Sweden is facing labour shortages in nearly 40 occupations, the 2023 EURES report on shortages and surpluses has revealed.

Among the most impacted sectors emerged healthcare, education, security, machinery repair and maintenance, Schengen.News reports.

Although labour shortages challenge the country’s economy, they may be a great opportunity for foreigners looking to move and work in Sweden. According to the recent European Labour Authority’s report, some of occupations grappling with shortages in Sweden are as follows:

1. Bus and tram drivers
2. Butchers, fishmongers and related food preparers
3. Motor vehicle mechanics and repairers
4. Security guards
5. Home-based personal care workers
6. Police inspectors and detectives
7. Medical secretaries
8. Medical and pathology laboratory technicians
9. Incinerator and water treatment plant operators
10. Mechanical engineering technicians
11. Psychologists
12. Systems analysts
13. Special needs teachers
14. Early childhood educators
15. Primary school teachers
16. Health professionals not elsewhere classified
17. Environmental and occupational health and hygiene professionals
18. Dentists
19. Midwifery professionals
20. Nursing professionals
21. Generalist/Specialist medical practitioners

The EURES list includes another 19 shortage occupations and 95 surpluses as well.

Some Parts of Sweden Are Crying Out for Staff, Labour Minister Says

In addition to the EURES report, Sweden’s officials have also underscored the country’s challenges in the labour market. The Swedish Minister of Labour, Johan Pehrson, said in an earlier statement that some regions of the country are “crying out for staff”.

Some parts of the country are crying out for staff at the same time as unemployment is increasing. It doesn’t add up.

This implies that foreigners who belong to any of the most in-demand jobs, may have a higher chance of securing employment and a work visa in Sweden.

Work Emerged as the Primary Reason for Granting Residence Permits During First 5 Months of 2024

Another indication of Sweden’s need for foreign workers is the recent surge in the number of issued work permits. The country’s Migration Agency statistics show that Sweden granted 11,760 work permits between January and May 2024, marking a 30 per cent increase compared to the same months in 2023.

Moreover, employment emerged as the most common reason for granting a residence permit during the first five months of 2024.

The highest number of work permits were granted for roles requiring in-depth university competence and those requiring university education or equivalent.

A notable figure of work permits were also granted for occupations related to service, care, sales, construction, and manufacturing.

In addition, the Migration Agency has revealed that the average waiting time for highly qualified workers has been reduced to under 30 days.

Who Needs a Visa in Order to Work in Sweden?

Citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland are not required to have a work visa in order to work in Sweden.

Individuals from the rest of the countries have to apply for a work visa if they intend to work in the Swedish country. However, in order to obtain a Sweden work visa, among other things, they must have a job offer/contract, the offered salary must be at least €1220 (SEK 13,000) per month and the respective employer must provide insurance that covers health, life, employment and pension.