Best Work Permit Lawyers in Solna

About Work Permit Law in Solna, Sweden

Work permit rules that apply in Sweden also apply in Solna. The Swedish Migration Agency handles most residence and work permit applications for non-EU/EEA nationals. Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland generally do not need a work permit to take employment in Sweden, but they may need to register with Swedish authorities if they stay long-term. Employers in Solna must meet Swedish requirements when hiring non-EU/EEA nationals - the job offer, salary and working conditions must meet Swedish standards and collective agreement levels where relevant. Local public authorities and employers in Solna, such as healthcare, research institutions and private companies, routinely work with these procedures, but applicants often benefit from careful preparation and, in some cases, legal advice.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many work-permit cases are straightforward and handled without legal representation. However, you may need a lawyer if any of the following apply:

- Your initial application is refused or delayed and you need to prepare an appeal.

- You have a complicated employment relationship - for example an intra-company transfer, EU Blue Card application, self-employment or start-up case, or multiple employers.

- You have complicating personal circumstances such as a criminal record, previous immigration refusals, or a dependent family situation that affects residence rights.

- You need help understanding employer obligations and how to document compliance with advertising and collective bargaining requirements.

- You plan to change employer or job role while a permit is in force and need to check whether you must apply for a new permit or notify the authorities.

- You face enforcement action, threatened deportation, or need urgent interim measures for work or residence.

In these situations a lawyer who specialises in immigration and labour law can explain options, draft appeals, liaise with authorities and help preserve your right to stay and work in Sweden.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal points relevant to work permits in Solna include the following:

- Eligibility and authority - The Swedish Migration Agency decides residence permits for work for non-EU/EEA nationals. EU/EEA citizens have freedom of movement but must comply with registration and tax rules for longer stays.

- Job and salary requirements - A job offered to a non-EU/EEA worker must meet Swedish standards for salary and working conditions. Where collective agreements exist, the salary and terms normally need to align with those agreements.

- Advertising and labour market consideration - Employers are usually required to advertise the vacancy in Sweden and the EU/EEA for a specified period before offering the position to a non-EU/EEA worker, unless an exception applies. Documentation of recruitment efforts is important.

- Family reunification - Spouses and dependent children of people granted work-related residence permits may be entitled to residence and work rights, subject to specific requirements and separate applications.

- Changing employer or work - Changes in employment may require a new permit or a notification to the Migration Agency. Working for multiple employers may also require specific handling.

- Extensions and continuous residence - Work permits are usually time-limited and must be extended before expiry if the conditions remain. Continuous lawful residence may be relevant for later permanent residence applications.

- Rights and obligations - Both employer and employee have duties under Swedish labour and tax law. Employers must follow employment protection rules and register employees correctly for taxes and social contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a work permit to work in Solna if I am an EU or EEA citizen?

No. Citizens of EU and EEA countries and Switzerland do not need a work permit to work in Sweden. However, if you plan to stay longer than a short period you should register with the Swedish Tax Agency and keep records showing you are working or able to support yourself. Different rules apply to long-term stays and to family members who are not EU/EEA nationals.

How do I apply for a work permit if I am not from the EU or EEA?

Applications for a work-related residence permit are submitted to the Swedish Migration Agency. Typically the application is based on a concrete job offer from an employer in Sweden and must include the employment contract, information on salary and working conditions, and documents proving that recruitment requirements have been met. In some cases you can apply from within Sweden, but commonly you apply from your home country. You should follow current guidance from the Migration Agency when preparing your application.

What documents will an employer in Solna need to provide?

An employer must provide the job offer or employment contract with details of duties, salary, working hours and other terms. Employers should also document recruitment steps taken in Sweden and the EU/EEA, evidence of the need to hire from outside the EU/EEA, and evidence that the salary and conditions meet Swedish standards or relevant collective agreements.

Can I bring my family to Sweden if I have a work permit?

Often yes. Spouses or registered partners and dependent children may apply for residence permits to join the permit holder. Family members may also have the right to work in Sweden, but separate applications and documentation are usually required. Family reunification rules are specific and depend on the type and duration of the principal applicant's permit.

What happens if my work permit application is refused?

If the Migration Agency refuses a work permit, the decision will state the reason and provide information on appeal rights and deadlines. You can normally appeal the decision to the Migration Court. A lawyer can help prepare the appeal, gather supporting evidence, and represent you in the appeals process. Acting promptly is important because strict time limits apply.

Can I start working before my permit is granted?

Working before a valid permit is granted can be illegal for non-EU/EEA nationals and can harm your application. There are very limited situations where you may work while an application is pending, such as certain changes for already permitted workers. Always check the specific rules that apply to your situation before starting employment.

What is an EU Blue Card and is it used in Solna?

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly skilled non-EU nationals who meet education and salary threshold requirements. Sweden participates in the Blue Card system, and employers in Solna can sponsor Blue Card applications where the job and applicant meet the conditions. The Blue Card may offer a path to longer-term residence for highly qualified workers.

How long does it take to get a work permit decision?

Processing times vary depending on the type of permit, the completeness of the application and the Migration Agency workload. Some straightforward cases are processed more quickly, while complex applications or cases requiring additional checks take longer. Applicants should check estimated processing times and apply well in advance of intended start dates.

Can I change employer or role while my work permit is valid?

Changing employer or changing your role may affect the validity of your permit. In many cases you must apply for a new permit or a variation of the permit before starting substantially different employment. Minor changes may be permitted, but you should check requirements and notify the Migration Agency where needed to avoid breaches of your permit conditions.

How do I choose a lawyer in Solna who handles work permit cases?

Look for a lawyer or law firm with specific experience in immigration and employment law in Sweden. Check membership in relevant professional bodies, client references, and whether the lawyer has handled cases similar to yours such as appeals, EU Blue Card cases or employer compliance matters. Ask about fees, the expected timeline and the lawyer's approach to communication. If affordability is a concern, ask whether fixed-fee options or limited-scope services are available.

Additional Resources

When seeking advice and preparing applications you can use several Swedish organisations and resources for up-to-date information and support. Key bodies include the Swedish Migration Agency for visa and residence permit rules, the Swedish Public Employment Service for job-market questions and vacancy advertisement rules, the Swedish Tax Agency for registration and personal identity numbers, and Solna municipality for local integration and employment support. For legal representation and oversight, consult lawyers who specialise in immigration and employment law and consider checking membership and professional standards through the Swedish Bar Association. Local trade unions and employer organisations can also advise on collective agreements and salary standards that affect work-permit applications.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance for a work-permit matter in Solna follow these steps:

- Gather key documents - employment contract, passport, diplomas, CV, evidence of advertising and recruitment steps, and any prior decision from the Migration Agency.

- Contact the Swedish Migration Agency to confirm current procedural requirements and processing times for your specific case.

- If your case is straightforward, consider preparing the application carefully and applying with guidance from official checklists. If your case is complex or there is a refusal, consult a lawyer experienced in Swedish immigration and labour law.

- When choosing a lawyer, ask about experience with work-permit cases, likely outcomes, fees and the expected timetable. Request a clear engagement letter outlining the scope of work.

- Act promptly if you receive a negative decision - appeals are time-limited and early legal involvement can preserve options.

Seeking professional advice early can reduce delays and increase the chance of a successful outcome. Use official agencies for basic requirements and documentation, and use a specialised lawyer when the facts or procedural risks require legal expertise.