Sweden Working Holiday Visa: 6 Conditions for Eligible Foreigners

Sweden allows young people from six countries or territories to apply for a working-holiday residence permit under youth-exchange agreements with Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. The permit can allow eligible applicants to stay for up to one year, with work permitted as part of the holiday experience. The six main requirements Valid passport — Applicants must hold a valid passport. Eligible nationality — They must be citizens of Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand or South Korea. Age 18–30 — Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old. Sufficient funds — They must have at least SEK 15,000 available to support themselves when they arrive. Return ticket or funds for one — Applicants must have a return ticket or enough money to purchase one. Comprehensive health insurance — Insurance must cover urgent medical care, hospitalisation, emergency dental treatment and medical repatriation. Australian citizens are exempt from this insurance requirement. The Swedish Migration Agency says the permit is intended primarily for experiencing Swedish life and culture; working cannot be the main purpose of the stay. The permit can be granted for a maximum of one year and cannot be extended. The current application fee is SEK 1,500. Important for Nigerians Nigeria is not among the six participating countries, so Nigerian citizens cannot use Sweden's working-holiday route. The Swedish Migration Agency states that the scheme is restricted to nationals covered by the youth-exchange agreements. For Nigerians seeking employment in Sweden, a regular Swedish work permit is a different route. From June 1, 2026, Sweden introduced new work-permit rules, including a salary requirement of at least 90% of the Swedish median salary for applicable new work permits. Source: GistReel original report | Swedish Migration Agency — Working Holiday Visa