Sweden’s newly launched Working Holiday Visa in 2025 is a golden ticket for young adventurers looking to combine travel with the chance to work in one of Europe’s most progressive and scenic countries. This visa allows eligible applicants to live, work, and explore Sweden for up to 12 months. It’s designed as a cultural exchange program that allows youth to take up short-term employment and fund their Scandinavian experience while soaking in the country’s nature, history, and fika culture.
Key Takeaways
What Is Sweden’s Working Holiday Visa?
Unlike traditional work permits, this visa doesn’t tie you down to a single employer or job type. It offers the freedom to explore various roles, as long as they meet the criteria, and even attend courses for personal development. While it’s not a long-term migration pathway, it’s a pretty solid stepping stone if you’ve ever considered Sweden as a future home base.
Which Countries Have Agreements with Sweden?
Not everyone can just pack their bags and hop on a plane to Stockholm with this visa. Sweden’s Working Holiday Visa is part of bilateral agreements with select nations. As of 2025, citizens of the following ten countries can apply:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Canada
- Chile
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Peru
- South Korea
- Uruguay
If your passport is from one of these countries, you’re in luck. Sweden is ready to welcome you for a one-year Nordic adventure, complete with work opportunities and travel within the Schengen Zone.
What Are the Age and Eligibility Criteria?
This visa isn’t open to everyone—it’s strictly a youth mobility scheme. To apply, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Age: Between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application. (For Canadian citizens, the upper age limit is extended to 35.)
- Passport: You must hold a valid passport from one of the eligible countries mentioned above.
- No Dependents: This visa is for solo travelers only. You cannot bring your spouse or children under this scheme.
- Health Insurance: You need comprehensive health and accident insurance for your stay.
- Financial Means: You must show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself initially, typically enough to cover accommodation and living costs for the first few weeks or months.
- Clean Record: You should not have any criminal convictions or pose a threat to public order.
Essentially, the visa is aimed at young, independent, and motivated individuals with a taste for travel and cross-cultural experiences.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply?
While requirements can slightly differ based on your nationality and where you apply from, here are the standard documents you’ll need to submit with your application:
- Valid Passport with at least one blank page and validity beyond your intended stay.
- Completed Application Form, available through the Swedish Migration Agency or local embassy.
- Passport-sized Photograph that meets the official specifications.
- Proof of Funds: Bank statements showing you can support yourself initially (typically around 15,000–20,000 SEK, but check the current requirement).
- Health Insurance documentation covering medical expenses and repatriation for the full 12 months.
- Flight Itinerary or travel plans (not always required, but it helps show intent).
- Motivation Letter (optional in most cases, but good to include), explaining your purpose and how you plan to spend your year in Sweden.
Always double-check with the Swedish embassy or consulate in your country for updated and country-specific requirements.
How Long Can You Stay and Work in Sweden?
The Working Holiday Visa is valid for up to 12 months and is a one-time opportunity. It allows you to:
- Stay in Sweden for the full duration.
- Work temporarily to support your travel, as long as it’s not permanent or long-term employment.
- Travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within 180 days—perfect for hopping over to Denmark, Norway, or even Italy during your holidays.
There’s no strict restriction on the type of work you can take, though many end up in hospitality, tourism, customer service, or seasonal roles. You’re not required to work full-time, either—some just take a part-time job and spend the rest of their time exploring Sweden’s cities, forests, and coastal gems.
Can You Extend or Reapply for the Visa?
Here’s the straightforward answer: No, you can’t extend it. The visa is non-renewable and granted only once. Once your 12 months are up, that’s the end of the working holiday arrangement—at least under this specific scheme.
However, if during your stay you fall in love with Sweden (very likely) and find long-term employment or a study opportunity, you may apply for another type of residence permit while still in Sweden. This will depend on meeting the eligibility criteria for a work permit or student visa and securing a job or admission into a Swedish university.
How Do You Submit Your Application?
The application process is relatively straightforward, but can vary slightly depending on your country of residence. Generally, you have two main options:
- Apply Online via the Swedish Migration Agency:
- Visit migrationsverket.se
- Create an account and fill out the Working Holiday Visa application form.
- Upload scanned copies of your documents and pay the required application fee (check the current amount, usually around 1,500 SEK).
- Await confirmation or further instructions.
- Apply via the Swedish Embassy or Consulate in your country:
- Book an appointment (some locations allow walk-ins, but not all).
- Submit your printed application form and documents in person.
- Some embassies also conduct short interviews or require biometric data.
- Processing times vary, so apply well in advance of your planned departure.
Once approved, you’ll receive your residence permit card—either to be picked up at the embassy or mailed to your home.
Final Thoughts: Is Sweden’s Working Holiday Visa Worth It?
Absolutely. For many young travelers, the Sweden Working Holiday Visa in 2025 is more than just a work permit—it’s a life experience. It offers a unique blend of earning potential, cultural immersion, and the freedom to travel across Europe. You get to live in a country that consistently ranks high in quality of life, environmental consciousness, and social welfare—all while exploring your interests and career options.
Whether you’re aiming to boost your resume, learn a new language, or simply take a meaningful break from routine, this visa offers an enriching gateway into the Swedish lifestyle. Just be sure to apply early, plan your funds wisely, and don’t skip out on fika.
