Arbetsförmedlingen, the Swedish National Employment Office, serves all job seekers with residence permit and legal right to work in Sweden and has some special support newcomers in Sweden. Note that you need a personnummer to register.

Should you register with Arbetsförmedlingen?

Let’s be honest, very few SDCN members find a job through Arbetsförmedlingen. However, it is worth registering and checking in with them because they offer:

• a thorough and updated job database, open to all.
• support for starting your own business
• trainee or internship documentation, necessary if you apply to programs such as Jobbsprånget.
• access to the highly-recommended Korta vägen program.
• in some Arbetsförmedlingen offices: free sessions with a career coach to help you define a career plan and rewrite your CV.

Registration is free and you do not want to find out at the last minute that you are not eligible for a coveted program because you have not registered.

Steps to register as a job seeker:

1. You need to have Swedish personnummer
2. If you have electronic identity legitimation (BankID/Mobil BankID), you can create your personal account on the website, and then book a specific time for the first visit with your handledare (case officer) who will help you set up working plan and give you more information about Arbetsförmedlingen’s services.
3. If you do not have BankID/Mobil BankID, you have to register here. In this case, you cannot book a specific time for your visit, but you have to goto one of the Arbetsförmedlingen offices around the city.
4. During the visit, you will discuss and create your work plan, confirm your credentials (e.g. education background, previous work experience, job related skills, etc.). You can bring your diplomas so they are verified and entered in the database.
5. You do not have to come to Arbetsförmedlingen office every time you need to consult your job situation. You can contact your case officer by phone or via email.

Once registered, you have to fill a monthly activity report to remain registered.

This information was compiled by volunteer members of SDCN to help expat partners kick-start their life in Stockholm. We welcome your comments at info@sdcn.se.

Last updated 2017/10/19