Sweden’s labour market in 2026 is driven by two forces: ongoing skill shortages in key sectors and demographic trends that are widening gaps in essential services. With domestic talent insufficient to meet demand, international workers are increasingly relied upon to fill critical roles and support the country’s economic and technological growth.

Official data from the Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen), Sweden, shows that nearly one-third of employers struggle to find qualified workers, particularly in technical roles, healthcare, construction trades, and advanced manufacturing. These trends are creating significant job opportunities in Sweden for foreigners, especially for professionals with formal qualifications and documented experience.

Top 10 Highest-Paying Occupations in 2026


Occupation

Average monthly salary (SEK)

Approx. annual salary (SEK)

Finance and insurance managers (level 1)

158,900

1,906,800

Senior government officials

115,200

1,382,400

Finance dealers & brokers

106,500

1,278,000

Specialist physicians

93,600

1,123,200

Directors & chief executives

92,100

1,105,200

Finance managers (level 1)

91,700

1,100,400

Research & development managers (level 1)

89,500

1,074,000

Financial & insurance managers (level 2)

88,000

1,056,000

Real estate & administration managers (level 1)

85,100

1,021,200

Information, communication & PR managers (level 1)

83,400

1,000,800


According to Eurostat, as of June 2025, Sweden’s job vacancy rate stood at 2.1%, signalling a real demand for workers and reinforcing that there are increasing job opportunities in Sweden for foreigners in 2026 across multiple sectors.

  1. Technology & Engineering (highest recruitment intensity)

Sweden’s digital push is accelerating across fintech, AI, cloud engineering, cybersecurity, embedded systems and the fast-expanding EV ecosystem. Firms in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö continue to recruit foreign specialists because domestic talent supply cannot keep pace.

Roles include:

  • Software developers (backend, full-stack, Java, NET)

  • Data scientists, data engineers & AI/ML specialists

  • Cloud engineers (AWS, Azure, GCP)

  • Cybersecurity analysts & SOC engineers

  • Electrical, mechanical & automotive engineers (EV & battery tech)

  1. Healthcare & Medical Services (severe structural shortage)

Regional health authorities have reported longstanding shortages of physicians, nurses, dentists and allied health staff. Sweden’s ageing population and expanding healthcare needs mean that this sector offers abundant opportunities for foreigners. 

  • Specialist physicians

  • Registered nurses

  • Psychologists & therapists

  • Medical laboratory scientists

  • Dentists & dental hygienists

  1. Construction, Infrastructure & Skilled Trades

Government-backed infrastructure upgrades and new housing developments are generating demand for skilled labour. According to official labour-market forecasts, shortages are particularly strong in:

  • Electricians

  • Plumbers

  • HVAC technicians

  • Heavy-vehicle mechanics

  • Civil construction workers

  • Machine operators

  1. Education, Research & Academia

Universities and research institutions in Sweden continue to attract foreign academics and researchers. Growth areas include:

  • Environmental sciences

  • Biotechnology

  • Materials engineering

  • AI research

  • Public health and epidemiology

Doctoral and post-doctoral opportunities are especially strong in universities in Uppsala, Lund, Stockholm and Gothenburg.

  1. Logistics, Transport & Warehousing

E-commerce expansion has created sustained demand for logistics personnel. Employers are seeking:

  • Warehouse coordinators

  • Forklift operators

  • Delivery drivers with EU-compatible licences

  • Supply-chain planners

  • Export/import documentation specialists

Although not always high-paying, these roles provide accessible entry routes for foreigners, especially those already living in Sweden on student or dependent permits.

  1. Hospitality & Service Sector

While more seasonal, Sweden’s tourism and hospitality sector offers opportunities for foreigners in hotels, restaurants and retail, especially in major cities and winter-tourism regions. Roles include:

Hotel front-desk staff
Restaurant servers & kitchen assistants
Baristas & hospitality supervisors
Retail sales associates

Basic Swedish is helpful but not always mandatory.

Official permit & salary rules that foreigners must meet

Requirement

Sweden Work-Permit Rules

Minimum Salary Threshold

Work-permit approval is tied to the official median wage (SEK 37,100 as of June 2025). Most applicants must meet at least 80% of the median (~SEK 29,680/month), with a planned increase to 90% for non-shortage occupations in mid-2026.

Collective Agreement Compliance

Employers must offer pay, benefits, working hours and conditions that align with the sector’s collective agreements or established industry standards.

Written Employment Contract

A complete contract is required, stating the role, monthly salary, working hours, benefits, employment duration, and working conditions. 

Mandatory Insurances

Employers must provide four statutory insurances from the start of employment: health, life, occupational injury, and occupational pension.

Employer Verification

The Migration Agency evaluates whether the employer is financially stable, follows tax and labour laws, and is capable of paying the offered salary.

Shortage Occupations Flexibility

Roles in IT, healthcare, engineering, and technical trades may have slightly more flexible assessments, as long as the salary meets collective-agreement levels.

Important Policy Update:

  • The Swedish government has announced that the maintenance salary requirement will tighten in 2026.

  • The proposed change increases the threshold to 90% of the national median wage (effective mid-2026).

  • This higher threshold will apply primarily to non-shortage occupations.

  • Exemptions may still apply for roles covered by collective-agreement wage levels or officially recognised shortage occupations.

  • Employers will need to ensure that salary offers are aligned with the new rule before submitting work-permit applications.

  • Foreign applicants should expect stricter salary verification and more detailed compliance checks from the Migration Agency.

In 2026, Sweden offers strong opportunities for foreigners with in-demand skills and knowledge of salary and contract requirements. Senior roles pay well, and public services support integration, but rising permit salary thresholds make it crucial to secure competitive, properly documented offers.