Sweden highly qualified job-search permit in 2026
A person outside the EU/EEA who has completed studies corresponding to a second-cycle qualification can in qualifying cases apply to come to Sweden to look for work or explore starting a business.
The applicant must be outside Sweden when applying and must have comprehensive health insurance. Financial maintenance must be shown through bank assets of at least SEK 13,000 for each month requested, plus funds for the return journey.
The permit can be granted for a maximum of nine months. It is a search/exploration status, not an automatic work permit; once qualifying employment or a business plan is secured, the person must move into the appropriate work or self-employed status.
Official guidance: Migrationsverket look for work or start a business.
Related: employee work permit, self-employment, studies and post-study, Sweden hub.
Official and supporting sources
- Official Sweden source 1government · accessed 2026-09-21