Can I switch a German student visa to a Sweden job?

Unfortunately, you cannot directly transfer a German student visa to a Sweden work visa. This is because visa policies are generally governed by the country that issued your visa, and Germany and Sweden are separate countries with their own immigration systems. A student visa issued by Germany is specific to Germany, and it is not transferable to another country like Sweden.

However, there are steps you can take to transition from a German student visa to a Swedish work visa once you have a job offer in Sweden. Here’s what you can do:

Steps to Transition from German Student Visa to Swedish Work Visa

1. Find a Job in Sweden

o To apply for a Swedish work visa (known as the work permit), you must first secure a job offer from a Swedish employer. The job offer must be for a position that meets the specific criteria set by Swedish immigration authorities, such as the salary threshold and skill level.

o Job Offer Requirements: The position must typically be for a full-time, permanent role, and the salary must meet Sweden's minimum wage requirements (the salary must be high enough to support yourself while living in Sweden).

2. Apply for a Swedish Work Visa

o Once you have a job offer in Sweden, you will need to apply for a work visa (work permit) through the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket). The process is as follows:

 Employer’s Role: Your employer in Sweden will need to submit the job offer to the Swedish Migration Agency. The employer will also need to prove that the position could not be filled by someone from the EU/EEA.

 Visa Application: You will need to apply for the work visa from your home country or from Germany (if you’re residing there as a student). You must submit the required documentation, such as:

 The job offer and contract

 Proof of qualifications and work experience

 Proof of identity (passport, photo, etc.)

 Proof of your current legal stay in Germany (your student visa)

3. Leave Germany (if required)

o In most cases, you will need to apply for the Swedish work visa before entering Sweden. If you are still in Germany on your student visa, you will need to apply for the work visa from Germany or your home country.

o You cannot work in Sweden under your German student visa. You will need to wait for the approval of your Swedish work visa before moving to Sweden and starting work.

4. Wait for Approval of Your Swedish Work Visa

o After submitting your work visa application, you will need to wait for approval from the Swedish Migration Agency. The processing time can vary, but it typically takes several weeks to a few months depending on the type of job and whether additional documentation is required.

5. Travel to Sweden and Start Work

o Once your work visa is approved, you can travel to Sweden and start working in your new job. Your Swedish work visa will be valid for the duration of your employment contract, and you can renew it if you continue working in Sweden.

Alternative Pathways

While you cannot directly transfer a German student visa to a Swedish work visa, here are a few additional tips to make your transition smoother:

• EU/EEA Nationals: If you are an EU/EEA citizen (which is not the case if you are from Nepal), you would not need a work visa to work in Sweden. EU/EEA nationals have the right to live and work anywhere in the EU without needing a work permit.

• Blue Card EU: If you are highly skilled and hold a degree that qualifies for the EU Blue Card program, you might be able to apply for this type of work permit in Sweden. This process is a bit more complex but may provide a smoother transition if you are in a specialized role (e.g., IT, engineering, healthcare).

Summary

To summarize:

• You cannot directly transfer your German student visa to a Sweden work visa.

• Once you receive a job offer in Sweden, you will need to apply for a work visa through the Swedish Migration Agency, and this application is separate from your German student visa.

• While in Germany, you can apply for the Swedish work visa and wait for approval before moving to Sweden.

• Once your work visa is approved, you can move to Sweden and start your new job.

Make sure to carefully follow the visa application process for Sweden, as having a valid job offer is crucial to securing a work permit.