Working Holiday Visas in Sweden

About this visa

4 easy steps to get your working holiday visa to Sweden in just 7 days!

Work and travel in Sweden for up to one year with this working holiday visa. Apply for the visa from your laptop, as you only need 4 supporting documents to apply for this online working holiday visa. Find out how to apply below.

COVID-19 UPDATE:

EU countries are starting to reopen their borders to international travelers. However, before heading off to Europe be sure to double check with the country's Embassy or Consulate in your home country as the EU countries are not legally bound to follow this new EU recommendation.


Participating countries

Sweden has made Working Holiday visa agreements with the following 7 participating countries:

If you are a Citizen of Sweden and are considering a Working Holiday experience in one of the participating countries above, contact the Embassy of the country in question for more information.


With this visa you can

This visa allows you to:

  • Live in Sweden up to one year
  • Work for one employer for 6 months
  • Visit other European countries within the Schengen Zone

Things to note

After you have received your decision and entered Sweden you should book an appointment at the Migration Agency as soon as possible to submit your fingerprints and be photographed.

Book an appointment with your nearest Migration Agency in Sweden

You must show your decision along with a valid passport when entering Sweden.


Conditions

  • be 18–30 years old (Both ages inclusive)
  • have a valid passport
  • have at least SEK 15,000 so that you can support yourself initially in Sweden
  • have a return ticket or enough money to buy one
  • have a valid health insurance policy (unless you are a citizen of Australia)
  • not bring any children with you

Note: The visa conditions outlined above are subject to change without notice.


How to apply

  • Normal processing time: 1 week
  • Visa fee: SEK 1,000

You must apply online via the link below. It’s a pretty easy visa application process, where the most tricky part is to collect all the required documents you need to submit with the visa application form.

You need the following documents

  • copies of the pages in your passport that show your personal data, photo, signature, passport number, issuing country, validity period and if you have permission to live in countries other than your home country
  • a bank statement showing you can support yourself initially in Sweden
  • a copy of a return ticket or a document showing that you have sufficient funds to buy one
  • documents showing that you have health insurance that is valid in Sweden (does not apply to citizens of Australia).

We would recommend you to collect the required documents before applying for the visa. When applying for the visa online don’t forget to pay the visa fee (SEK 1,000).

Apply for the working holiday visa here

The immigration authority in Sweden for processing Working Holiday visa's is Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sweden (Migrationsverket).

Go to: Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sweden (Migrationsverket)


Additional resources

Here are additional links and resources related to the Working Holiday visa in Sweden. All resources are in English unless otherwise stated.

COVID-19 border restriction update:

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/may/18/europe-holidays-which-european-countries-are-easing-coronavirus-travel-restrictions-lockdown-measures


Need more help?

If you are seeking advice about Working Holiday visa's drop a comment below and we will be happy to answer any Working Holiday & Youth Mobility visa question you have! We are travellers too! 🙂

Ask a question below

60 thoughts on “Working Holiday Visas in Sweden”

  1. Hi
    I am New Zealand Citizen. My working holiday visa will expire soon will work be able to sponsor me for work permit without leaving the country and wait for decision outside Sweden?

    I work as IT Project Engineer.

    As I heard work permits with current wait times up to 1 year so i need to wait outside Sweden for 1 year once decision is made then I can move back

  2. Hi I’m from New Zealand currently visiting Pakistan. I want to apply for WH visa from here. I just wanted to ask do you need your health insurance before the decision or after because what if you get declined and you have paid for your one year health insurance?

  3. Hi There,
    I am a New Zealander looking to apply for the working holiday visa, but am not looking to travel as soon as the visa is accepted. My partner turns 31 soon so we would like to apply before it is too late, just wondering how long we would have to enter Sweden if our applications are accepted? Generally it is one year but I can’t find confirmation of this anywhere. Thanks in advance!

  4. Hey Guys,

    I am a New Zealand citizen currently living in Australia looking to apply for my working holiday visa for Sweden right now. I was wanting to know with the Covid situation and Sweden suspending most countries other than New Zealand and Australians for the working visa how long does it take to get approved?

    Does anyone have a recommendation for health insurance that I should apply for so I can I have it in my application.

    Thanks

  5. Hello. Just wondering if anyone has had any success in obtaining this visa recently? Say since December 2020? And if so how long did you wait for approval? Thank you for your help!

  6. Hi,

    Is it possible to apply for a Swedish WHV a second time after already having had one a few years ago? I notice some countries state in their requirements that you have not previously had a WHV for that particular country.

