Employment
You work for an employer under agreed employment terms. Ask for clear written information about your role, working time, pay and the duration of employment.
EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIPPractical guidance
Working in Sweden: know before you proceed.
Understand the type of opportunity, the details you should receive and where to find official information before you make a decision.
Start with three questions
- Who is responsible for the opportunity?
- What are the terms and compensation?
- Do I have the right setup and eligibility?
Not every paid opportunity is employment.
Before you accept an opportunity, find out what kind of arrangement it is. This affects your terms, responsibilities and the protections that may apply.
Temporary or staffing work
You may be employed by a staffing organisation and carry out work for another organisation. Confirm who employs you and who manages the daily work.
EMPLOYER + CLIENT MAY DIFFERFreelance or independent assignment
You may be providing a service rather than becoming an employee. Tax, invoicing, insurance and equipment responsibilities can differ and should be confirmed first.
INDEPENDENT ARRANGEMENTPaid study or digital task
Compensation for research participation or a one-off task is not automatically salary or employment. Check the purpose, time commitment, payment and data use.
MAY NOT BE EMPLOYMENTIf the opportunity type is unclear, ask before continuing. A payment amount alone does not explain whether you are an employee, contractor or participant.
Get the important details in writing.
A clear opportunity should tell you who is involved, what you will do and what happens next.
- Responsible organisationThe legal name of the employer, client, research organisation or platform.
- Role and place of workYour tasks and whether the work is onsite, hybrid or remote from an approved location.
- Working timeExpected hours, schedule, start date, duration and any availability requirements.
- CompensationThe amount, whether it is gross or net, what it covers and when and how it will be paid.
- Agreement and responsibilitiesThe type of arrangement, notice or cancellation terms, equipment, expenses, tax and insurance responsibilities.
- Contact and supportWho to contact with questions, problems or concerns while completing the work.
Basic rights at work
Swedish law sets rules for employment carried out in Sweden. Many workplaces also have collective agreements that affect working conditions. The exact rules depend on your arrangement.
Health and safety
Employers have responsibility for the work environment. Follow safety instructions and raise risks or concerns early.
Hours, rest and breaks
The Working Hours Act covers areas such as working time, rest and breaks, but collective agreements may replace parts of the Act.
Respect at work
Harassment, bullying and discrimination should not be accepted. Official authorities can explain the protections and routes for help.
Terms of employment
Make sure your role, pay, working time and duration are clear. Keep copies of agreements, messages and payment records.
Location still matters
“Remote” does not always mean “work from anywhere.” Confirm the permitted country, working environment and equipment arrangements.
Additional conditions
A collective agreement may regulate pay and other employment conditions. Ask the employer whether one applies to the workplace.
Check your right to work and your tax position.
Do not rely on the word “remote” to decide where you may work or where income is taxed.
Right to work
EU/EEA citizens and people who already hold certain Swedish residence permits may have different rights from other applicants. People outside the EU/EEA will, in most cases, need a work permit. Only the relevant authority can confirm your situation.
Check with the Swedish Migration AgencyTax and registration
Tax treatment can depend on where you live, how long you stay, where the work is performed and the type of income. Income from outside Sweden may also need to be considered.
Visit the Swedish Tax AgencyThis page provides general orientation, not legal, immigration or tax advice. Official requirements may change.
If something feels wrong, stop and check.
A legitimate opportunity should withstand reasonable questions about the organisation, the work and the payment.
If you are unsureDo not send money or sensitive information. Stop the process, keep the messages and verify the organisation through an independent channel.
Official information
Use these independent public resources for the latest rules and guidance relevant to your situation.
ArbetsförmedlingenPublic employment services and information for jobseekers.↗MigrationsverketWork permits, residence rights and immigration information.↗SkatteverketTax and registration information for people working in Sweden.↗ArbetsmiljöverketWork environment, working hours and workplace safety.↗EURESLiving and working information for European labour mobility.↗Equality OmbudsmanInformation about discrimination and equal rights.↗
Jobbkontoret is an independent workforce matching organisation. We are not a government agency and do not claim a partnership with the organisations listed above. External links are provided for information only.
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