Last Updated on December 7, 2025 by TrendyAcads
“Sweden reported over 210,000 labour shortages in 2024, with manufacturing, food processing, logistics, and metal industries among the most understaffed sectors.” — Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen)
Sweden is one of Europe’s most advanced manufacturing nations, known for precision engineering, clean production environments, and strong worker protections. Due to labour shortages, an ageing workforce, and growing industrial output, Swedish employers are now hiring foreigners for factory jobs with visa sponsorship in 2025.
From automotive manufacturing to food processing, metal fabrication, packaging, electronics, and logistics, Sweden offers excellent opportunities for international applicants — with competitive salaries, safe workplaces, and a clear visa pathway.
This guide explains everything you need to know: salaries, visa types, employer lists, requirements, benefits, and how to apply.
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Why Sweden Is Hiring Factory Workers in 2025
1. Large workforce shortage
Manufacturing companies cannot find enough local workers, especially in rural areas.
2. High-volume industrial production
Sweden is a major exporter of:
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automotive parts
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heavy machinery
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food products
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electronics
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packaging materials
3. Ageing population
Retirements are rapidly outpacing new workers.
4. Government policies supporting migrant labour
Work visas for reputable employers have become faster and more structured.
5. Expansion of logistics & e-commerce
Factories connected to warehousing and supply chains need more staff.
What Factory Jobs in Sweden Involve
Factory roles typically include:
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assembling products
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machine operation
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packaging goods
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sorting materials
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maintaining production lines
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cleaning and sanitizing
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inspecting product quality
Most roles require:
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basic English
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physical ability
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willingness to work shifts
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ability to follow safety rules
Employers usually offer:
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training
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union protection
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paid leave
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work insurance
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comfortable work environments
Top Factory Jobs in Sweden with Visa Sponsorship 2025
1. Production Line Workers
Tasks:
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assembling components
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monitoring conveyor belts
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sorting raw and finished items
Salary: SEK 23,000 – 28,000/month (€2,000 – €2,400)
2. Packaging & Sorting Assistants
Tasks:
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packing goods
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applying labels
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inspecting items
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preparing goods for shipment
Salary: SEK 22,000 – 26,000/month (€1,900 – €2,300)
3. Machine Operators
Tasks:
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operating automated equipment
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adjusting machine settings
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basic troubleshooting
Salary: SEK 26,000 – 32,000/month (€2,300 – €2,800)
4. Food Processing Factory Workers
Industries:
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meat processing
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bakery & confectionery
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dairy products
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ready-made meals
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fish & seafood
Salary: SEK 23,000 – 28,000/month
5. Automotive & Metal Factory Workers
Tasks:
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metal cutting
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welding support
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assembly of vehicles and parts
Salary: SEK 26,000 – 34,000/month (€2,300 – €3,000)
High demand due to companies like Volvo and Scania.
6. Timber & Paper Processing Workers
Tasks:
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packaging timber
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feeding machines
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sorting paper products
Salary: SEK 23,000 – 29,000/month
Visa Options for Factory Workers in Sweden
Foreign applicants typically apply for the Swedish Work Permit.
1. Work Permit for Employees
Most factory jobs fall under this visa category.
Requirements:
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job offer from a Swedish employer
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employer registered with Swedish Tax Agency
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salary meets minimum wage (at least SEK 14,300/month, but factories pay more)
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insurance coverage provided by employer
Permit validity: 2 years, renewable.
2. EU Blue Card
Applicable for technical or specialized factory roles.
3. Seasonal Worker Visa
Used for short-term food or timber processing roles.
4. Permanent Work Permit
After 4 years of work in Sweden during a 7-year period.
Top Companies Hiring Factory Workers in Sweden
Automotive & Machinery
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Volvo Group
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Scania AB
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SKF
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Husqvarna
Electronics & Appliances
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Electrolux
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Ericsson
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ABB Sweden
Food Processing
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Arla Foods
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Swedish Match
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Orkla Foods
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Findus
Metal & Heavy Industry
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SSAB
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Sandvik
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Outokumpu
Packaging & Timber
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Tetra Pak
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SCA
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Stora Enso
Many employers hire through agencies such as Lernia, Manpower, and Adecco Sweden.
Salary Breakdown for Factory Jobs in Sweden
| Job Role | Monthly Salary (SEK) | Monthly Salary (EUR Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Production Worker | 23,000 – 28,000 | €2,000 – €2,400 |
| Packaging Worker | 22,000 – 26,000 | €1,900 – €2,300 |
| Machine Operator | 26,000 – 32,000 | €2,300 – €2,800 |
| Food Factory Worker | 23,000 – 28,000 | €2,000 – €2,400 |
| Metal Worker | 26,000 – 34,000 | €2,300 – €3,000 |
| Timber/Paper Worker | 23,000 – 29,000 | €2,000 – €2,500 |
Overtime is common and increases earnings significantly.
Cost of Living in Sweden (Monthly)
| Expense | Cost (SEK) |
|---|---|
| Shared accommodation | 3,500 – 6,000 |
| Food | 2,000 – 3,000 |
| Transport | 500 – 950 |
| Utilities | 500 – 1,000 |
Affordable regions:
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Gothenburg
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Örebro
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Västerås
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Umeå
Expensive region:
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Stockholm
Requirements for Factory Jobs in Sweden
General requirements:
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valid passport
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job offer
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employer sponsorship
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clean criminal record
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medical fitness
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English (basic)
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proof of accommodation
Optional:
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beginner Swedish
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previous factory experience
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forklift training
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How to Apply for Factory Jobs in Sweden (Step-by-Step)
1 — Create a Swedish-style CV
Short, clean, skill-focused.
2 — Apply through trusted job portals
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Arbetsförmedlingen (official site)
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LinkedIn
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Indeed Sweden
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Lernia
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Manpower
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Adecco Sweden
3 — Attend interview
Most interviews test:
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communication
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shift availability
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physical capability
4 — Employer submits work permit offer
5 — Apply for Swedish Work Permit
Submit through:
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Swedish Migration Agency (online portal)
Documents required:
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passport
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contract
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employer insurance proof
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accommodation details
6 — Wait for decision (2–8 weeks)
7 — Travel to Sweden & begin work
Pathway to Permanent Residency in Sweden
Sweden offers a strong path to long-term settlement.
After 4 years → Permanent Work Permit
After 5 years → Eligibility for Citizenship
Family reunification allowed
Factory workers often grow into:
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machine specialist roles
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quality inspectors
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logistics supervisors
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shift leaders
FAQs
1. Do Swedish factories hire foreigners?
Yes — especially in automotive, food processing, and metal industries.
2. Do I need Swedish language?
Not for entry-level roles, but learning improves chances of promotion.
3. Do factories provide housing?
Some in rural areas do, especially food factories.
4. Is there an age limit?
No strict age limit.
5. Do I need experience?
Training is provided for many roles.
Factory jobs in Sweden with visa sponsorship provide one of the best opportunities in Northern Europe for foreigners seeking stable employment, a strong economy, and excellent working conditions. With labour shortages, competitive salaries, safe workplaces, and a clear residency pathway, Sweden is an ideal destination for international workers in 2025.
If you want fairness, stability, and modern work environments, Sweden is an excellent choice.