What do Namibian citizens need to work in Sweden?
To work and live in Sweden, Namibians need to secure a work permit and a visa.
Work in Sweden for Namibians
- IT and Technology. From software developers to cybersecurity experts, there's a need for IT professionals in Sweden.
- Healthcare. Doctors, nurses, and medical technicians are needed. Some roles may require knowledge of Swedish.
- Tourism and Hospitality. There’s a demand for waiters, chefs, hotel managers, and tour guides in Sweden’s tourism sector.
- Construction and Engineering. If you're a civil engineer, architect, or construction worker, Sweden has many job openings for you.
- Education. Teachers, especially those who can teach English or other subjects, are needed in Sweden. Swedish may be a requirement.
- Agriculture and Seasonal Work. Temporary jobs in farming, like fruit pickers and farm workers, are common during harvest seasons.
- Logistics and Transport. If you have experience in logistics or transport, Sweden is looking for drivers, warehouse operators, and logistics specialists.
- Other Services. Cleaning, caregiving, and other domestic service jobs are in demand.
Work permit options for Namibian citizens in Sweden
If you're a Namibian citizen and want to work in Sweden, these are the main work permits to consider:
- Standard work permit. Work in Sweden with a job contract of at least 3 months. It's valid for up to 2 years and can be extended.
- EU Blue Card. For highly skilled workers with a degree or lots of experience and a good salary.
- ICT Permit. If you're transferred to a Swedish branch from your current employer, this permit is for you.
- Seasonal work permit. Temporary work in tourism or agriculture for up to 6 months.
- Self-employed permit. Ideal for anyone starting a business in Sweden.
Who can work in Sweden without a work permit?
Some Namibian citizens can work in Sweden without needing a work permit, but usually only for a short time (up to 90 days). Here are the main categories:
- Researchers and teachers. If invited by Swedish universities or research institutions.
- Artists and cultural figures. For participating in performances, concerts, or similar events for up to 90 days.
- Athletes and coaches. If attending sports events or training, for up to 90 days.
- Technical personnel. If working as installers or specialists for equipment supplied under contracts, the job lasts no longer than 90 days.
- Journalists. If working for foreign media outlets.
- Officials. Employees of intergovernmental organizations or delegations.
What documents do Namibian citizens need for a Swedish permit?
If you're a Namibian citizen applying for a work and residence permit in Sweden, you will need the following documents:
- Passport
- Employment contract. A signed agreement outlining the position, salary, and working conditions.
- Proof of qualifications. Relevant diplomas, certificates, and work experience.
- Medical insurance. Valid for the full duration of your stay in Sweden.
- Employer confirmation. Documentation proving the job vacancy has been published.
How can Namibians get a work permit in Sweden?
To work in Sweden, Namibian citizens need both a work permit and a residence permit. Here’s how to go about it:
- Job offer. You must first have an official job offer from a Swedish employer who is ready to support your permit application.
- Document preparation. The employer needs to post the job vacancy in Sweden and the EU for at least 10 days before sending you the job offer.
- Submitting the application. You can submit your application online through the Migration Service’s website. You can either submit it yourself or have your employer do it for you.
- Payment. You’ll need to pay an administrative fee (around 2,200 SEK, depending on the permit type).
- Wait for a decision. The processing time varies from a few weeks to several months, depending on the permit and your nationality.
- Receive the decision. If your application is approved, you will get a work and residence permit card.
Is a visa required for Namibians to work in Sweden?
Yes, Namibian citizens must apply for a D visa to work in Sweden for an extended period.
A Swedish D visa is a long-term national visa that permits stays exceeding 90 days. The visa is valid for up to 1 year, depending on the duration of your employment contract or other factors that justify your stay.
Visa application process for Namibian citizens to Sweden
Here’s what Namibians need to do to apply for a visa to Sweden:
1. Apply for a visa. After receiving your work/residence permit approval, apply for a type D long-term visa at the Swedish embassy or consulate.
2. Prepare documents:
- Fill out the visa application form.
- Provide passport-sized photos.
- A passport valid for at least 3 months after your trip.
- Evidence of the purpose of your stay (such as an employment contract, study confirmation).
- Medical insurance for the entire duration of your stay.
3. Submit the application. Submit your application through the Swedish embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
4. Pay the application fee. There is a fee for processing your visa.
5. Interview (if required). You may be invited for an interview to discuss your application further.
6. Wait for the decision. Processing may take several weeks.
7. Receive your visa. If approved, you will receive a type D visa for the length of your stay based on your trip’s purpose.
Documents required for Namibian citizens to enter Sweden
When entering Sweden, Namibian citizens will need the following documents:
- Valid passport. With a visa (either pasted or electronic, depending on the type).
- Work permit copy. A confirmation that the permit was issued by the Swedish Migration Board.
- Employment contract or invitation. A signed contract or official invitation from the employer.
- Accommodation confirmation. Proof of where you will stay in Sweden, such as a lease agreement or invitation.
- Health insurance. If it was a requirement when applying for a visa.
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.
If a person plans to start his own business, he also needs a work visa - usually self-employment.
In Sweden itself, the first step is to choose an industry for business. Then you need to register the company and register with the tax. The design process and other nuances are described in detail at the link.
If you are planning to start a business in Sweden, you may also find this site useful.
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If you intend to stay in Sweden for longer than three months to run your own business, you must have a residence permit. The residence permit must be obtained before you arrive in Sweden. You can apply online from your home country or from any other country outside of Sweden where you reside.
Requirements for obtaining a residence permit
To apply for a residence permit to run your own business, you must
- have a valid passport (if your passport is about to expire, you should renew it, as you cannot obtain a residence permit for a longer period than the validity of your passport, if it is valid)
- prove that you have significant experience in the industry and previous experience in running your own business
- prove that you have adequate knowledge of Swedish or English. If you are in contact with, for example, many suppliers or customers in Sweden, you must have a very good knowledge of Swedish.
- Prove that you are the person who manages the company and has executive responsibility for the business
- Prove that you have sufficient personal funds to support yourself and your family members, equivalent to SEK 200,000 for you, SEK 100,000 for your spouse accompanying you, and SEK 50,000 for each child accompanying you for the duration of the residence permit for two years
- provide plausible supporting documentation for your budget
- show that you have established customer contacts or a network
- in most cases, pay the fee (application fee for a residence permit).
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The Swedish Migration Agency will conduct a financial assessment of your business plans.
To be registered as a person residing in Sweden, you must have a permit valid for at least one year and you must plan to reside in Sweden for at least one year.
Self-employed persons who intend to work in Sweden for less than three months do not need a residence permit. Citizens of some countries are required to have a visa even for work lasting less than three months. Read more about visas here.
- 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.
Sweden