Working in Sweden

Sweden is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe that borders Norway and Finland. The country, which is part of the European Union, is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy.

The country is highly developed and is a world leader in terms of technology, health and education.

Like other Scandinavian countries, Sweden has very low population density throughout what is one of the largest land masses for a European nation. In 2012, the country’s population was edging towards 10 million, with more than 20% of its inhabitants living in the capital, Stockholm.

The Working Holiday program between Australia and Sweden was setup to encourage cultural exchange and closer ties between the two countries by allowing young people to have an extended holiday funded by short-term employment.

Under the arrangement, Australians aged between 18 and 30 are allowed to travel to Sweden for a working holiday for up to 12 months.

Sweden’s Working Holiday visa summary

Visa: Working holiday
Age: 18 to 30 (at time application is received)
Length of stay: 12 months
Application fee: $180
Processing time: 8-10 weeks

Requirements / Eligibility for a Working Holiday in Sweden includes:

If you want to travel to Sweden under Working Holiday arrangements there are basic eligibility requirements. These include:

• Hold an Australian passport
• Meet health and character requirements
• Be aged between 18 and 30 at the time of applying
• Have no dependent children accompanying you
• Have a return ticket, or sufficient funds for a return or onward fare
• Have sufficient funds for the first part of the holiday (at least $3000).

Emergency

Police, fire & medical emergency            112
Australian Embassy, Stockholm
Klarabergsviadukten 63, 8th Floor
111 64 Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone: +46 (0) 8 613 2900
Facsimile:   +46 (0) 8 613 2982
Email: reception@austemb.se
Website: www.sweden.embassy.gov.au

Tax System

Taxation in Sweden on salaries takes place at three levels of government: municipality, county council, and Swedish government. Sweden uses a PAYE tax system for income tax on salaries, with the country commonly regarded as having income taxes among the highest in the world. Tax rates in Sweden are determined on a progressive scale with the top tax rate currently 56.5%, putting the country alongside Denmark in this category.

Bank Account

Opening a bank account as an expat in Sweden requires several pieces of documentation be presented at a branch, including: passport, tax number, proof of address and proof of employment. Each bank account will usually include a debit card and option to open a savings account.

The major banks in Italy include: Nordea Bank AB, Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB, Svenska Handelsbanken AB and Swedbank AB. Many foreign banks, such as HSBC and Barclays, can also be located in Sweden.

Working in Sweden

Many international companies with Anglo origins are based in Sweden, and in particular the capital, Stockholm. The primary industries that fuel Sweden’s economy include timber, hydropower and iron ore. People with backgrounds in the resources industry may find opportunities in the area as the sector continues to grow in Sweden.

Teaching English is an excellent option for expats in Sweden on a working holiday. According to TEFL (Teaching English as a foreign language), there is a high demand for English tuition in Sweden due to its proximity to the United Kingdom and for use in business and the tourism industry.