Can I work in Sweden with a British passport?
Why British citizens need a work permit, who is exempt and what you need before applying.
Short answer
British citizens in most cases need a work permit to work in Sweden, because since Brexit they are treated like other citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA. The exception is British citizens who have lived legally in Sweden since before 1 January 2021, who need no work permit or visa.
Why
- According to the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket), when the United Kingdom left the EU, British citizens stopped being EU/EEA citizens.
- According to Migrationsverket, citizens of a country outside the EU/EEA will in most cases need a permit to work in Sweden.
- According to the UK Government, you do not need a work permit or visa if you have been living in Sweden legally since before 1 January 2021, because of the Withdrawal Agreement.
Details
Before you apply for a work permit, you need an employment agreement signed by you and your employer, according to Migrationsverket. The UK Foreign Office says working in Sweden has different requirements from a visa-free short stay.
Tip
Ask the employer to sign the employment agreement first and then apply to Migrationsverket, since the agreement is required before you can apply.
What may differ
Some people do not need to apply for a work permit, including holders of a permanent residence permit. Migrationsverket also says that a British citizen who did not live in Sweden before 31 December 2020 cannot be granted residence status under the Withdrawal Agreement.
People also ask
- Can British citizens work in Sweden?
- Do Brits need a work permit for Sweden?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Migrationsverket before you apply.
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