Seasonal Work Permits in Sweden: What Employers Need to Know

What is a seasonal work permit?

Sweden offers a short-term work permit specifically designed for seasonal employment in sectors with defined peak periods: agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and tourism. The seasonal permit (säsongsarbetstillstånd) is implemented under EU Directive 2014/36/EU and has different rules from a standard work permit — including a shorter maximum duration and specific sector requirements.

Key rules for 2026

• Duration: Up to 90 days per calendar year for short-season work, or up to 9 months per year for longer seasonal roles.
• Eligible sectors: Agriculture (including berry picking, which accounts for a significant share of Sweden's seasonal work permit volume), horticulture, forestry, and tourism-related hospitality.
• Salary requirement: The same collective agreement standard applies — the most relevant agreement for agricultural seasonal workers in Sweden is the collective agreement between Arbetsgivarna Rättvik and Livs (the food workers' union).
• Housing: If the employer provides accommodation, it must meet basic habitability standards. Migrationsverket can inspect employer-provided housing.

EU/EEA advertisement

Seasonal work permits require proof that the employer attempted to fill the role with EU/EEA workers first. For recurring seasonal roles, a standing Arbetsförmedlingen listing that is refreshed each season is sufficient.

Returning seasonal workers

One of the most practical features of the seasonal permit framework is the facilitated re-entry for returning workers. An employee who worked for the same employer in a previous season and whose permit expired normally can apply for a new seasonal permit more quickly than a first-time applicant. Employers should maintain records of prior seasonal workers to use this pathway efficiently.

What seasonal permits do not allow

• Switching to a different employer mid-season without a new permit
• Extending beyond the maximum duration by moving between employers
• Converting to a standard work permit during the seasonal stay (a new application must be submitted separately)

HR checklist for seasonal employers

• ✓ Register on Arbetsförmedlingen for the seasonal role in advance of the hiring period
• ✓ Prepare signed employment contracts specifying the seasonal dates and daily/hourly rate
• ✓ Ensure employer-provided accommodation meets Migrationsverket's habitability standards if applicable
• ✓ Keep a record of returning seasonal workers to use the facilitated re-entry process
• ✓ Confirm the permit end date matches the employment end date — seasonal workers must leave Sweden when their permit expires