Moving to Sweden from the US: Work Permit, Totalization Agreement, Banking and Driving (2026)

Americans moving to Sweden go through the standard non-EU work permit process. They also deal with a few extra things: US tax filing that continues abroad, US reporting rules at Swedish banks, and a driving licence that can't be exchanged.

1. The permit

• Salary of at least SEK 34,470 a month (90% of the median, 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 before you move. A visa-free visit doesn't let you apply from inside Sweden.
• Fees: SEK 2,200 (SEK 2,000 for a Blue Card), plus SEK 1,500 per accompanying adult and SEK 750 per child.

Background: Sweden's June 2026 rules.

2. Biometrics: in Washington or in Sweden

US citizens don't need a visa for short stays, so after the permit is granted they can travel to Sweden and give biometrics there. The card is then sent to their address in Sweden. Biometrics can also be given at the Embassy of Sweden in Washington, DC, at limited drop-in hours and only for people Migrationsverket has told to come for biometrics or a passport check. Follow the instructions in your case. Since 10 April 2026 the EU's Entry/Exit System records non-EU short-stay travellers, including US citizens, at the border. ETIAS was not yet running when we checked.

3. Social security: the US–Sweden totalization agreement

An employee sent to Sweden by a US employer for five years or less stays covered by US Social Security, with a certificate of coverage. The agreement only covers retirement and survivors' pensions and, since 2008, sickness and activity compensation.

4. Tax: you file in both countries

• If you live in Sweden, or stay for six months or more in a row, you are taxed under the Swedish Income Tax Act.
• US citizens living abroad generally have the same federal filing duties as people living in the US, and their worldwide income counts. Sweden has tax treaties with many countries so the same income isn't taxed twice.
• Senior hires should check expert tax relief: 25% of salary exempt from Swedish income tax for seven years, if the application reaches the board within three months.

5. Banking and FATCA

Under FATCA and Sweden's agreement with the US, Swedish banks must identify accounts held by US persons and report them to Skatteverket, which passes the information on to the IRS. The report includes your US taxpayer identification number. Ask your bank what it needs from you when you book your first meeting. See ID card and BankID for the order of steps.

6. Driving: a US licence can't be exchanged

A US licence stops being valid in Sweden once you have been registered in the population register for more than a year. It can't be exchanged for a Swedish one. To keep driving you need a learner's permit (körkortstillstånd), the risk-awareness training, and the Swedish theory and driving tests. Start early.

7. After arrival

1. Register at Skatteverket (how). Your personnummer is needed for the Skatteverket ID card and much more.
2. Keep health insurance until you're registered. Until then, public healthcare is charged at full cost.
3. Plan childcare and school early, and contact your municipality.

The whole chain in order, with what you can start before the flight (reporting the move opens 14 days before you move), is in your first 30 days in Sweden. Two pitfalls Americans mention often: credit history starts from scratch, so ask the bank for the account and BankID before any credit, and never log in with BankID for someone who calls you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Americans move to Sweden and then apply for a work permit?

Generally no. A first work permit must be applied for from outside Sweden, even though Americans can visit visa-free. After approval they can travel and give biometrics in Sweden.

Do I still pay US Social Security when working in Sweden?

If a US employer sends you to Sweden for five years or less, you stay covered by US Social Security under the US–Sweden totalization agreement, with a certificate of coverage. Otherwise, ask Försäkringskassan which country's system you belong to.

Can I exchange my US driving licence in Sweden?

No. A US licence stops being valid once you have been registered in Sweden for more than a year. After that you need a Swedish licence, which means the Swedish theory and driving tests.

Can Americans open a bank account in Sweden?

Yes. Consumers legally resident in the EEA have the right to a basic payment account at Swedish banks. Because of FATCA, the bank will identify you as a US person and report the account to Skatteverket, which passes it on to the IRS.

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

16 official sources

• Government Offices of Sweden: List of third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when entering Sweden
• Migrationsverket: Work permits for employees
• Migrationsverket: EU Blue Card
• Embassy of Sweden, Washington: Migration services
• European Commission: Main differences between the EES and ETIAS
• SSA: US–Sweden totalization agreement
• Skatteverket: Countries with social security agreements
• Skatteverket: New in Sweden and working as an employee
• IRS: U.S. citizens and residents abroad, filing requirements
• Forskarskattenämnden: About tax relief
• Skatteverket: FATCA
• US Treasury: FATCA agreement with Sweden (2014)
• Finansinspektionen: The right to a bank account
• Transportstyrelsen: Foreign driving licences
• Transportstyrelsen: Driving licence category B
• 1177: Care for people from other countries