How to get a work visa in Sweden as a South Korean citizen
Complete guide to all available work permit pathways, requirements, costs, and processing times.
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Sweden offers South Korean workers 3 distinct visa pathways to live and work legally. South Koreans are valued for one of the world's strongest passports and a highly skilled, tech-literate workforce. Applications are made at the Sweden diplomatic mission serving Seoul.
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- ✓Tech and software professionals (Stockholm's startup scene)
- ✓Automotive and manufacturing engineers
- ✓Game developers and creative-industry talent
- ✓Green-energy and cleantech specialists
- ✓Professionals who value family-friendly policies
Available visa pathways
Work Permit
Arbetstillstånd
Sweden's work permit is the standard pathway for non-EU nationals to work in the country. It requires a job offer from a Swedish employer with terms that meet collective agreement standards, including a minimum monthly salary of SEK 28,480 (approximately EUR 2,500). The salary must be sufficient to support yourself without social welfare, and the employment must include insurance coverage (health, life, occupational injury, and pension) from the first day of work.
EU Blue Card Sweden
EU Blue Card
Sweden's implementation of the EU Blue Card provides an alternative pathway for highly qualified professionals with a university degree and a high-salary job offer. The salary threshold for the Blue Card in Sweden is SEK 636,000 annually (approximately SEK 53,000 per month), which is significantly higher than the standard work permit minimum. This positions the Blue Card as a premium visa for senior professionals, managers, and specialists in high-paying fields.
ICT Permit
ICT-tillstånd
Sweden's ICT (Intra-Corporate Transfer) permit implements the EU ICT Directive, allowing multinational companies to transfer managers, specialists, and trainees from non-EU offices to their Swedish operations. The transferred employee must have been working for the company or corporate group for at least three months (managers and specialists) or six months (trainees) immediately preceding the transfer.
💡 route.tipFor: Have your Seoul police clearance certificate ready, and check whether your degree and supporting documents need to be apostilled or legalised for use in Sweden.
Application timeline for Sweden
Employer offers job meeting conditions
Your employer must offer terms that meet Swedish collective agreement standards and the minimum salary of SEK 28,480/month.
VariesApply online to Migrationsverket
Submit your work permit application online through the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) portal.
1 dayProcessing and decision
Migrationsverket processes the application. IT sector and certified employers often receive faster processing.
1-4 monthsApply for residence permit card
Once approved, visit the nearest Swedish embassy to provide biometrics for your residence permit card.
2-4 weeksTravel and register with Tax Agency
Travel to Sweden and register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) to receive your personal number (personnummer).
1-2 weeksCommon required documents
Documents commonly required for a Sweden work visa for South Koreans:
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| Item | Amount | In KRW |
|---|---|---|
| route.cost.visaFee | kr 2600 | ₩339,238 |
| route.cost.minSalary | kr 341,760 | ₩44,591,543/yr |
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Apply at the Sweden diplomatic mission serving Seoul. Check the official embassy or visa application centre website for appointment booking, fees and current document requirements.
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Làm việc và sinh sống tại Sweden
Các ngành tuyển dụng chính
Sweden's international hiring is concentrated in technology (Spotify, Klarna, Ericsson), automotive (Volvo, Scania), the gaming industry, and a rapidly expanding green-energy and battery sector in the north of the country.
Chi phí sinh hoạt và chất lượng cuộc sống
Stockholm housing costs around SEK 12,000 a month for a one-bedroom, and other costs are high but matched by strong salaries and public services. Sweden's 480 days of parental leave, subsidised childcare and emphasis on work-life balance are central to its appeal.
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Frequently asked questions
What salary is needed for a Work Permit in Sweden?
The minimum salary is kr 341,760 per year.
How long does it take to get a work visa in Sweden?
Processing times range from 4 to 16 weeks.
Can I bring my family on a Sweden work visa?
Yes. 3 of 3 visa types allow dependants.
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What are the top industries hiring in Sweden?
Sweden's international hiring is concentrated in technology (Spotify, Klarna, Ericsson), automotive (Volvo, Scania), the gaming industry, and a rapidly expanding green-energy and battery sector in the north of the country.