If you are recruiting highly qualified workers from countries outside the EU/EEA, you can receive extra support for the application for a work permit.
“Highly qualified workers” refers to managerial and occupations with requirements for higher education competence or in-depth higher education competence.
The Swedish Migration Agency prioritises complete applications. Provided that the application is complete, the employer that wants to employ the highly qualified worker will receive a decision about their work permit application within 30 days.
As an employer, you start the application for a work permit by providing information about the employment to the Swedish Migration Agency. It is then the employee who completes the application. It is therefore important that both parties make sure to fill in all information and attach all necessary documents, in order for you to be able to receive a decision within 30 days.
If the application is not complete from the beginning, you may have to wait up to four months for a decision.
The Swedish Migration Agency uses the Swedish Standard Classification of Occupations (SSYK 2012) to sort applications. Highly qualified workers work in occupations with SSYK codes 1–3 that do not belong to industries in which the Swedish Migration Agency applies higher investigative requirements.
Holders of EU Blue Cards and ICT permits and researchers also count as highly qualified workers.
The extra support does not apply to employers in industries in which the Swedish Migration Agency applies higher investigation requirements to counteract fraud and human exploitation.
The additional support is aimed at employers who are recruiting highly qualified workers and have questions about the process of applying for a work permit. This also applies to employer representatives. Employers in industries in which the Swedish Migration Agency applies higher investigative requirements cannot receive extra support, but can of course use our normal contact routes.
Newly established companies that have been active for less than 12 months can receive extra support. However, start-ups cannot expect their applications to be processed within 30 days, as the Swedish Migration Agency needs to investigate them more thoroughly.
For extra support, fill out the form below and we will get back to you within a few days.
Contact us for support in the recruitment of highly qualified workers
2025-03-05
The Swedish Migration Agency's new website has now been launched
On 5 March, the Swedish Migration Agency launched a completely new version of migrationsverket.se, with a new structure and a more user-friendly navigation. The purpose of the new website is primarily to make it easier for visitors to find the information they need.
2025-01-07
New EU Blue Card rules now apply
As of 1 January, new requirements and rules apply for anyone who wants to apply for an EU Blue Card and existing Blue Card holders.
2024-12-19
After the end of the year, seasonal workers will need employment contracts
In order to get a permit as a seasonal worker, it is no longer enough to have a job offer in Sweden. Instead, starting 1 January 2025, you will need to have an employment contract signed by both parties.