But more than just a pretty picture, Sweden's capital city is also keeping its people and its expats satisfied with a great working environment and plenty of new job opportunities.
Getting a Work Permit
To obtain a work permit, you primarily need a valid passport. You must also be able to present proof that you can earn your own living and can or are earning at least SEK (Sweden Krona) 13,000 a month.
Your employer on the other hand must have advertised the job opening in Sweden or the EU for at least ten days. They are also required to offer terms of employment equal to those customary within the profession or sector or set out in a Swedish collective agreement.
Applications can be made through any Swedish mission abroad or through Sweden's Migration Board website, http://www.migrationsverket.se. You will get a decision within three weeks.
The fee for work and residence permit applications is SEK 2,000 or USD $255.84. Once approved, the maximum validity period is two years, after which an extension can be applied for. Permanent residency may be granted after 48 months.
The Stockholm Job Market
This city of waterways and green parks offers more than a daily vacation like setting for an expatriate. Stockholm actually happens to be the world's sixth most competitive knowledge region. The city has the highest level of educated populace in Sweden.
About 37% of Stockholm's inhabitants aged 16 to 74 years old have post-secondary education. The most common studied courses are technology, manufacturing, science, mathematics, and data.
The level of education in the city promotes a working environment that embraces skill, ability, and growth. It also attracts investments from the likes of IT bigwigs Ericsson and IBM. The IT industry serves as a major employer in Stockholm.
Stockholm has one of the strongest economies in Europe, and is naturally Scandinavia's financial center. Major Swedish banks like Swedbank and Handelsbanken have their headquarters in the city. The Stockholm Stock Exchange is also situated in the capital's center.
Those interested in fashion will be happy to know that the city has fashion giant H&M housed in Sweden's beautiful capital.
Stockholm Work Culture
Although the Swedes may look relaxed and composed, sweet and cheerful, they adhere strictly to rules, especially when it comes to their time.
Appointments should be set early and punctuality is appreciated, even expected. Prompt notice and an explanation are needed if you are going to be late for a meeting or appointment.
Make sure to dress conservatively in the workplace, suits and tie for men and suits or dresses for women.
The typical workweek is from Monday to Friday from 8a.m to 4p.m, and the total work hours range from 35 to 40 hours. The Swedes also get to enjoy at least five weeks of paid holiday a year.
You may also find your Swede colleagues taking at least one or two coffee breaks in a day, which they call fika. This is the perfect opportunity to chat to them in an informal setting.
Finding the perfect place to relax in Stockholm is a piece of cake, and getting oneself a job in Sweden's fascinating capital city, with all its dynamic economy and opportunities is a great start.
