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Jobs in Sweden: Top Companies, Salaries & Visa

Updated on 22 August, 2024

Renowned for its favorable working conditions and robust welfare system, you can get offers for the best jobs in Sweden. The country boasts one of the highest employment rates in the European sub-continent. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Report, approx. 90% of 25- to 64-year-olds are employed in the Swedish labor market. 

In fact, per Statista, approximately 1.9 million women and more than two million men are in permanent jobs. The data itself speaks a lot about work ethics. Now the question arises: What is the best job in Sweden? To find the answer to the question and other related aspects, learn more about the highest-paying jobs and the best courses to secure employment in Sweden.

Did You Know? 

In 1974, Sweden pioneered the replacement of gender-specific maternity leave with parental leave, allowing both parents to care for their children at home.

 

Best Courses to Study for Securing Jobs in Sweden

Sweden is known to be a nation of top-notch universities, of which 8 were listed in QS top universities ranking 2025. These reputed institutes are equipped with all the requirements for local and international candidates and rigorously strive to produce the best graduates annually. Some of the best courses to study abroad for securing jobs are:-

  1. Health Support 
  2. Civil Engineering
  3. Medicine and Biotechnology
  4. Game Design
  5. Business Administration and Economics
  6. Journalism, Communication, and Information

Also Read:- Why study in Sweden - Things to know

 

Employment Sector in Sweden

Sweden hosts one of the most robust job markets in the world and is known for its progressive work environment and practices. Regarding job openings in Sweden, most opportunities are available in areas that require specific skills, like:-

Information Technology

Sweden  accounts for around 40% of IT spending in Nordic countries, as per a report by NASSCOM. The country offers  a lot of opportunities in the IT sector, with players like Ericsson and Skype headquartered or founded in the country. As per Statista, revenue is expected to grow annually at the rate of 5.94%, resulting in a market volume of US$20.32bn by 2029.

Automotive

Popular automobile manufacturers like Volvo and Scania are based in Sweden. The country also pioneers the application of clean technology, offering impressive career prospects for individuals with backgrounds in this field.

Business, Finance, & Consulting

The business sector in Sweden’s financial capital,  Stockholm, boasts some of the largest fintech companies and headquarters of leading global and national banks. Thereby providing ample opportunities for finance enthusiasts.  Moreover, the country offers lucrative jobs for budding consultants, with the sector expecting to reach a value of SEK8.28 billion by 2025, as per Statista.

Education & Teaching

The Education and Training Monitor Report 2023 by the European Commission suggests that there is a significant shortage of skilled school teachers, and the country will need 1,53,000 qualified teachers by 2035. If you have a teaching background, Sweden offers plentiful opportunities for a rewarding career. 

Tourism Industry

With a compounded annual growth rate of 1.54%, Sweden’s travel and tourism industry is fast expanding and is expected to reach a value of SEK65.228 billion by 2028, according to Statista. This highlights the tremendous scope for aspirants to work in the hospitality industry.

Healthcare

Healthcare is one of the largest job sectors in Sweden, As per official sources, Sweden spends about 11% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on health and medical services. To work as a healthcare provider in Sweden, you will need to obtain Swedish authorization issued by the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen). 

Highest-Paying Occupations in Sweden 

Being a nation with competitive economic conditions and an excellent job market, Sweden is a dream job destination. Here is a list of the highest-paying occupations and their salaries.

Field 

Monthly Average Salary 

IT and Software

SEK 52,083 

Engineering

SEK 47,583 

Accounts and Finance

SEK 43,125 

Human resources Management

SEK 62,333 

Sales and Marketing (digital marketing)

SEK 48,833 

Healthcare

SEK 64,898 

Teaching

SEK 50,000 

Nursing

SEK 31,000 

Documents Required for Applying for Work Permit in Sweden

Acquiring a work permit is compulsory if you seek employment in Sweden. To obtain a Swedish work permit, you must fulfill the following requirements- 

  • You must have a valid passport from your home country (India). 
  • You must possess an employment offer from a Swedish company. 
  • You must provide a copy of the job contract, signed by both parties.
  • The job offered to you must have been advertised in the European Union (EU) and EEA (European Economic Area) for at least ten days. 
  • This job must provide a minimum salary of SEK 13,000/ month prior to taxes. 
  • The terms of employment must correspond to the Swedish collective agreements.
  • The company must provide insurance covering employment, health, life, and pension.

