“Sweden recorded over 150,000 labour shortages in 2024, with the biggest gaps in agriculture, warehousing, cleaning services, logistics, hospitality, and elderly care.” — Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen)
Sweden is widely known for its high living standards, strong labour protection, and immigration-friendly workforce policies. As worker shortages rise, Swedish employers increasingly depend on foreign talent—including individuals with no degree, no previous work experience, and no specialised skills.
If you’re looking for an affordable pathway to Europe, unskilled jobs with visa sponsorship in Sweden offer one of the most reliable routes, especially under the Swedish Work Permit for Non-EU workers.
This guide explains everything you need: job opportunities, visa requirements, salaries, hiring companies, and how to apply successfully in 2025.
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Why Sweden Needs Foreign Workers in 2025
Sweden’s labour shortage is driven by major economic and demographic pressures:
1. Ageing population
The elderly population is rising, increasing demand for:
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home caregivers
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nursing home assistants
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support workers
2. Rapid industrial and logistical expansion
Sweden’s logistics and e-commerce industries have grown beyond local capacity.
3. Massive agriculture & berry-picking demand
Sweden relies heavily on migrant agricultural workers every summer.
4. Low unemployment rate (around 7%)
Not enough citizens are willing to take physically demanding roles.
5. Foreigners welcomed
Sweden’s labour migration system allows employers to hire international workers with minimal barriers.
What Are Unskilled Jobs in Sweden?
In Sweden, unskilled jobs are roles that:
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require no degree
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require minimal training
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do not require specialised experience
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provide on-the-job learning
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often offer accommodation or seasonal housing
These roles are perfect for foreigners beginning their migration journey.
Top Unskilled Jobs in Sweden with Visa Sponsorship
These roles have the highest hiring demand for international applicants:
1. Farm Workers & Berry Pickers (High Demand)
One of Sweden’s most popular summer job categories.
Roles:
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strawberry picking
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blueberry harvesting
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vegetable planting
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greenhouse maintenance
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general farm labour
Salary: SEK 18,000 – 25,000 per month
Peak Season: May – September
2. Cleaning & Housekeeping Assistants
Cleaning companies sponsor foreigners regularly.
Roles:
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hotel cleaner
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office cleaner
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school cleaner
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domestic cleaning assistant
Salary: SEK 17,000 – 23,000/month
3. Warehouse & Logistics Workers
Sweden’s e-commerce boom needs:
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order pickers
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packers
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forklift assistants
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inventory staff
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loading/unloading helpers
Salary: SEK 20,000 – 28,000/month
Popular employers: DHL, PostNord, Bring, Amazon Sweden
4. Food Processing & Factory Workers
Factories recruit for:
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packaging
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production line
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machine assistants
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sorting
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quality control helpers
Salary: SEK 20,000 – 26,000/month
5. Restaurant & Hospitality Assistants
Includes:
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kitchen helpers
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dishwashers
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cafeteria assistants
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hotel attendants
Salary: SEK 18,000 – 22,000/month
6. Construction Labourers
Roles include:
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demolition assistant
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site cleaner
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helper to skilled workers
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material handler
Salary: SEK 22,000 – 30,000/month
Visa Types for Unskilled Workers in Sweden
Foreign workers typically use the following permits:
1. Sweden Work Permit (Most Common Route)
To qualify:
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must have a job offer
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employer must meet Swedish labour laws
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job must meet minimum salary (SEK 27,360/month for 2025)
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employer must provide insurance
This is the main visa for unskilled workers.
2. Seasonal Work Visa (Up to 6 Months)
For:
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berry picking
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agriculture
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greenhouse work
Employers handle most requirements.
3. EU Blue Card (Not for unskilled)
Not applicable, but available for future career progression.
4. Intra-company Transfers
Used by multinational employers.
Top Swedish Employers Who Sponsor Foreign Workers
Agriculture & Seasonal Farms
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Olle Svensson AB
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Säsongspersonal Sverige
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Bären i Sverige
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Swedish Berry Farms
Logistics
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DHL Sweden
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PostNord
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Bring Logistics
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Amazon Sweden
Cleaning Companies
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Hemfrid
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Freska Sverige
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ISS Facility Services
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HomeMaid
Factories & Production
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Arla Foods
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Scan AB
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Cloetta
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Orkla Foods
Hospitality
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Scandic Hotels
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Clarion Hotels
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Nordic Choice Hotels
Salary Overview for Unskilled Jobs in Sweden
| Job Type | Salary (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Farm/Seasonal Worker | SEK 18,000 – 25,000 |
| Cleaner | SEK 17,000 – 23,000 |
| Warehouse Assistant | SEK 20,000 – 28,000 |
| Factory Worker | SEK 20,000 – 26,000 |
| Kitchen Helper | SEK 18,000 – 22,000 |
| Labourer | SEK 22,000 – 30,000 |
Sweden’s minimum salary for work permit holders (2025):
SEK 27,360/month
Note: Some unskilled roles require employers to combine hours to meet the minimum salary threshold.
Cost of Living in Sweden
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Shared Accommodation | SEK 3,500 – 6,500 |
| Food | SEK 2,000 – 3,000 |
| Transport | SEK 700 – 1,000 |
| Utilities | SEK 500 – 900 |
| Phone/Internet | SEK 350 – 500 |
Affordable cities:
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Malmö
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Uppsala
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Västerås
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Linköping
Expensive:
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Stockholm
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Gothenburg
Requirements to Work in Sweden
General requirements:
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job offer
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clean criminal record
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medical fitness
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valid passport
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employer-provided insurance
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basic English or Swedish
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How to Apply for Unskilled Jobs in Sweden (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare a Swedish-style CV
One page, simple, focused on experience and physical abilities.
2. Search Verified Job Platforms
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Arbetsförmedlingen (Official Swedish Job Board)
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Indeed Sweden
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EURES Portal
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Lernia
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Jobbsafari
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Employer websites
3. Apply for jobs offering “work permit assistance”
4. Attend Online Interview
Usually straightforward and practical:
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shift availability
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relocation readiness
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experience level
5. Employer Applies for Your Work Permit
6. Submit Biometrics & Visa Application (if required)
7. Receive Approval & Travel to Sweden
Processing time: 4–12 weeks.
Can Unskilled Jobs Lead to Permanent Residency in Sweden?
YES — Sweden has one of the clearest residency pathways in Europe.
To qualify:
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work legally for 4 years within 7 years
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maintain employer-compliant roles
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meet income requirements
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follow Swedish tax and insurance rules
After residency → You may apply for Swedish citizenship.
FAQs
1. Can foreigners really get unskilled jobs in Sweden?
Yes — especially in agriculture, cleaning, factories, and logistics.
2. Does Sweden offer accommodation?
Seasonal farms often do. Warehouses and cleaning companies sometimes assist.
3. Do I need Swedish language skills?
Not mandatory for most unskilled roles; English is widely used.
4. What is the age limit?
No official age limit for work permits.
5. Can I bring family?
Yes — work permit holders can sponsor dependants.
Sweden remains one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for foreigners seeking unskilled job opportunities with visa sponsorship. With shortages in farming, food production, warehousing, hospitality, and cleaning sectors, employers are increasingly hiring international workers in 2025. The Swedish work permit system is clear, well-regulated, and offers a stable pathway toward long-term residence and citizenship.
Whether you’re looking for seasonal roles or full-time career-building opportunities, Sweden provides a safe, structured, and rewarding work environment.