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Sweden & North Macedonia

How to apply for a work permit

The easiest way to apply for a work permit in Sweden is to hand in an application online at the Swedish Migration Agency's web page. If you for some reason are unable to apply online you can also hand in your application at the Embassy of Sweden in Skopje. Regardless of how you apply, your work permit must have been granted before you start working in Sweden.

How to proceed (for applications on paper forms, see further down):

Applying on online

1. Prepare your documentation

Find information on the Swedish Migration Agency's webpage about what documentation is required in your case. Applications that are handed in with all the required documentation will receive a decision faster than incomplete applications.

2. Applying

Follow the Swedish Migration Agency’s instructions. The first step of the application is initiated by your employer. You and your employer attach documents electronically and pay the application fee using a VISA card or a MasterCard. Family members use the same online application if they apply at the same time as you.

The online application goes directly to the Swedish Migration Agency for processing and a decision.

3. Waiting for a decision

When the Swedish Migration Agency has reached its decision, you will be informed of this via email. The actual decision can be given to you when you visit the embassy. Bring your passport when collecting your decision. Your employer or contractor will be informed of the decision by post. If your application is rejected the embassy will send a copy of the decision to your home address. 

4. Acquiring a residence permit card

If you are granted a permit for more than three months, you will be issued with a residence permit card.

If you need a visa to enter Sweden

Visit the embassy to be photographed and fingerprinted for the card. You can do so either while waiting for a decision or after you have been granted a work permit. You can visit the embassy anytime during our ordinary working hours, Monday-Thursday 09.00-11.00 to leave your fingerprints and take the picture for the card. You do not need to book an appointment.

Bring the same passport with you as the one you used when applying for a work permit.

You can find information about the embassy’s address and how to contact the embassy here.

If you do not need a visa to enter Sweden

If you are granted a permit for more than three months and do not need a visa, you travel to Sweden and arrange for the card there. Contact the Swedish Migration Agency for photographing and fingerprinting. Normally an appointment can be booked at the Swedish Migration Agency via https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Contact-us/Book-an-appointment-before-you-visit-us.html

Applying at the Embassy of Sweden in Skopje

If you cannot or do not want to apply online, you apply on a paper form that you submit to the embassy.

1. Prepare the documentation

Find information on the Swedish Migration Agency's webpage about what documentation is required in your case. Applications that are handed in with all the required documentation will receive a decision faster than incomplete applications.

2. Book an appointment

Before visiting the embassy, you need to book an appointment to hand in your application. You book an appointment by filling out this web form. After the embassy has received your request, we will send you an e-mail with information on when you can come to apply. 

3. Present an application at the embassy

Bring the completed application form with you, together with all the required documents. You will be required to pay a fee

Read more about the fees here.

 You can find information about the embassy's address here. 

When you have handed in you application the embassy sends your application to the Swedish Migration Agency. 

4. Wait for a decision

When the Swedish Migration Agency has reached its decision, you will be informed of this via email. The actual decision can be given to you if you visit the embassy. Bring your passport if you'd like to collect your decision. Your employer or contractor will be informed of the decision by post. If your application is rejected the embassy will send a copy of the decision to your home address. 

5. Arrange for a residence permit card

If you are granted a permit for more than three months, you will receive a residence permit card. You arrange for the card in the same way as described above under ‘Applying online’.

Last updated 27 Sep 2023, 9.01 AM