Sweden Work Visa for Software Developers

Code Your Way to Sweden

Sweden is home to world-famous tech companies and a fast-growing startup scene, especially in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, and many tech teams work in English. Software developers, data engineers, cloud and security specialists can work there with a Swedish work permit, or with an EU Blue Card if their salary is higher. Both routes start with a signed job offer from a Swedish employer, and you don’t need to speak Swedish to get your permit. Approval depends on your contract, salary and qualifications.

What You Need

For a regular work permit, your salary must be at least 90 percent of Sweden’s median salary, which is SEK 34,470 a month, and match the usual pay for your job. For an EU Blue Card, you need a salary of at least SEK 53,625 a month, plus a degree of at least 180 university credits or five years of relevant work experience. A regular work permit lasts up to two years, while a Blue Card can last up to four years. Check the latest figures before you accept an offer, because they change every year.

How to Find a Job and Apply, Step by Step

First, search for tech jobs on Platsbanken, the job portal of the Swedish Public Employment Service, on EURES and LinkedIn, using terms like “Software Developer Sweden”, “Backend Developer Stockholm”, “DevOps Engineer Gothenburg” or “Data Engineer Sweden”. Next, prepare a CV and a one-page cover letter, and ask early whether the employer can hire from outside the EU. When you sign your contract, your employer and you each complete your part of the online application on the Migration Agency website. Finally, wait for the decision before you travel to Sweden to start work. Emig can also help you improve your CV and prepare stronger job applications.

Check if you qualify →