To think about after the work permit has been granted!
This information is addressed to both the employer and the employee after a work permit has been granted. There are things to consider for both parties, both at the start of the employment and after the employment has begun. Certain points in this “checklist” are crucial for future extensions of the work permit.
Failure to comply with these requirements, regardless of who is in breach, may lead to the withdrawal of the work permit and may be followed by expulsion of the employee.
A work permit has been granted. Congratulations!
What to think about now?
At the start of employment
The employer
- Tax Agency
Notify the Swedish Tax Agency of the start of employment for a person from outside the EU. You enter the first working day as the start date and can submit the document after the work has started. More information and a form can be found on the Swedish Tax Agency’s website (the link opens in a new page – only available in Swedish): Notification – employment of a foreigner
- Insurances
Plan or take out insurance for the employee before starting work (Sickness, Life, Accident/Security, Occupational pension). If you are part of a union (have a collective agreement), consult with the trade union concerned. If you do not have a collective agreement, you can turn to a private insurance company. For some industries, it is enough to take out insurance with Fora. Note that a distinction is made between worker and civil servant in these contexts. Consult with us if you are unsure of what applies.
- Employment agreement
An employment agreement should exist and be signed by both parties before employment begins. From June 2022, such an agreement must be included in the application for a work permit to the Swedish Migration Agency.
The employee
- Entry
If it concerns a new application, the employee is normally not allowed to enter or be in Sweden until a decision has been made (exceptions exist). If you are already in Sweden, different rules apply depending on your existing permit. Consult with us if you are unsure of what applies.
- Insurances
Before you travel to Sweden, you need to take out a temporary sickness and accident insurance which is valid for at least the first few months, in case you need medical care before the population registration is complete. Medical care is extremely expensive in Sweden. Make sure the insurance has adequate coverage. Consult with us if you are unsure of what applies.
- National registration (social security number – personnummer)
If you are going to stay in Sweden for a longer period, you and your family should register in the national register. It is through population registration that you are assigned a social security number. You do this at your local Tax Office office. Make sure you bring all the necessary documents with you! Link to more information at the Swedish Tax Agency (link opens in a new page): Civil registration.
- “A tax”
In connection with the civil registration, you are registered for employment tax. In Sweden, employees must pay income tax. Income tax is called employment tax and is abbreviated to “A tax”. The employment tax means that the employer deducts tax from the salary to pay social security contributions, which is shown on the salary statement. Further information on taxation.
- Home insurance
Even if your employer takes out insurance that applies at the workplace and during trips to and from work, you also need to take out your own insurance. Most needs are covered by home insurance, which is also a requirement of the vast majority of landlords.
- Change of employer/occupation
If this is a new application, your work permit normally only applies to one employer and one occupation. If you are going to change industry or employer during the first two years, you need to submit a new application. In the following years, you only need to submit a new application if you intend to change occupation.
During the employment period
- It is important to
follow the salary stated in the employment offer sent to the Swedish Migration Agency. If changes are to be made, please consult with us first,
that all insurances are taken out,
that Swedish legislation regarding holidays and working hours etc. followed (LAS),
If the employer has not followed this, the Swedish Migration Agency can reject a possible extension application.
- The salary must be paid on time every month and then paid regularly. It is important that salary specifications exist. The monthly salary must never fall below SEK 13,000.
- Wage payment can sometimes be difficult if the employee has not been able to open a bank account yet. Ensure that any solutions to such problems are documented in case of an extension application.
- The applicant must start work no later than four (4) months after the date on which the permit takes effect. As an employee, you may also not have more than a total of four months of invalid absence from work during a four-year period. Examples of invalid absence are leave of absence (unpaid vacation) and late-started employment.
- If employment is to continue, an extension must be applied for before the current permit expires. Please be there in good time, about 3 months before to have time to prepare the application.
We at Permizon are specialists in work permits and are happy to help both the employer and the employee with the application process from the start until a decision has been made by the Swedish Migration Agency. We act as your representative and take care of the paperwork and contacts with all parties involved.
We offer a free of charge preliminary assessment of your case, no strings attached!
