Do Turkish citizens need a work permit to work in Sweden?
To work and reside in Sweden, Turks must first obtain a work permit and a visa.
Sweden job vacancies for Turks
- IT and Technology. There's a high demand for IT professionals, such as software developers, mobile app developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity experts.
- Healthcare. Jobs for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and medical technicians are available, but language proficiency may be required.
Tourism and Hospitality. Many opportunities in hotels, restaurants, and travel companies for roles like waiters, chefs, hotel managers, and tour guides.
Construction and Engineering. Positions are available for civil engineers, architects, electricians, and other construction-related workers. - Education. Teachers, particularly in English and other subjects, are needed. Swedish language skills may be required for some roles.
- Agriculture and Seasonal Work. Positions like fruit pickers and farm workers, especially during the busy harvest season.
- Logistics and Transport. Jobs in logistics, transport, and warehousing are available for drivers, specialists, and warehouse operators.
- Other Services. Opportunities in domestic services, like cleaning and caregiving, are available too.
Work permit in Sweden for Turkish citizens
- Standard work permit. If you have an employment contract with a Swedish company for at least 3 months, this is the permit for you. It lasts up to 2 years and can be renewed.
- EU Blue Card. For Turks with high-level skills, such as a university degree or extensive experience, and a high salary.
- ICT Permit. If you're being transferred within your company to a Swedish branch, this is the permit you'll need.
- Seasonal work permit. Temporary work, especially in tourism or agriculture, for up to 6 months.
- Self-employed permit. Planning to start your own business in Sweden? This permit is for you.
Who is exempt from needing a work permit in Sweden?
Some Turks don’t need a work permit for short-term work (up to 90 days). This includes:
- Researchers and teachers. When invited by Swedish universities or research institutions.
- Artists and cultural figures. If taking part in events like performances or concerts for a maximum of 90 days.
- Athletes and coaches. For participating in sports events or training, limited to 90 days.
- Technical personnel. Those installing or maintaining equipment under contracts, working no longer than 90 days.
- Journalists. For work on behalf of a foreign media outlet.
- Officials. Employees of intergovernmental organizations or delegations.
How to get a work permit in Sweden for Turks?
If you're a Turkish citizen, here's how to obtain a work and residence permit in Sweden:
- Job offer. To start, you must have an official job offer from a Swedish employer who will support your permit application.
- Document preparation. The employer must post the job vacancy in Sweden and the EU for a minimum of 10 days before they can send you the offer.
- Submitting the application. The application can be submitted online via the Migration Service website. You can submit it yourself or ask your employer to do it for you.
- Pay the fee. An administrative fee, which is approximately 2,200 SEK (depending on the permit category), must be paid.
- Wait for a decision. The processing time can range from several weeks to months, depending on your nationality and the type of permit.
- Receiving the decision. Once approved, you will receive your work and residence permit card.
What documents do Turkish citizens need for a permit?
To obtain a work and residence permit in Sweden, Turks must provide these documents:
- Passport
- Employment contract. Signed by both parties, including details about the position, salary, and working conditions.
- Proof of qualifications. Diplomas, certificates, and work experience that show you meet the job requirements.
- Medical insurance. For the full duration of your stay.
- Employer confirmation. Documentation that the employer has published the job vacancy.
Do Turks need a visa to work in Sweden?
Yes, in order to work in Sweden long-term, Turkish citizens must obtain a D visa.
A type D visa for Sweden is a long-term national visa that allows you to stay in the country for more than 90 days. It is granted for a period of up to 1 year, depending on the length of your employment contract or other grounds for stay.
How can Turkish citizens get a visa to Sweden?
After receiving a decision on a work/residence permit, you need to apply for a long-term visa type D at the Swedish embassy or consulate.
1. Preparation of documents:
- Filling out a visa application form.
- Photos
- Passport, which must be valid for at least 3 months after the end of the trip.
- Confirmation of the purpose of the trip (employment contract, confirmation of study, etc.).
- Medical insurance for the entire period of stay.
2. Submission of the application. The application is submitted through the Swedish consulate or embassy in your country of residence.
3. Payment of the visa fee. Payment of the application fee.
4. Interview (if required). The consulate may invite you for an interview to clarify details.
5. Waiting for the decision. After submitting your application, you should wait for the consulate's decision, which can take several weeks.
If the type D visa is approved, you will receive a visa for a period that corresponds to the purpose of your stay.
What documents do Turks need to enter Sweden?
- Valid passport - with a visa, pasted or electronic (depending on the type).
- A copy of the work permit - confirmation that it was issued by the Swedish Migration Board.
- Employment contract or official invitation from the employer.
- Confirmation of accommodation in Sweden (it can be a lease agreement or an 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.
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