What are the requirements for Albanians to work in Sweden?
If Albanian citizens wish to work and live in Sweden, they must obtain both a work permit and a visa.
Jobs for Albanians in Sweden
- IT and Technology. IT professionals, such as programmers, app developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity experts, are in demand.
- Healthcare. There’s a need for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and medical technicians. You might need language skills for some roles.
- Tourism and Hospitality. Positions in hotels, restaurants, and tourism-related businesses for waiters, chefs, hotel managers, and tour guides.
- Construction and Engineering. Jobs available for civil engineers, architects, electricians, and construction workers.
- Education. Teachers, particularly for English and other subjects, are sought after. Knowledge of Swedish could be necessary.
- Agriculture and Seasonal Work. Jobs in farming, such as fruit picking and farm labor, especially during harvest.
- Logistics and Transport. Openings for drivers, logistics specialists, and warehouse workers.
- Other Services. Cleaning, caregiving, and other domestic services also offer job opportunities.
Sweden work permit options for Albanian citizens
- Standard work permit. For a job in Sweden with a contract of at least 3 months, lasting up to 2 years with renewal options.
- EU Blue Card. Designed for Albanians who have a high level of expertise, such as a university degree or significant experience, and earn a high income.
- ICT Permit. If you're moving to a Swedish branch of your company, this is the permit you’ll need.
- Seasonal work permit. For temporary work in tourism or agriculture, up to 6 months.
- Self-employed permit. This is for anyone planning to open and manage a business in Sweden.
Can you work in Sweden without a work permit?
Some Albanian citizens can work in Sweden without needing a work permit, but only for short periods (up to 90 days). These are the main cases:
- Researchers and teachers. If they have an invitation from a Swedish university or research institute.
- Artists and cultural figures. For performances, concerts, or events, up to 90 days.
- Athletes and coaches. For participating in sports events or training, also up to 90 days.
- Technical personnel. For work like equipment installation or maintenance under contracts, if the job lasts no longer than 90 days.
- Journalists. If they are working for a foreign media outlet.
- Officials. Employees working for intergovernmental organizations or delegations.
Required documents for Albanians applying for a permit
Here’s what Albanian citizens will need to provide when applying for a work and residence permit in Sweden:
- Passport
- Signed employment contract. This should outline your role, salary, and the terms of your employment.
- Proof of qualifications. This could be diplomas, certificates, or evidence of work experience relevant to the position.
- Medical insurance. Valid for the entire period of your stay in Sweden.
- Employer’s confirmation. Proof that the job vacancy was posted publicly.
How to obtain a work permit in Sweden for Albanian citizens?
Albanians can get a work and residence permit in Sweden through these steps:
- Job offer. First, you need a job offer from a Swedish employer who will apply for the permit on your behalf.
- Preparing the documents. The employer must advertise the job in Sweden and the EU for at least 10 days before they send you the offer.
- Submitting the application. The application is submitted online through the Migration Service. You can submit it yourself or have your employer do it for you.
- Paying the fee. There’s a fee of about 2,200 SEK (this can vary depending on the permit).
- Waiting for the decision. Processing times range from several weeks to months, depending on the type of permit and your nationality.
- Receiving the decision. If your application is approved, you will receive both your work and residence permit card.
Visa requirements for Albanian citizens to work in Sweden
Yes, Albanians do need a visa to work long-term in Sweden.
The D visa for Sweden is a national visa that allows stays longer than 90 days. It is granted for a period of up to 1 year, depending on your employment contract or other reasons for your stay.
What documents do Albanian citizens need to enter Sweden?
- Valid passport. With a visa, either pasted or electronic, depending on the type.
- Work permit copy. Proof that the work permit has been issued by the Swedish Migration Board.
- Employment contract or invitation. A copy of the employment contract or an official invitation from the Swedish employer.
- Accommodation confirmation. Evidence of where you’ll be staying, like a lease agreement or an invitation.
- Health insurance. If health insurance was required when applying for your visa.
How Albanian citizens can apply for a visa to Sweden?
