Working in Sweden

Sweden has a strong and stable labour market characterized by innovation, equality, and good working conditions. The country is home to many international companies in sectors such as technology, engineering, clean energy, healthcare, and education.
Sweden remains one of the world’s top innovation hubs — ranked 2nd in the Global Innovation Index 2024. It’s the birthplace of major inventions and home to world-famous companies like IKEA, Spotify, Ericsson, Volvo, Skanska, and H&M.

Language and employment

English is widely used in the workplace, especially in international and research-focused environments. However, for many jobs — particularly in the public sector and customer-facing roles — Swedish language skills are important or required. Learning Swedish can significantly improve your chances of finding part-time work during your studies or building a long-term career after graduation.

Work culture

Swedish work culture is known for being collaborative, inclusive, and non-hierarchical, with a strong focus on work-life balance, teamwork, and professional development. Managers often act as team facilitators rather than traditional supervisors, and employees are encouraged to share ideas and take initiative.

Work benefits in Sweden

Sweden is known for its strong employee rights and generous benefits. Workers are entitled to:

• At least 25 days of paid vacation per year
• Paid parental leave for both parents, with income-based compensation
• Paid sick leave and health insurance coverage
• Flexible working hours and support for work-life balance
• Union protection and collective agreements ensuring fair wages and conditions

These benefits contribute to a high level of job satisfaction and make Sweden one of the most employee-friendly countries in the world.

Building your career

If you plan to work in Sweden after your studies, it’s helpful to start building your professional network early. Take part in internships, career fairs, and university networking events to connect with potential employers and gain valuable work experience.

Study in Sweden’s video tutorial on finding a job in Sweden

Part-time jobs as a student

Please note that full-time studies equal a study load of 40 hours per week. We do not recommend working more than part-time to be able to focus on

your studies. Opportunities for part-time work in Sweden are limited and most jobs require knowledge of Swedish, so students should not plan on finding a job to support themselves financially. 

Study in Sweden’s guide on finding a part-time job in Sweden