apply for a visa to Sweden in Ukraine

There are two ways to apply in Ukraine - through the VFS Global visa center or directly at the Embassy of Sweden in Kyiv.

Option 1: Through VFS Global

1. Sign up for an appointment on the reception website:  www.vfsglobal.se/ukraine. Registration is free, only a service fee is paid.

2. Visit one of the service centers: Kyiv (Gulliver Shopping Center), Lviv (18b Dzherelna St.), Kharkiv (271 Akademika Pavlova St.).

If you apply through VFS, you do not need to be present at the Embassy in person.

Option 2: directly at the Embassy

This option is suitable for those who have special circumstances or want to apply independently.

The Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden in Ukraine is located at: 01901, Kyiv, Ivan Franko St., 34/33, 3rd floor.

List of documents for applying for a work visa to Sweden

- Completed application form.

- Passport, valid for at least 90 days.

- Copy of the first page of the passport with personal data, as well as previous Schengen visas (if any).

- Two color photos.

- Employment contract.

- Bank account details or a certificate of sufficient funds for your stay in the country.

- Detailed information about your temporary place of residence in Sweden for the period of employment.

- Medical insurance.

Planning a visit to Sweden? Find out which foreigners are required to have medical insurance under Swedish law, and for whom it is highly desirable for a comfortable and safe trip.

You may also need a letter from your employer confirming employment and the specified data: company address, applicant's position, salary, etc. Be sure to check with the embassy in advance for details regarding the full package of documents.

Working in Sweden opens up wide opportunities for Ukrainians for professional development, stable earnings and life in a country with high social standards. In 2025, the employment rules remain transparent, and the visa application process is convenient and understandable. The main thing is to prepare the necessary documents in advance, check the employer's requirements and take care of the legal status of stay.

Need help with obtaining a work visa or residence permit in Sweden?

A Visit Ukraine employment lawyer will help you prepare documents correctly, avoid mistakes and speed up the application process.

Get a consultation and start your journey to legal work in Sweden today.

Let us remind you! Germany has one of the most powerful economies in Europe, which has a positive impact on the standard of living of the population. That is why, after the start of the full-scale invasion, a large number of Ukrainians chose this country as a new place for permanent residence and work. We have already talked about the labor market, the features of employment of Ukrainians in Germany and the level of wages in 2025.

Photo – swedifier.com

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