After completing your higher education studies in Sweden, you can obtain a residence permit for up to 12 months to seek employment or explore founding your own enterprise.
Clear, transparent criteria set by the Swedish Migration Agency for graduating international students.
You must have successfully completed a higher education degree in Sweden lasting at least two semesters (minimum 60 ECTS credits), such as a 1-year or 2-year Master’s or 3-year Bachelor’s.
You must submit your permit extension application online to the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) before your existing student residence permit expires.
You must prove sufficient personal financial means for your planned stay. The official Swedish Migration Agency benchmark is at least 10,656 SEK per month for living expenses.
You must possess comprehensive medical insurance that covers care and emergencies in Sweden throughout the entire duration of your job seeker permit.
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of the permit you are requesting. Residence permits cannot be issued beyond passport expiry.
The permit grants up to 12 months to either seek graduate employment or research and launch an innovative commercial enterprise or startup in Sweden.
How the 12-month job seeker visa leads to permanent settlement and career success.
Receive official notification of completed credits from your Swedish university (Ladok transcript / degree certificate).
Prepare bank statements showing 10,656 SEK/month (approx. 128,000 SEK for 12 months) and valid private or public health cover.
Submit application before current student permit expiry. You have full lawful right to stay in Sweden while your decision is pending.
Participate in career fairs, LinkedIn outreach, and incubator pitching. You can work without hourly restrictions while searching.
Once you secure a job offer meeting collective agreement benchmarks (minimum threshold), switch directly to a Swedish Work Permit without leaving Sweden.
Swedish employers actively look for international talent in technology, engineering, and sustainability.
Key Employers: Spotify, Klarna, King, Ericsson
Key Employers: Northvolt, Polestar, Vattenfall
Key Employers: Volvo Group, Scania, Einride
Key Employers: ABB, Atlas Copco, SKF
Key Employers: Ericsson, Telia Company
Key Employers: AstraZeneca, Getinge, Elekta
Yes! While holding the permit to look for work or start a business, you have full work authorization in Sweden. You can work part-time or full-time while continuing your search for a career role.
No. As long as you submit your application before your student residence permit expires, you can remain in Sweden throughout the processing period.
Your Swedish employer initiates a work permit application with the Swedish Migration Agency. You do not need to leave Sweden to transition from the job-search permit to a work permit.
Yes, family members who were granted residence permits as your dependents during your studies can apply to extend their permits for the same duration as your job seeker permit.