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The working holiday permit is the easiest way for some young people to try living in Sweden. There's no job offer needed, but only six countries have an agreement with Sweden.
Which countries?
Sweden has working holiday agreements with Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. Citizens of other countries can't use this route.
Requirements
- Age: 18 to 30.
- Funds: at least SEK 15,000 to support yourself when you first arrive.
- Insurance: comprehensive health insurance for the whole stay, covering medical care, hospital care, emergency dental care and medical repatriation (Australian citizens are exempt).
- A valid passport.
Length, fee and waiting time
- Up to one year, and never longer than your passport is valid. It can't be extended.
- Fee: SEK 1,500.
- At the time of writing, 75% of complete applications were decided within about three months.
Working during the year
The point of the permit is a holiday, with work to help fund it, so you don't need a job offer before you come. Skatteverket registers people in the population register when they plan to live in Sweden for at least a year, so check with Skatteverket how your stay will be handled. See registering after arrival.
To stay longer you need another permit, usually a work permit with a job offer that meets the normal requirements. See all Swedish permit types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries can get a working holiday visa for Sweden?
Citizens of Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, aged 18 to 30.
Can UK or US citizens get a working holiday visa for Sweden?
No. The UK and the US are not among the six countries with a working holiday agreement with Sweden. They need a work permit with a job offer, or another permit.
Can a Swedish working holiday visa be extended?
No. It lasts up to one year and can't be extended. To stay, apply for another permit, such as a work permit.
How Settio helps
Planning your own move? Our free tools answer the common questions in under a minute: is this salary enough for a permit and how long the decision takes.
Once you are hired, Settio helps your employer or immigration agency run the case in one place: a plan with every step before the move, an employee portal on your phone after arrival, and reminders before your permit runs out.
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