    Thanks in advance,
    Ken

  7. Hey Everyone,

    Just thought i´d let anyone looking at this page know about the current wait times for the WH visa for Sweden!

    I have been waiting now for about 10 weeks without even a decision yet. I am also now currently in Sweden and have both called and been to the immigration office to ask questions. They said they are still looking at applications but didn´t specify how long waiting times would be or if people are being approved, but I was told by one lady that it is going to be a LONG wait.

    Cheers.

  8. Hi Maria,

    Just to clarify, I am not sure when you got your Working Holiday Visa but it does not take just 7 days. I am currently in Sweden and am from Canada. When I applied the wait time was about two months for a decision and then another one month to have it sent out. I applied online the same way.

    Cheers.

  9. Hi,
    I’m 27 years old and holding an Indonesia passport but a permanent resident in Singapore and have been living in Singapore for more than 16 years. Is there any possibility that I would be able to apply for a working visa in Sweden? And if yes, what are the chances of approval?

    1. How did you end up Patrick?

      I’m in a similar situation, but have already used my Swedish WHV. Looking to apply for a Norwegian WHV now.

  10. I am currently in greece and cannot go home to Australia as there are no flights / will cost around 10,000 AUD to get home. So i want to apply for the Swedish Visa. Are they still processing them quickly? Is there a number i can call.

  11. Hello!

    I’m wondering about the 7 days. My partner (an Australian resident) has applied in the beginning of February for the WHV for Sweden. He had to resubmit one more document in the beginning of July but he has still not received his visa. Where do you have the information from that it only takes 7days to get the visa? Or do you maybe know why it takes so long?

    Best regards,

    Veronika

  12. Hi there,

    I am from NZ and wondering about the working holiday visa in Sweden. As for the age – is it up to 30 years old meaning I can be 30 when it is accepted, or only 29? Also, if I apply and don’t use it right away, how long is it valid?

    Many thanks,
    Henry

    1. Hi Henry,

      It is up to 30 years old, so the age 30 is included for applicants.
      The visa is valid for 1 year, so if you get your visa next week its valid until 03/08/2021.

      Good luck with applying.

      Cheers,
      Maria

    2. Hi!
      My partner is gonna apply for this visa. Just wondering about the processing time – on the Swedish migration page it says up to three months, but you wrote 1 Week, is that the common experience that it only takes 7 days?
      I guess with Covid processing times
      Might be different.
      Thank you for the informative post!

  13. Hi there!

    I’m a New Zealand citizen currently living in Denmark who wishes to apply for a Working Holiday visa in Sweden – Moving from Copenhagen to Malmö.

    My working holiday visa in Denmark expired during the COVID19 lockdown period and due to the lack of travel options, I have not been able to go home or move elsewhere. Now that things are beginning to open again, I would really like to apply for a Working Holiday visa in Sweden within Denmark but I’m wondering whether I would run into any issues with my application if I’m applying with an expired DK visa?

    My Danish Working Holiday visa expired at the end of May so maybe technically I am still within the 90 day visa-free period in the Schengen area (which would finish at the end of August), however due to the borders closing, I was not able to leave the Denmark for it to come into effect and therefore transition from a Working Holiday into a Tourist visa. The Danish government has also not given any extensions to expired visas.

    If it takes 8-10 weeks or longer for the application to be processed, I’m concerned that I might be overstaying for an extended amount of time in DK while waiting for a decision from Sweden – Even though options for going home are still limited and complicated.

    Help! What are your thoughts? Any insight, advice or notes would be very much appreciated!

    Thank you!

    Jacky

    1. Hi Jacky,

      It difficult to say, if you will run into issues when applying with an expired DK visa. However, due to COVID-19 they may oversee this,
      as travelers like you have had difficulty in returning home to their home country (And as New Zealand is not right next door to Scandinavia, I reckon they can oversee the expired visa in this case).

      It only takes 7 days for the Swedish Authorities to process a Working Holiday Visa Application. You can apply for the working holiday visa online here – https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Working-in-Sweden/Employed/Special-rules-for-certain-occupations-and-citizens-of-certain-countries/Working-Holiday-Visa-for-young-people.html

      My best advice for you is to submit the working holiday visa application as soon as possible and start planning your trip to Sweden, as it only takes a week for them to process it.

      Cheers
      Maria

      1. Hi Maria,

        Thank you for your advice! Really appreciate it!

        I’m wondering whether it would be a good idea to make mention of my situation with COVID and the expired visa in the statement we need to provide in the application?

        Or is the statement more focussed on the purpose of wanting to do a Working Holiday in Sweden – Learning about culture etc?

        Thank you!

