Visas, residence permits and work permits

In order to recruit the most skilled teachers and researchers, Linnaeus University has broadened its recruitment in the international arena. When the university hires employees from other countries, a good advance notice is required, as the employee may need to apply for both a visa and / or work permit to be able to enter Sweden and work.

Entry conditions

When you travel to Sweden, you need to bring a valid passport or national ID card, unless you are a Nordic citizen. Make sure to extend your passport if it is about to expire – you cannot obtain a work/residence permit for longer than your passport's period of validity. This also applies to your family, if they accompany you.

EU/EEA citizens
If you are an EU/EEA citizen, you are entitled to work or study in Sweden without a work or residence permit. If your family is joining you, the same rules apply for them (if they are EU/EEA citizens). You and your family members have the right to begin working or studying without delay. If your family members are non-EU/EEA citizens, they have to apply for residence cards at the Swedish Migration Agency.

According to the EEC agreement, those who have employment in Sweden have the same rights as Swedish citizens when it comes to salary, work conditions, access to housing, education and trade union membership.

Non-EU/EEA citizens
Non-EU citizens will in most cases, have to apply for a visa in order to work in Sweden. The visa is a permit required for you to be able to enter and stay in Sweden for a maximum of three months – for example: as a tourist, on business, to attend a conference or to visit relatives or friends. Please visit Sweden abroad to find out what rules apply to your country of origin.

If your stay exceeds 3 months, your need a work permit that must be processed before you come to Sweden. There are three different types of permits for employees working at the university; Residence Permit for doctoral students, Residence Permit for visiting researchers and Work Permit. Work permits are for technical and administrative staff (T/A) and for teachers doing less than 50% research. Below you will find more information about different categories.

Swiss citizens
If you are a Swiss citizen, you may move to Sweden to work, study or start your own business. If you wish to stay for longer than three months, you need to apply for a residence permit.

Doctoral student - residence permit

f you are a doctoral student studying in Sweden for less than three months, you may need to apply for a visa in order to enter Sweden. If you wish to stay in Sweden for a period longer than three months, you need to obtain a residence permit for students. Your residence permit must be granted before you arrive in Sweden. Linnaeus University will provide you with a certificate for your first application of residence permit. The certificate should be sent to the Migration Agency along with your application.

When you apply, make sure that you enter all necessary documentation in the application. Providing all necessary information from the start will guarantee you a faster response than if you have to complete your application. For more information about the application process in each case, see Migration Agency´s website.

Doctoral student - extending a residence permit

An application for extension of residence permit can be submitted no earlier than 6 months before the current expiry date. In the application for an extension of a residence permit, you must attach a study certificate from the department. You also need to submit information regarding your income during the time of the previous permit.

Visiting researcher - residence permit

If you are staying less than three months, you may need to apply for a visa to enter Sweden. If you are going to stay in Sweden for more than three months and your main work at the university will be research, you need to apply for a residence permit for visiting researchers. Your residence permit must be granted before you arrive in Sweden. The main criteria to be considered a visiting researcher is that you must have a university or college education that qualifies for doctoral studies, and that your main work at the university is research. Linnaeus University will provide you with a hosting agreement, which you send along with your application to the Migration Agency.

Work Permit

Employees from outside of EU who are not PhD students or visiting researchers need to obtain a work permit. Work permits are applicable for teachers who have less than 50% research, and administrative/technical staff. A work permit can be granted for up to two years at a time. You may obtain a permit for as long as your employment lasts, but not past the time for which your passport is valid. You must apply for and obtain a work permit before entering Sweden.

If you obtain a permit to work in Sweden, residence permits can be granted to members of your family for the same period of time. If you receive a permit for at least six months, members of your family can also obtain work permits.

Citizens of some countries need both a work permit and a visa for employment that lasts less than three months. You can find more information on the website of the Swedish Migration Agency.

Applying for a work permit

Work permits generally take a long time to process. Linnaeus University use a private company certified by the Migration Agency to reduce the process. Contact the HR-partner for your department concerning your application.

Conditions for scholarship holders

It is important to bear in mind that a scholarship is not employment. A scholarship may be paid by Linnaeus University, but more commonly, it is paid by a research organisation or from a person's home country. If you are on a scholarship, you are not entitled to Linnaeus University's benefits for employees. A scholarship is not subject to taxation.

Swedish Citizenship

When you have lived in Sweden for several years, you may apply for Swedish citizenship