Applying for a residence permit
If you are a non-EU citizen, the first thing you need to do is to apply for a residence permit. In Sweden, residence permits are handled by the Swedish Migration Agency. If you are an EU citizen, you are free to move to Sweden at any time to start working.
Applying for a residence permit
There are three types of permits that are commonly used. The researcher permit is for researchers that will usually be in Karlstad for a fixed term position and does research at least 50% of their work time, for example postdocs, project assistant research and associate senior lecturers. The researcher permit is an easier process than other permits. Normal processing time is about 2–3 months.
The second permit is the work permit, which is for all other kinds of employment at the University. Non-EU employees at Karlstad University normally (fast track status) receive work permits within two weeks if the form is completed correctly, and in full, with all attachments enclosed. If incomplete, the processing time may be 2–8 months. See the Swedish Migration Agency's webpage for updated processing time.
The third permit is the residence permit for studies in higher education which is the permit for PhD students.
If you are accompanied by a partner or children, we strongly recommend that you apply for their residence or work permits at the same time since they cannot be included at a later stage and the processing time will be longer. All permits are initiated by the HR Office so talk to the HR specialist of your department for more information.
If you come to work in Sweden for less than three months, there may be no need for any permit depending on your country of residence. See the Government of Sweden's webpage for more information or contact your nearest Swedish Embassy.
If you are an EU citizen, you are free to move to Sweden at any time to start working.
After receiving your permit
Congratulations, you are entitled to work in Sweden. However, there is a further requirement. The next step is to submit your biometrics, usually fingerprints, and have your photo taken. Depending on your current country of residence and the country you are a citizen of, different rules apply regarding where you can submit your biometrics. Contact the Swedish embassy in the country your currently live in for help.
When you have submitted your biometrics, you will receive a residence permit card, which you, in most cases, need to enter Sweden.