Trained outside Sweden?
If you completed your professional training outside Sweden, find out what you need to do before you can work in Swedish healthcare and which requirements apply to you
If you completed your professional training outside Sweden and want to work in healthcare here, the first thing to find out is whether your profession requires a Swedish professional licence.
There are 22 regulated healthcare professions in Sweden that require a professional licence. The Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare, Socialstyrelsen, is responsible for issuing these licences.
Does your profession require a Swedish professional licence?
If your profession is regulated, Socialstyrelsen provides information about what is required for a Swedish professional licence in your profession.
Socialstyrelsen – professional licences (in Swedish)
If your profession does not require a professional licence, for example assistant nurse, dental nurse or medical secretary, the Swedish Council for Higher Education, UHR, can assess how your foreign qualifications compare with the corresponding Swedish qualifications.
UHR – assessment of foreign qualifications
Where did you complete your training?
I completed my training in the EU/EEA
The application process differs depending on your profession. Read more about language requirements and when you can submit an expression of interest to Region Gävleborg.
I completed my training outside the EU/EEA
If you completed your training for a regulated healthcare profession outside the EU/EEA, you will need to complete several steps before you can apply for a Swedish professional licence.
Swedish language skills
To work in Swedish healthcare, you need good knowledge of the Swedish language. When applying for a professional licence, you must demonstrate your language skills in one of the ways accepted by Socialstyrelsen.
Accepted evidence includes:
- Swedish 3 or Swedish as a Second Language 3
- Swedish at C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
- a course or examination that gives access to higher education in Sweden
- Equivalent knowledge of Danish or Norwegian is also accepted.
Language development at Region Gävleborg
Region Gävleborg offers further language development for licensed healthcare professionals who have reached C1 level. The programme is provided in cooperation with Forsa folkhögskola, an adult education college run by Region Gävleborg, and can be adapted to each participant’s needs.
The programme includes everyday communication, communication with colleagues, patients and customers, general medical terminology, understanding policy documents, and Swedish society and culture.
Already have a Swedish professional licence?
If you already have a Swedish professional licence or if your profession does not require one, you are welcome to apply for our advertised vacancies.