Work permit when you plan to change jobs
Your work permit is limited to the specific employer and occupation indicated in your decision. You may need to apply for a new work permit if you change jobs.
Information for holders of work permits who wish to apply for an extension
When you apply for an extension of your work permit, the Migration Agency checks that the conditions for a work permit have been met during the periods of validity of each of your previous work permit periods. For applications to be complete, you need to submit documents that show that salary and insurance requirements have been met for each month you have held a work permit in Sweden.
The first 24 months
During the first 24 months, the work permit is limited to the specific employer and occupation indicated in your decision. You must apply for a new work permit if you are offered a new job during this period of time. Once you have submitted your application, you are permitted to begin working for your new employer before receiving a decision, provided that you submitted your application before the previous work permit expired. Your new employer must have advertised the position in Sweden and within EU/EES and Switzerland before you begin working.
Read more about how your employer must have advertised your new job
Read more about how to apply for a new work permit
Change of company registration number or change of ownership
Your work permit is no-longer valid if the company where you work changes its company registration number, if your employer changes (e.g. through a merger or change of ownership), if your job description or the terms of your employment change. You must therefore apply for a new work permit. Once you have submitted your application, you are permitted to begin working before receiving a decision, provided that you submitted your application before the previous permit expired.
Read more about how to apply for a new work permit
After 24 months
If you have had a work permit for 24 months and have obtained an extension of your work permit, you are permitted to change employer without applying for a new work permit, provided you are in the same occupation. If your new job is in a different occupation, you must apply for a new work permit. Once you have submitted your application, you are permitted to begin working before receiving a decision, provided that you submitted your application before the previous permit expired. Your new employer must have advertised the position in Sweden and within EU/EES and Switzerland before you begin working.
Read more about how your employer must have advertised your new job
If you resign or get laid off
If you resign from your job or get laid off, you are permitted to remain in Sweden and apply for a new job for three months. You will need to have a valid permit during that period. If your permit is going to expire soon, you may submit an application for the extension of your residence and work permit. You will need an employment contract in order to apply for an extension.
When you apply for work, you need to include copies of documents which show that you have the right to stay and work in Sweden. You must also bring your residence permit card with you. The employer will want to know for how long you have the right to work in Sweden and if there are any limitations to your permit. Your new employer will require a copy of these documents and will notify the Swedish Tax Agency of your employment.
If you get a new job and have had a work permit for less than 24 months, you must apply for a new work permit. If your new job involves a change of occupation or profession, you will need to submit a new application, no matter how long you have previously held a work permit. Once you have submitted your application, you are permitted to begin working before receiving a decision, provided that you submitted your application before the previous permit expired. Your new employer must have advertised the position in Sweden and within EU/EES and Switzerland before you begin working.
If you are unable to find a new job within three months, the Swedish Migration Agency can revoke your permit.
Read more about how your employer must have advertised your new job
Read more about how to apply for a new work permit
The Swedish Public Employment Service's website
External link, opens in new window.
Examples
Ahmed works as a personal care assistant at Vård AB. After one year, he decides to begin working at Vård DeLux AB instead. Before he begins his new job he must submit an application for a new work permit for the job at Vård DeLux AB. Ahmed is permitted to begin his new job while his application is being processed by the Swedish Migration Agency. For the new work permit to be approved, the new job must fulfil the requirements for a work permit.
Olga obtained a two-year work permit as an electrician at Statisk Elektricitet. After just a few months, the company declares bankruptcy. Olga must find a new job within three months from the date her job ended or her work permit may be revoked.
After two months, she finds a new job and submits an application for a new work permit at the same time. Once the Swedish Migration Agency has received her application, Olga can begin her new job. For the new work permit to be approved, the new job must fulfil the requirements for a work permit.
Somchai obtained a work permit and has been working as an IT technician at Datafirman AB for three years, when he is offered a job as an IT technician at Data-Nisse. Because a work permit is limited to a specific employer for the first two years only, he can begin working for his new employer with his current work permit. He does not need to apply for a new work permit when changing jobs.
Data-Nisse is so pleased with Somchai that they offer him a management position six months later. Since this is a new occupation, he must apply for a new work permit. The application must be submitted before he starts his new employment. He is permitted to begin working as a manager while he is waiting for a decision. For the new work permit to be approved, the new job must fulfil the requirements for a work permit.