Sweden: Jobseeker and Startup Permit Now Available

Highly qualified foreign nationals seeking employment or exploring starting a business in Sweden can now apply for a special residence permit, as the Swedish Migration Agency published eligibility criteria and application details for this new residence permit type. Successful applicants receive a nine-month permit that does not permit work. Once they find employment or start a business, permit holders apply for work authorization or an entrepreneur permit in Sweden and can start working or can run their business from the date of application filing. Applicants must hold an advanced degree to be eligible, specifically a master's degree, postgraduate or doctorate (PhD) degree, or professional degree at a similar level (assessed based on education credits). Notably, there is no requirement for the education to be at a certain institution (e.g., listed in certain global ranking systems), a requirement that does apply for UK and Dutch graduate permit options. Applicants submit supporting documents on their education and proof of sufficient financial means (government filing fees, travel costs, and SEK 13,000 per month of intended stay), among other supporting documents. Applications must be filed from outside Sweden. Foreign nationals benefit from this new route for foreign talent to pursue (self-)employment in Sweden, where no jobseeker permit was previously available.