If you're a Albanian citizen looking to work or live in Sweden, here’s how you can get a visa after your work or residence permit approval:
1. Visa application. Apply for a long-term type D visa at the Swedish embassy or consulate in your country.
2. Document preparation:
- Fill out the visa application form.
- Provide passport-sized photos.
- Your passport, valid for at least 3 months beyond your trip’s end date.
- Proof of the purpose of your visit (employment contract, study confirmation, etc.).
- Medical insurance that covers your entire stay in Sweden.
3. Submit the application. Submit your visa application at the Swedish consulate or embassy in your home country.
4. Pay the fee. Pay the required visa application fee.
5. Attend an interview. You may be required to attend an interview, if necessary.
6. Wait for the decision. The consulate will process your application, which may take several weeks.
7. Receive the decision. If approved, you will receive a type D visa, valid for the length of your stay in Sweden.
Do I need a permit for seasonal work in Sweden?
Yes, for seasonal work , both a work permit and a residence permit are required if the duration of work exceeds 90 days.
The main thing:
- If the work lasts up to 90 days, only a work permit and visa are required.
- If you work for more than 90 days, you must also apply for a residence permit together with a work permit (they are issued together through one application form).
Special rules apply to seasonal work:
- An employee must have insurance for the entire duration of his or her stay.
- The employer must provide working conditions, accommodation or assistance in finding accommodation.
How to get a work permit in Sweden?
- Get an offer of seasonal work.
- Make sure that the employer offers proper conditions (salary, housing, insurance).
- Submit an application online through the Migration Service.
- Provide all the necessary documents.
- Pay the application fee.
What documents are required to obtain a permit?
- Passport
- Job offer letter
- Proof of insurance
- Information on accommodation
- Contract for seasonal work
Do I need a visa?
Yes, for citizens who need a visa to enter Sweden. The visa application is submitted at the same time as waiting for the decision on the work permit.
Working hours: According to the labor law, the standard working week is 40 hours. Employees are entitled to breaks during the working day and days off. Additional hours of work in excess of the standard are subject to additional payment or compensation with vacation. Typically, a working day in Sweden lasts from 8 to 9 hours per day. Work schedules can be flexible, and there may be opportunities for flexible working or telecommuting.
Vacations: Employees in Sweden are entitled to annual vacation. Usually, the duration of the vacation is 25-30 working days, but can vary depending on the employment contract and length of service.
Dress code: In most Swedish offices, the dress code is informal and varies by industry and company. Generally, business casual or formal casual are acceptable options, but this can vary from company to company.
Protection of employees' rights: Swedish labor law establishes protections for employees' rights, including protection against discrimination in the workplace, protection for pregnant women and parents, the right to compensation in case of dismissal without justification, and the right to compensation in case of work-related injuries or illnesses.
Parental leave: Sweden has a system of long-term paternity leave, which gives fathers the opportunity to take long-term leave to care for their newborn child. This leave can be divided between the parents and is granted for different periods with payment or compensation.
Foreign employees enjoy all the rights and are subject to the same laws as Swedish residents. First of all, we are talking about the Swedish laws "On Working Conditions" (Arbetsmiljölagen) and "On Working Hours" (Arbetstidslagen). Responsibility for working conditions and their safety lies entirely with the employer - everything must be in accordance with the standards established for the industry.
- Language skills: Knowledge of English is important, especially in international companies, but speaking Swedish will give you a competitive edge.
- Famous athletes (recognized or young and promising), scientists in various fields of knowledge, and top-class specialists in the IT field have very high chances of getting high-paying jobs.
- Other categories of the population, in order to be successfully employed, need to master professions that are in short supply or in demand in this country (lists of such professions are constantly updated by the Swedish Ministry of Employment) or confirm their qualifications (for this, they need to speak Swedish).
- The level of equality: In the Swedish work environment, equality is an important principle. The Swedes are considered progressive and democratic, so they treat working relationships with the principle of equality and respect for individual rights. Gender equality is also important, and Swedish companies are actively working to create a level playing field for all employees.
- Teamwork: Swedes place a strong emphasis on teamwork and cooperation. Decisions are often made as a team, and employees contribute to the achievement of goals together. Collective responsibility and joint efforts are valued in the Swedish work environment.
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