The Insider’s Guide to Recruiting International Talent

Hiring international talent? It’s easier than you think

Recruiting international professionals isn’t nearly as complicated as many believe – that’s an outdated truth.

As an employer in Sweden, it’s important to understand the basics: how to support work and residence permits, and how to navigate a smooth onboarding process.

This guide is designed to help you get started. It covers everything from essential recruitment steps to cultural tips – such as teaching the art of lagom, introducing the tradition of fika, and preparing for the reality that everyone suddenly vanishes from Swedish offices at the end of June.

How to recruit international talent in 3 steps

Prepare before you recruit

Start by understanding why international talent is a smart move – to meet skill shortages, bring new perspectives, and grow your business. Learn the basics about permits, housing, banking and how to write a job ad that speaks across borders.

Welcome with purpose

Recruitment doesn’t end with a signed contract. It continues with onboarding. Create a warm, practical welcome with support for everything from the Tax Agency to the coffee machine. Teach the unspoken rules of Swedish workplaces and prepare your whole team, not just HR. Inclusion is a shared responsibility – and the small things matter.

Think beyond the first day

Long-term success depends on real integration – at work and beyond. Support language learning, help partners and families settle in, and understand your responsibilities when things change. Whether your talent is changing roles, relocating within Sweden, or considering their next step, show that you’re in it for the long haul. When people feel welcome, they want to stay.

Why recruit international talent?

Sweden’s national brand is one of the strongest in the world – built on innovation, trust, democracy, sustainability and quality of life. This reputation makes Sweden an attractive destination for trade and investment as well as talent.

At the same time, skill shortages across many sectors mean that companies need to look beyond national borders. International talent doesn’t just fill urgent gaps – they bring new perspectives, boost productivity and help businesses grow.

Are you unsure where to start? You’re not alone – but you’re in the right place. This guide will help you cut through the noise, skip the stress and recruit international talent with confidence. Since rules and laws change rapidly every now and then we decided to focus on general inspiration and advice. To keep you updated on a detailed level, we are providing you with the links you need.

“International recruitment is absolutely possible – and it’s not that hard if you have a clear plan in place. It’s about being thoughtful, setting honest expectations about what life in Sweden is really like, and understanding that adaptation goes both ways. We’re great at promoting Sweden as an idea – but success comes when we also explain the everyday culture, both at work and beyond.”

Carl-Johan Hamilton, owner and co-founder, ANTS

“Do you truly want international talent – or just the skills, without the international part? Because making it work takes effort from both sides. As an international in Sweden, I do my part – I learn the language, try to understand the workplace and the culture, how things function here. But companies need to meet us halfway. They need to be open, to show interest in where we’re coming from. Some employers do that really well, but others simply don’t have much experience working with international colleagues. So it’s a learning process for them too – and if they want it to work, openness is key.”

One of the international talents graduating from Swedish universities

With this book, you’re ready to start the process of recruiting

Recruiting international talent is lined with old truths of impossible paperwork. However, it is more of an exciting opportunity, it’s possible and doable and it’s often a smart way forward.

You’ve got the checklists. You’ve got the resources. You’ve got a country with a strong brand, a country filled with innovation, fika breaks, and room to grow. Now all you need to do is to find international talents.

Lycka till – and welcome to the future of Swedish work life.

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Already found the right international talent?

Help your new colleague prepare for life and work in Sweden with everything they need to know, from cultural insights to practical tips. Explore the Insider’s Guide to Moving and Living in Sweden.

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Do you want to hear more about the book or get a presentation?

Get in touch with Anna Broeders. We would be happy to come and talk about it!

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The Insider’s Guide to Recruiting International Talent is a collaboration between Linköping Science Park and the Swedish Institute within the framework of Work in Sweden, funded by the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth.