September 20th, 2023 at 07:01 am
How to Find a Job in Sweden as a Foreigner | Sweden Work Visa
The Swedish job market is competitive, as it is in many other European countries with good incomes and high quality of life. Many occupations require Swedish fluency. Jobs that do not require this are often found in huge international firms headquartered in Stockholm. Even positions that are advertised as “English only” may provide precedence to people who have a working grasp of Swedish.
Expats interested in learning how to find a job in Sweden could explore online or network. Sweden is known for its strong gender and class equality, which extends to its workforce, which uses first names and does not use official titles.
Furthermore, Sweden places a high value on a healthy work-life balance, with flexible work days and hours. Normal working hours are 8:30 to 17:00, with most Swedes leaving the office at that time. Working overtime is not common in Swedish culture, and it is not regarded favorably.
The average monthly salary in Sweden is 26,000 SEK (2,600 USD). Keep in mind, however, that this takes into consideration Sweden’s high cost of living. Rent alone can consume roughly 30% of an expat’s income.
Working as a self-employed worker is simple in Sweden, but foreigners must already have a firm established and give proof of a viable income. Similarly, all non-residents can register to receive a Swedish social security number, but non-EU/EEA citizens must first obtain a Swedish residency card.
How to Find Work as a Foreigner in Sweden
Learning how to acquire work in Sweden as a foreigner is difficult but eventually rewarding. Standards are high, and competition is fierce, yet the work culture is incredibly collaborative and welcoming, and compensation is competitive.
How to Get a Job in Sweden
It is critical to stand out when applying for jobs in Sweden. One of the greatest ways to accomplish this is to study Swedish. Many jobs in Sweden demand proficiency in Swedish. Even those that do not may necessitate fundamental skills. Large international firms, the majority of which are headquartered in Stockholm, are an exception. If you plan to relocate to another Swedish city, contact InterNations to arrange for Swedish classes.
If English-speaking jobs are available in Sweden, why do businesses still prefer people who know some Swedish or are eager to learn? This is because Swedish culture values collaborative efforts, and companies would prefer applicants who can effortlessly communicate and socialize with their coworkers.
Working in Sweden Requirements
Because a Swedish employer will have to justify hiring an expat over a local Swede, people planning to relocate to Sweden should have a university degree. In order to qualify for the work visa, your degree must be certified by your country’s consulate. A few years of job experience is also advantageous, but not required.
Sweden also has a list of regulated professions, each with its own set of recruiting standards. For example, if you are a teacher with a foreign teaching qualification, this document must be certified by the Swedish Embassy in your home country.
Tips for Finding Work in Sweden
Look on the internet.
There are numerous online job boards where foreigners can look for work in Sweden. Consider submitting your CV and cover letter in Swedish if the job posting is in Swedish.
Top job-hunting websites in Sweden include:
- Indeed.com
- Metro Jobb’s
- Facebook pages
Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) for a Job in Sweden
Even if you are only searching for employment in English, it is a good idea to have a Swedish version of your CV because some employers have been known to request this even though Swedish is not necessary for the post. It is also a good idea to have a brief, well-written introduction in Swedish about yourself and your qualifications.
Swedish CVs adhere to the standard structure used in most Western countries: concise explanations of your educational and professional experience, as well as any relevant honors, volunteer, or extracurricular activities. CVs should not exceed two pages, or one page front and back.
The only criterion that Western expats may be surprised by is the inclusion of a professional headshot. A passport-sized photo should be included in the upper right corner of your CV. While the photo is not required, leaving it out may distinguish you as a foreigner.
Cover Letter for a Job in Sweden
Swedish culture is fairly relaxed. When addressing one another, people rarely utilize honorific or Mr./Miss titles. As a result, your cover letter should be formal but conversational. Use the recipient’s first name and “hello” instead of “dear.” The remainder of the cover letter will follow the standard structure of describing why you are the greatest fit for the position for which you are applying. If you are new to Sweden or do not yet speak Swedish, include this in your letter and express your want to learn as well as your excitement about immersing yourself in the Swedish way of life.
Job Opportunities in Sweden for Foreign Workers
Sweden publishes a list of job shortages every year. These positions are often in skilled worker positions such as engineering, teaching, and the information technology industry. Expats considering relocating to Sweden can check the list to verify if their profession is included. Jobs on this list are frequently so high demand that foreigners do not even need to be fluent in Swedish to apply.
The list is only available in Swedish. Among the occupations on the 2023 list are:
- pharmacist
- senior high school teacher
- civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers
- chemists
- vocational teachers
- software and system developers
- dentists, doctors, and nurses
- university professors
Interview Advice
Despite Sweden’s easygoing atmosphere, employment interviews should be conducted with the utmost seriousness. While the personnel in the office where you are interviewing may be dressed casually, foreigners should dress professionally: a dress shirt and slacks for men, and a skirt-suit, good dress, or pantsuit for women. Being late or early in Sweden is considered impolite, so attempt to arrive five to ten minutes early. It is also a good idea to come prepared with a copy of your CV, cover letter, and any additional documents you believe may be required.
Networking Suggestions
In Sweden, networking is generally a more certain approach to landing an interview (or a job) than sending your CV and cover letter. According to a Confederation of Swedish Enterprise poll, informal networking is responsible for six out of ten Swedish job jobs.
Other Job Search Advice
According to certain Swedish studies, applicants with non-Swedish names (i.e. names that are visibly foreign) are less likely to be passed over than those with Swedish names. While this may appear to be a no-win situation, expats can overcome this alleged bias by announcing unequivocally their goal to learn Swedish and embrace Swedish culture. Making it apparent that you want to embrace everything about Swedish culture, lifestyle, and language is one of the greatest methods to secure a job in Sweden as a foreigner.
Average Salary and Minimum Wage
Sweden is one of only a few European countries without a mandatory minimum salary. However, don’t let this deter you. The average monthly salary in Sweden is roughly 46,000 SEK (4,700 USD). The minimum monthly income is approximately 6,400 SEK (660 USD), while the maximum is 210,300 SEK (21,600 USD). An hourly service industry worker can expect to earn between 100 and 110 SEK (10 USD) per hour, for an annual pay of around 143,000 SEK (14,700 USD).
What Does a Good Salary in Sweden Look Like?
Salaries in Sweden are often high due to the high cost of living, but they are not the highest in Europe. Expats migrating to Sweden might expect to earn enough to live comfortably, but savings may be limited.
A family of four residing in Stockholm’s city center, Sweden’s most costly city, may live comfortably on a monthly salary of around 23,000 SEK (2,400 USD). A good monthly income for a single foreigner in the same city would be 12,800 SEK (1,300 USD). A family of four should budget 19,200 SEK (2,000 USD) in Gothenburg, whereas a single individual should budget around 10,420 SEK (1,100 USD).
The Highest-Paying Jobs and How Much They Pay
Programming and IT employment are in high demand in Sweden, and the majority of roles do not require a high level of Swedish. As previously noted, Sweden publishes an annual report on job shortages. Expats looking to relocate to Sweden should review the list to see whether they qualify for any of the roles since this is one of the finest ways to stand out in a competitive job market.
Average Monthly Salaries of Other Popular Jobs in Sweden
Position SEK USD Teacher 30,000-37,000 30,000-37,000 3,100-3,800 Nurse 37,000 3,800 38,000 3900 Software Engineer 39,900 Architect 4,100
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