        Jacky

      2. Hi Maria,

        Just to clarify, I am not sure when you got your Working Holiday Visa but it does not take just 7 days. I am currently in Sweden and am from Canada. When I applied the wait time was about two months for a decision and then another one month to have it sent out. I applied online the same way.

        Cheers.

  14. Hello,

    I am from Chile and want to apply to work and holiday visa in sweden. Do you have any recomendation on an healt insurance to get? And for how long should I get the insurance? is 6 months enough?

    1. Hi Camilla,

      Sorry we cannot give a recommendation on the best health insurance for you, as it depends on each travelers preferences.
      You will need the insurance for your whole working holiday time in Sweden.

      Cheers
      Maria

  15. Hello, i was wondering because the official page does not explaining anything about working holiday and getting sponsor by the company.
    My question is: Can this happen with a working holiday visa?

    1. Hi Pablo,

      Is your question, whether you are able to work for an employer under a working holiday visa, where they in the end of your visa period will decide to sponsor you?

      If this is the case, then yes, it does sometime happen. However, the working holiday visa is meant for young travelers to mainly travel in the country, and work casual hours to support them while traveling.

      Hopes this answers your question. If not, feel free to send me a question again 🙂

      Cheers,
      Maria

  16. Hello there!
    I think Japan is now part of the list of the countries eligible for working holiday visa.

    I have a couple questions about the visa itself:
    – Is it possible to transition to another more permanent visa while on the working holiday visa? For example, can I switch from working holiday to partner visa without living Sweden, or will i need to finish my visa and go back to my country before applying?

    – At the end of working holiday visa, is it mandatory to go back to my own country, or can I go to another? I guess the important part is just to leave Sweden?

    Thank you for all the info on this page 🙂

    1. Hi Leo,

      Its indeed. Good spotted 🙂

      From what I can read on Migrationsverket (The Swedish Foreign Affairs Department), you must apply from your home country. I found this page where they explain different scenarios of couples wishing to live in Sweden, and how the applied – https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Moving-to-someone-in-Sweden/Planning-to-marry-or-become-the-cohabiting-partner.html

      Regarding you second question, its not mandatory to go home to your own country. You can go anywhere you would like you just have to leave Sweden (just make sure you have a visa to the country). If you wish to have another working holiday visa in a neighboring country like Norway or Denmark you can do so.

      Hopes this answers your questions.

      Cheers
      Maria

  17. Hi there!
    I am an Australian and want to apply for the Swedish working holiday visa ASAP, from London as I am currently living in the U.K.

    Is it allowed to apply outside of the home country?

    Sweden is allowing entrants from the U.K. due to Covid but I read on the migration agency site that they are ‘rejecting all visa applications’… is this true and would it apply to WHA?

    To use the ‘check my visa status’ page on the website, it asked for a check number – does anyone know if this is the ‘control number referenced on the email confirmation?

    What was the processing time for most folks?

    Thanks so much

    1. Hi Lola,

      Thank you for your questions. We are happy to help!

      You can apply from the UK, as the visa application process is online.

      When I went in to their working holiday visa section it did not mention, that they are not processing any WHAs atm, so my best advice would just be to try.
      You can learn more about the Swedish WHA and the application here – https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Working-in-Sweden/Employed/Special-rules-for-certain-occupations-and-citizens-of-certain-countries/Working-Holiday-Visa-for-young-people.html

      You will receive a check number once you have applied for the visa. Its either called a check number or a case number.
      The processing time is one week, however this may vary due to COVID-19. It could take a little bit longer now.

      Hopes this helps.

      Cheers,
      Maria

      1. Thanks!! Indeed they are accepting residence permits but the embassy is telling me this usually takes 8-10 weeks, sometimes longer 🙁

        Where did you get the figure for 1week, have you heard this happening in the past?

        It’s already been 3 weeks for me now and very eager to get it…

        1. Hi Lola,

          Pre COVID-19 it would take around one week for the Swedish Authorities to process an online working holiday visa application.
          In your case, it would seem to have to take longer due to the COVID-19 pressure on the Swedish Authorities.
          If they say it will take that many weeks now, we will just have to wait a little longer sorry.

          I really hope you hear back from them soon 🙂

          Cheers,
          Maria

  18. Hiya,
    I am a 28 year old working professional, Australian citizen. I am interested in moving to Sweden in August on a working holiday visa. I have read on the Migrationsverket website that you can only be employed temporarily. Does this mean I cannot be employed on a full-time basis with one company? I also wanted to know, if I wanted to stay in Sweden to live and work after the working holiday visa is up, can I switch onto a work permit?
    Thank you very much
    Cheers
    Aimee

    1. Hi Aimee,

      Sorry about the late reply!
      You can be employed on a full time basis with one company for the duration of your working holiday visa.

