Your work permit is limited to the specific employer and occupation indicated in your decision. You may need to apply for a new work permit if you change jobs.
The first 24 months
During the first 24 months, the work permit is limited to the specific employer and occupation indicated in your decision. You must apply for a new work permit if you are offered a new job during this period of time. Once you have submitted your application, you are permitted to begin working for your new employer before receiving a decision, provided that you submitted your application before the previous permit expired. Your new employer must have advertised the position in Sweden and within EU/EES and Switzerland before you begin working.
Change of organization registration number or change of ownership
Your work permit is no-longer valid if the company where you work changes organization registration number, if your employer changes (e.g. through a merger or change of ownership), if your job description or the terms of your employment change. You must therefore apply for a new work permit. Once you have submitted your application, you are permitted to begin working before receiving a decision, provided that you submitted your application before the previous permit expired.
After 24 months
If you have had a work permit for 24 months and have obtained an extension of your work permit, you are permitted to change employer without applying for a new work permit, provided you are in the same occupation. If your new job is in a different occupation, you must apply for a new work permit. Once you have submitted your application, you are permitted to begin working before receiving a decision, provided that you submitted your application before the previous permit expired. Your new employer must have advertised the position in Sweden and within EU/EES and Switzerland before you begin working.
If you resign or get laid off
If you resign from your job or get laid off, you are permitted to remain in Sweden and apply for a new job for three months. You will need to have a valid residence permit during that period. If your permit is going to expire soon, you may submit an application for the extension of your residence and work permit. You will need a job offer in order to apply for an extension.
When you apply for work, you need to include copies of documents which show that you have the right to stay and work in Sweden. You must also bring your residence permit card with you. The employer will want to know for how long you have the right to work in Sweden and if there are any limitations to your permit. Your new employer will require a copy of these documents and will notify the Swedish Tax Agency of your employment.
If you get a new job and have had a work permit for less than 24 months, you must apply for a new work permit. If your new job involves a change of occupation or profession, you will need to submit a new application, no matter how long you have previously held a work permit. Once you have submitted your application, you are permitted to begin working before receiving a decision, provided that you submitted your application before the previous permit expired. Your new employer must have advertised the position in Sweden and within EU/EES and Switzerland before you begin working.
Source: Migrationsverket
~ VNS Consulting