How to Secure Jobs in Sweden 

There are several ways to secure a job in Sweden. These include:- 

1. Job listings

Explore career opportunities in Sweden via government agencies like the Swedish Public Employment Service and EURES. Use renowned recruitment agencies such as Hays, Manpower, and Job Safari to apply for jobs remotely by submitting your CV directly.

2. Internships

Interning with Swedish companies can lead to full-time employment by building connections and expanding your network. Shortlist companies offering internships and apply directly to increase your chances of securing a job offer. 

3. Approach employers

You can directly approach employers in Sweden for whom you wish to work. Enquire about any internship offer they may be able to provide. 

4. The Labor Shortage List

The Swedish Migration Agency and the Public Employment Service list high-demand jobs. If selected for these positions, you can apply for a work permit directly from Sweden, bypassing the need to return to your home country.

Once you secure a job and the company confirms your employment, you can gather the documents and apply for a work permit. As a foreign worker, you will need a long-term working visa to relocate to Sweden.

It's advisable to obtain personal medical insurance that covers emergency medical expenses. Ensure the insurance is valid in all Schengen countries. 

5 Top Recruiters in Sweden

Sweden is home to several well-known companies that offer attractive pay structures. Here are some of the top companies in Sweden that also recruit talents from across the world:-

1. Spotify

A leading audio streaming company, Spotify also offers attractive employee compensation. Top roles in the company include senior software engineer (SEK 743K–923K/yr) and senior product manager (SEK 756K–SEK 960K per year).

2. Ericsson

Ericsson is a renowned brand in the telecommunications industry. Some of the leading positions in the company include software developer (SEK 4L–7L/yr) and project manager (SEK 6L– 8L/yr).

3. Northvolt

Northvolt is a reputed battery manufacturer and producer, offering lucrative opportunities to individuals with  a background in chemical engineering and material science. Top roles in the company include engineering manager (SEK7L–SEK9L/yr) and software engineer (SEK5L–SEK7L/yr).

4. AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a multinational biotechnology and pharmaceutical company dedicated to producing novel pharmaceutical products. Some of the top positions include associate principal scientist (SEK672K–SEK756K/yr) and senior research scientist (SEK 529K–SEK 600K/yr). 

5. Mckinsey & Company

A renowned multinational management consulting firm, the company hires skilled consultants from around the globe. The leading roles in the company include engagement manager (SEK 12L–SEK 22L/ yr) and consultant (SEK 3L–SEK 12L/yr).

Conclusion

Sweden can be a great option if you are looking to establish a career abroad. With a thriving job market that offers varied employment prospects, it is ideal for professionals from different fields. Securing education at the best Swedish universities can be the first step in that direction. To get started, get in touch with us. 

Disclaimer: All salaries mentioned above are subject to change.

FAQs on Jobs in Sweden

Can I run my own business when I have a work permit?

Yes. If you have a residence and work permit for Sweden, then you can start your own company. However, you need to abide by the other conditions of your work permit. 

Can my accompanying family members also work in Sweden?

Yes, but your family members must have obtained a residence and work permit to work in Sweden. 

What additional skills do you need to secure a job in Sweden?

Apart from professional skills and a strong educational background, proficiency in the Swedish language can be a plus if you desire a competitive edge.

Which job is in demand in Sweden?

Highly demanded jobs in Sweden are Tech-related roles, such as IT operations technicians, system administrators, and software developers, are in high demand. Other fields like life science, medicine, construction, translation, and teaching also have job opportunities.

What are the most common jobs in Sweden?

The most common jobs in Sweden are in financial and operations, surgeons and doctors, IT professionals, and manufacturing.

What jobs are in shortage in Sweden?

These sectors facing a shortage of workers are education, IT, healthcare, construction, engineering, manufacturing, and machine operations.

Which job has a high salary in Sweden?

High-paying jobs have one primary criterion - their critical nature of work. Some of the jobs that fall into this category are:

  1. Finance and insurance managers
  2. Senior government officials
  3. Finance dealers and brokers
  4. Specialist physicians

Which career is best in Sweden?

Sweden has a vibrant job market. If you have the required skills for a particular job, relevant language proficiency (English and basic Swedish), and some years of work experience, then it will be very easy to land your dream job.

Did you find this article helpful?

Tanya Rai

Tanya is a skilled content writer and marketing strategist with deep expertise in the EdTech industry. She has a proven track record of producing engaging content and developing effective marketing strategies for leading platforms. At upGrad Abroad, Tanya focuses on providing study-abroad aspirants with accurate and relevant information, significantly contributing to the growth of educational technology.

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