      It can be difficult to get a work permit for Sweden, so our recommendation is to find a company who wishes to extend your work contract with them after the duration of your working holiday visa. They will then sponsor your stay and you will thereby get a work permit.

      Feel free to comment again for any further questions.

      Cheers
      Maria

      1. Hi Maria,

        I just wanted to confirm that if you have the working holiday visa, you can work for one company for the whole time? Would you have to get them to structure the contract as a temporary, 1 year contract to do so? Are companies willing to do this or not really?

        My Australian boyfriend is planning to move over while I study in Stockholm for a year, and he’d like to find a job in his industry (renewable energy) rather than a casual job in an unrelated industry.

        Thanks so much!

  19. Hi, I am currently in Sweden on a working holiday visa and I am from Australia.This working holiday expires in October. I would like to know if my company can sponsor me or I can go on another type of working visa? I would appreciate your help.
    Kind regards,
    Carlina

  20. Hi I already book the ticket to go Sweden for next month If apply now for this visa do you think it will be accepted in one month?
    even while the visa is processing can I leave Australia? without any problem

    1. Hi Marg,

      I’m Australian and I’ve been waiting 3.5 months for my Swedish Holiday Working Visa. They have not been able to give me an update. The information packs indicates that you need to obtain a residence permit from your nominated Embassy, which can take up to 4 weeks after the visa is approved. You should therefore remain near your nominated embassy until the visa has been approved.

      Cheers,
      Emma

  21. Hi there! My boyfriend and I are Australian and living her at this time planning to the do the working holiday visa soon. Are there any companies that assist with the visa application and finding work/accomodation? Also how long do you have to enter the country once your visa is approved? We were thinking about living in Åre but not sure how it all works, thanks.

  22. Thank you very much for spending the time to provide such detailed information.

    I am from NZ and considering applying for a working holiday visa to Sweden. During the duration of 12 months if I am lucky enough to find an employer who would be happy to sponsor me for work permit, will I be able to transit my visa from working holiday visa to a work permit while in Sweden and during this 12 months? As some countries does not allow a person on working holiday visa to apply for another type of visa during the 12 months of working holiday.

    Thank you for your time in advance

  23. I’m currently living in France but am an Australian. Is there anywhere in France/Switzerland I can get my fingerprints/photograph taken for my Swedish working holiday visa application? Thanks in advance!

  24. Hi,

    I have secured employment in Sweden for a period of 4 months next year and wish to apply for the Working holiday Visa, I cannot seem to find any information on where to submit my application however.

    I am from New Zealand and under 30 years old, so eligible for the visa but do I need to send my application to Australia ( I believe Canberra might be the closest consulate?) Or is there somewhere online to submit the application?
    Thank you!

  25. Hi I’m thinking to visit Sweden with working holiday visa
    I am 30years old and want to start working holiday as late a possible due to I have a job now
    I’m gonna be 31 on the 27th of January next year
    Can I get visa when I’m still 30 and be at Sweden after I turned 31?
    Is there are due date? For start the visa? Thanks

    1. Hi PJ, thanks for asking. The rule is that the residence visa must be submitted, processed and issued before the day of your 31st birthday, once the visa has been issued (typically in the form of a Passport insert or as a “residence card”) you are then free to arrive and leave Sweden for the duration of your visa. In any case I would reach out to the Swedish Consulate or Embassy to clarify this. Depending on where you are applying from you may need to apply via a “visa processor” which introduces delays to the processing and issuing of residence visa’s.

  26. Hi there, I am a Canadian currently in Canada and I am in the process of applying for a working holiday visa in Sweden. I understand that I must show proof of an airline ticket in order to apply for the visa. I am looking at booking my airline ticket for September 12th. Is this a reasonable timeframe or would you recommend that I book later? Also, would I need to pick up my decision in person at the Swedish Embassy in Ottawa, Canada? Or would it be mailed/emailed to me? I am in a different province, so would need to include this in my flight plans if that is the case. For the insurance policy, is there a certain level of hospitalization/repatriation coverage that is required or will any amount suffice? Thank you for your time!

  27. I am a graduate urban planner I am hoping to move over to Stockholm in next few months to be with my partner however I am struggling to find work. I think it would be easier if I lived there to find employment. Can I come over with a work/holiday visa then apply for a work permit?

