Moving to Sweden from the UK After Brexit: Work Permits, A1 Postings and Driving (2026)

British citizens who did not live in Sweden before 31 December 2020 need a work permit or EU Blue Card on the same terms as anyone from outside the EU. A few things work differently for UK citizens: travel before the card, social security for postings, and driving licences.

British citizens who lived in Sweden before 2021

UK citizens who lived in Sweden before 31 December 2020 could apply for residence status (uppehållsstatus) under the Withdrawal Agreement. The deadline was 31 December 2021. Late applications are only accepted in exceptional cases, with a written explanation of what prevented you from applying in time. Having been registered in Sweden is not enough. Everyone else applies for a residence permit under the normal rules.

The work permit

• At least SEK 34,470 a month (for applications from 16 June 2026), in line with the collective agreement or common practice in the occupation.
• Highly qualified roles may qualify for the EU Blue Card (SEK 53,625 a month from 15 July 2026, employment of at least six months, up to four years at a time).
• Apply from outside Sweden. A visa-free visit doesn't let you apply from inside the country.

Rules in detail: Sweden's June 2026 rules.

Biometrics and travel

British citizens can visit Sweden without a visa for up to 90 days in a rolling 180-day period, so once the permit is granted they can travel first and give biometrics in Sweden. The card is then sent to their address in Sweden. Biometrics can also be given at the Embassy of Sweden in London, without an appointment, during the visa section's opening hours. Since 10 April 2026 the EU's Entry/Exit System records non-EU short-stay travellers, including UK citizens, at the border. ETIAS was not yet running when we checked.

Postings from the UK: up to two years

According to GOV.UK, a worker posted temporarily by a UK employer to an EU country can stay in UK National Insurance for up to two years, with a certificate of coverage from HMRC. Skatteverket's table of social security agreements lists 12 months for the United Kingdom, so confirm with Försäkringskassan or HMRC before planning a posting longer than 12 months. A posting still needs the right permit.

Tax

If you live in Sweden, or stay for six months or more in a row, you are taxed under the Swedish Income Tax Act. Sweden has tax treaties with many countries so the same income isn't taxed twice. The UK–Sweden convention from 2015, amended by a 2021 protocol, is in force. Check whether the hire qualifies for expert tax relief. The application must reach the board within three months of the start date.

Driving: UK licences can be exchanged

UK licences are among the few non-EEA licences that can be exchanged for a Swedish one, along with licences from Switzerland, Japan and the Faroe Islands. You must live permanently in Sweden and meet the Swedish personal and medical requirements. Most other non-EEA licences stop being valid once you have been registered in Sweden for more than a year, but UK licences can still be used after that.

After arrival

1. Register at Skatteverket for your personnummer (how).
2. Get your ID card and BankID (how).
3. Choose a health centre once you have the personnummer. Until you are registered, public healthcare is charged at full cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do British citizens need a work permit for Sweden?

Yes, if they did not live in Sweden before 31 December 2020. They need a work permit or EU Blue Card, applied for before moving, like other non-EU citizens. People who lived in Sweden before then could apply for residence status under the Withdrawal Agreement.

Can I exchange my UK driving licence in Sweden?

Yes, if you live permanently in Sweden and meet the personal and medical requirements. UK licences can also still be used after you have been registered for more than a year, unlike most non-EEA licences.

How long can a UK employee be posted to Sweden and stay in UK National Insurance?

GOV.UK says up to two years for a temporary posting, with a certificate of coverage from HMRC. Skatteverket's table lists 12 months for the UK, so confirm with HMRC or Försäkringskassan before planning a longer posting.

Moving for work? How Settio helps

Settio helps employers and immigration and relocation agencies run the whole move in one place, so the person moving can focus on settling in:

• Before the move: one plan for the permit and the move, with every step and deadline. A partner and children get their own steps in the same household.
• After arrival: the employee portal shows the newcomer their next steps on their phone, in their language, from registering after arrival to help for settling in.
• When the permit runs out: permit monitoring flags the extension in good time.

HR teams and agencies can start for free. Moving yourself? Try our free tools for life in Sweden.

Sources

15 official sources

• European Commission: Short-stay calculator (90 days in any 180-day period)
• Government Offices of Sweden: List of third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when entering Sweden
• Migrationsverket: British citizens and residence status
• Embassy of Sweden, London: Visa to Sweden
• GOV.UK: National Insurance for workers in the EEA
• Skatteverket: Countries with social security agreements
• GOV.UK: Sweden tax treaties
• Skatteverket: New in Sweden and working as an employee
• Forskarskattenämnden: Apply for tax relief
• Transportstyrelsen: Foreign driving licences
• Migrationsverket: After your application is approved
• Migrationsverket: Work permits for employees
• Migrationsverket: EU Blue Card
• European Commission: Main differences between the EES and ETIAS
• 1177: Care for people from other countries