Live, work and study

Work in another EU country

Free movement of people applies within the single market, which means that all EU citizens have the right to live and work in other member states without requiring a work or residence permit.

The Swedish Public Employment Service has information about rules

Rules concerning work permits, taxes and insurance etc. vary depending on where you are working and how long you stay abroad. The Swedish Public Employment Service has information about various rules.

Work abroad on the Swedish Public Employment Service website (in Swedish)

Your Europe on working in another EU country

Your Europe is an EU website which gives advice to EU citizens. There, you can read about how your benefits (for example, in the event of illness, unemployment, parenthood, work injuries and work-related illness) are affected and where you should pay tax when working in another EU country.

Work abroad on the Your Europe website (in Swedish)

Rights of EU citizens

As an EU citizen you are entitled, with certain exceptions, to get a job in another EU country on the same terms as the country’s citizens, for example, as regards pay and other employment terms, as well as social and tax benefits. The National Board of Trade has information about the rules.

Your rights as an EU citizen on the National Board of Trade website (in Swedish)

Move to another EU country

If you are moving to another EU country and plan to stay for longer than a year, it may affect where you are registered as resident and where you pay tax. There are a number of public authorities that you should contact in this case.

Report your move to the Swedish Tax Agency

If you plan to live abroad for a longer period, you are to report your move to the Swedish Tax Agency. Visit the Swedish Tax Agency website for further information on the rules that apply to taxes when you work in another EU country.

Move abroad on the Swedish Tax Agency website (in Swedish)

The Swedish Social Insurance Agency about healthcare in another EU country

The place you are registered as resident has an impact on which country you receive your social insurance from. The Swedish Social Insurance Agency provides information about your right to benefits and healthcare when you move to another EU country.

Travel, work, study or receive medical care abroad on the Swedish Social Insurance Agency website (in Swedish)

The Swedish Pensions Agency on the right to a pension

You are entitled to receive payment of your Swedish national pension even if you live in another EU country. The Swedish Pensions Agency provides information about which rules apply and which certificates are necessary. 

Pensioner living outside Sweden on the Swedish Pensions Agency website (in Swedish)

Find a job in another EU country

As an EU citizen, you do not need a work permit or residence permit when you travel to another EU country to find work. However, if you intend to stay for longer than three months, the country may require you to register with its authorities. If you have not obtained a job after three months in the country, you must show that you have sufficient money to support yourself in order to be allowed to stay for a longer period.

The Swedish Public Employment Service gives advice and information

The Swedish Public Employment Service can provide information about what applies to you if you are thinking about applying for a job in another country. 

Find work abroad on the Swedish Public Employment Service website

Find a job and get advice on the EURES website

EURES is an initiative for cooperation between the employment agencies of the member states and the European Commission. On the EURES website, you can search for jobs in the EU, get help with your CV and contact an adviser.

The EURES website

The right to keep your unemployment benefit

You are entitled to receive payment of your unemployment benefit while seeking work in another EU country. The Swedish Unemployment Insurance Board (IAF) provides information about rules and application forms.

Certificate for applying for work in the EU on the Swedish Unemployment Insurance Board website (in Swedish)

Study in another EU country

As an EU citizen, you are entitled to apply to a course or programme in another EU country. There, you can study on the same terms as that country's citizens. You need to have health insurance and enough money to support yourself.

Studera.nu about studies in another EU country

On the Swedish Council for Higher Education's Studera.nu website, you will find information about studying abroad. You can, for example, find information about what applies if you are an exchange student or a freemover, and about financing of studies.

Studying abroad on the Studera.nu website (in Swedish)

The exchange programme Erasmus+

Erasmus+ is a European exchange programme financed by the European Commission, which gives you the opportunity to study or take a trainee position in other European countries.

Erasmus+ on the Studera.nu website

Qualifications from another EU country

Apply for a licence to work in the Swedish healthcare sector

If you have qualified in an EU country and wish to work in the Swedish healthcare sector, contact the National Board of Health and Welfare to apply for a licence to practise. 

Apply for  a licence on the National Board of Health and Welfare website

Apply for authorisation as an electrician

If you have qualified as an electrician in another EU country you can get your authorisation or qualifications assessed for work in Sweden by the National Electrical Safety Board. 

Apply for authorisation on the National Electrical Safety Board website