    1. Hi Dannie, thanks for asking. Yes if you eligible for the Working Holiday/Youth Mobility visa then this is an easy way to get a long-term residence visa in Sweden before transitioning to a traditional work visa. Please note that you cannot bring your partner with you on a Working Holiday visa, they will need to apply for their own visa which could also be a Working Holiday/Youth Mobility visa if eligible.

  28. Thank you for posting such great information! Could you let me know where I can check the jobs, salaries and employment period I can have with the working holiday visa? For example, you wrote that I can work for one employee for 6 months and I wonder how you found the info! Thank you for your help in advance.

  29. Hi there,

    everywhere online it states that it takes 3 months to receive working holiday visa but you’re saying 1 week. Is that the current processing time?

    1. Hi Saga, thanks for asking. Visa processing times are very much dependant on complete documentation being supplied. Reach out to your nearest Swedish Consulate or Embassy as they will have a better idea of current Working Holiday/Youth Mobility processing times in Sweden.

  30. My boyfriend applayed for the swedish working visa today, but he already has a ticket to sweden at 12/9 do you think that is enough time?

    And will he arrive his working holiday visa on email or dose he need to go to the ambassad to pick it up?

    1. Hey! Did he get the visa before he arrived? What happened? My girlfriend is also applying now but we are worried about the processing times.

  31. Hi there and great info!
    Am I to understand that I can work for 6 months with only one employer or 6 months with one and then potentially 6 months with another?

  32. Hi,

    I’m a Canadian, currently in Canada.
    I’m wondering if I could apply for the Working Holiday Visa if I’ve been an AuPair in Sweden for 5 months?

    My purpose for the Work Holiday will be to improve my Swedish skills in a work environment, and to obtain better training for my work.

    In the Working Holiday Visa agreement between Canada and Sweden, there are 5 criteria’s, you need to meet at least one. And you are able to apply to this scheme twice, if you meet two different criteria’s each time.

    So I’m wondering if since you’re allowed to apply twice to this scheme, would that then mean I can apply for the Working Holiday Visa if I was an AuPair? (Just learning Swedish, and the culture).

    I spoke with Immigration, and she said that the AuPair and Working Holiday Visa descriptions are the same and that they may think that I’ve “already experienced Swedish culture”, and it may be denied, but she mentioned, that I’m still able to apply.

    If I apply for this permit, should I mention in the application that my criteria is different this time around?

    Also, it states that you need 15,000 SEK in your bank as proof as initial financial support for yourself. Are there ways around this? Can you borrow from a parent, or get a note written that you will have support from you let family?

    Kind Regards,

    Kyle

    1. Hi Kyle, thanks for asking. That’s weird as the Working Holiday/Youth Mobility visa and Au Pair visa program have different goals, I would apply anyway; worst case they decline it and you look at a Working Holiday visa opportunities in Denmark or Germany then spend some time in Sweden! The Swedish immigration system is fully digitised so they will see your last stay, I would be upfront and honest in your intentions to spend more time experiencing Swedish culture and general way of life which you were unable to due to your responsibilites during your Au Pair stay.

      Regarding the financial requirement, this is simply to justify to Swedish immigration that you will be self-sufficient during your stay, they do not care where the money comes from so a letter of support from family or 24 hour bank transfer for the purpose of a screenshot is fine. Remember you still need comprehensive travel insurance, if you’re going to that much work immigration consider you low risk. 🙂

  33. Hello, I am from Canada and living in Canada currently, I am 26 years old, and I wanted to know how this works mainly. In order to be eligible for a working holiday visa I would need the 15 000 SEK? To show that I have enough funds? Am I able to obtain a working holiday visa with just the 15 000 SEK and the 1000 SEK fee without a job? Or, would I also have to find a job beforehand? Or lastly, is it possible to go through a program which places you at a job once you’ve paid the 1000 SEK as well as having 15 000 SEK? Thank you!

    1. Hi Joshua, thanks or asking, typically immigration don’t care that you have 15,000 SEK in your bank account just that you have the ability to support yourself and not be a burden on the country for the duration of your stay. You do not need to have 15,000 SEK but a document to support your ability to support yourself will only help. I remember applying for my Danish Working Holiday visa and asking my folks to send some money into my account for 48 hours, it’s a step in the visa application, nothing more.

      Regarding work, holding a Working Holiday visa gives you the ability to work, if you choose to, it is not a requirement, you can spend 12 months exploring Sweden and wider Europe without working a day if you have the ability to support yourself for the duration of your stay. Most people do some casual work at some point though as a year without drinking beer isn’t an easy feat; alcohol isn’t cheap in Sweden, but not as expensive as Norway, just so you’re aware! Wishing you a great adventure, if you have any questions just ping us here. 🙂

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