Working whilst you have applied for international protection (asylum)

Can I work whilst applying for international protection (asylum)?

You are allowed to start working six months after you have applied for international protection (asylum) with the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket). You may be able to start working before then if you have received a decision from Migrationsverket granting you the right to work. Read more about the new rules and the requirements you need to meet on Migrationsverket’s website.

New rules on the right to work for people applying for international protection (migrationsverket.se)

Coordination number required

You must have a coordination number from the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) to receive wages and pay tax in Sweden.

Information about coordination number (skatteverket.se)

Can I continue to work if I have an AT-UND?

If you have an AT-UND – an exception from the work permit requirement – you will retain it and can continue to work as before, even after the new law came into force.

Asylum seekers from Ukraine are not affected

The change regarding the right to work applies only to people applying for international protection (asylum). If you have been granted temporary protection under the Temporary Protection Directive, you are not affected. You have the same right to work in Sweden as before, as a permit under the Temporary Protection Directive also includes a work permit.

Create a skills profile

Create a skills profile with us and help employers find you! In this profile, you list your skills and experience. When you have published your information, it will be easier for employers to contact you.

Create a skills profile

Salary and tax

If you have received money from Migrationsverket whilst applying for international protection (asylum) and then find a job, you must inform Migrationsverket. This means you cannot work and receive financial support at the same time.