Sweden's tourism industry continues to grow, creating a steady demand for skilled workers in hotels, restaurants, and travel services. Seasonal and full-time roles are consistently available, especially in popular destinations like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Lapland.
Employees in Sweden benefit from fair wages, collective agreements, and generous employment laws. Workers in hospitality often receive paid holidays, sick leave, and pension contributions, making it a secure career choice.
Sweden embraces diversity in the workplace. The hospitality sector is known for welcoming international workers, fostering an inclusive environment with opportunities to meet people from around the world.
Sweden is renowned for its strong emphasis on work-life balance. Even in the hospitality industry, employers strive to offer flexible schedules and reasonable working hours, supporting employee well-being.
Many hospitality employers in Sweden offer training programs, apprenticeships, and clear career paths. Whether starting as a waiter or a receptionist, there's room for growth into supervisory and managerial roles.
Living and working in Sweden offers access to excellent healthcare, public transport, and a high standard of living. This stability adds to the appeal of pursuing a career in hospitality and tourism within the country.
Sweden’s hospitality and tourism sector is experiencing steady growth, particularly in major cities and tourist regions such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and northern destinations like Kiruna. This has created a sustained need for chefs, hotel staff, front desk agents, kitchen assistants, cleaners, and tour guides—roles that international candidates are often recruited to fill.
International workers are commonly hired for seasonal positions, especially during the summer and winter tourism peaks. However, many employers also offer long-term roles with opportunities for permanent residency, especially for skilled or experienced candidates.
While fluency in Swedish is often preferred, many hospitality jobs—especially in international hotels, resorts, and tourist-heavy areas—require only English. Roles that involve direct customer service or teamwork may still benefit from basic Swedish skills.
Sweden is known for strong labor laws and protections, including for foreign workers. Employers are expected to follow strict labor standards, ensuring fair wages, regulated working hours, and safe working conditions for international staff.
Non-EU citizens must secure a valid work permit, which is often facilitated by the employer. For many hospitality positions, particularly those listed as shortage occupations, the permit process can be more straightforward. EU/EEA citizens do not need a permit and can work freely in Sweden.
Some employers and municipalities offer integration programs, language courses, and professional training to help international workers adapt to Swedish work culture and advance in their careers.
Many international workers who start in temporary or seasonal roles transition to more permanent positions over time. With experience and language improvement, there are clear opportunities to move into supervisory or managerial roles in the hospitality and tourism sector.
Receptionist – Handles check-ins, guest services, and reservations.
Housekeeping Staff – Responsible for cleaning and maintaining guest rooms and public areas.
Hotel Manager – Oversees daily operations, staff management, and guest satisfaction.
Concierge – Assists guests with travel plans, reservations, and local information.
Chef / Cook – Prepares meals in restaurants, hotels, and catering services.
Waiter / Waitress – Serves food and beverages in dining establishments.
Bartender – Prepares and serves drinks, often in hotels, bars, and restaurants.
Kitchen Assistant / Dishwasher – Supports kitchen staff and ensures cleanliness.
Tour Guide – Leads groups and provides information about Swedish landmarks and culture.
Travel Agent – Assists customers in planning and booking trips, accommodations, and excursions.
Tourism Coordinator – Organizes and manages tourism-related activities and packages.
Event Planner – Plans and coordinates events, conferences, and festivals.
Front Desk Agent – First point of contact for guests; manages bookings and inquiries.
Guest Relations Officer – Ensures guest satisfaction and handles complaints.
Reservation Agent – Manages phone and online bookings for hotels or travel services.
Activity Leader – Organizes leisure activities in hotels, resorts, or camps.
Spa Therapist / Massage Therapist – Works in hotel spas providing wellness services.
Fitness Instructor – Leads fitness sessions in hotels or resorts with gym facilities.
Airport Ground Staff – Assists travelers with luggage, boarding, and check-in.
Cruise Ship Staff – Various roles including hospitality, entertainment, and housekeeping.
Driver / Shuttle Operator – Transports guests between airports, hotels, and tourist sites.
Job Title |
Salary (SEK) |
Salary (USD) |
Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hotel Manager |
45,000 |
4,275 |
396,000 |
|
Restaurant Manager |
40,000 |
3,800 |
352,000 |
|
Head Chef |
38,000 |
3,610 |
334,400 |
|
Sous Chef |
32,000 |
3,040 |
281,600 |
|
Waiter / Waitress |
26,000 |
2,470 |
228,800 |
|
Bartender |
25,000 |
2,375 |
220,000 |
|
Receptionist |
28,000 |
2,660 |
246,400 |
|
Housekeeping Staff |
24,000 |
2,280 |
211,200 |
|
Concierge |
30,000 |
2,850 |
264,000 |
|
Tour Guide |
29,000 |
2,755 |
255,200 |
|
Travel Agent |
31,000 |
2,945 |
272,800 |
|
Spa Therapist |
27,000 |
2,565 |
237,600 |
|
Event Planner |
35,000 |
3,325 |
308,000 |
|
Guest Relations Officer |
30,000 |
2,850 |
264,000 |
|
Kitchen Assistant / Helper |
23,000 |
2,185 |
202,400 |
|
Front Desk Agent |
28,000 |
2,660 |
246,400 |
|
Activity Leader |
26,000 |
2,470 |
228,800 |
|
Cruise Ship Staff (average) |
30,000 |
2,850 |
264,000 |
|
Airport Ground Staff |
32,000 |
3,040 |
281,600 |
|
Driver / Shuttle Operator |
27,000 |
2,565 |
237,600 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Work Permit |
Required for non-EU/EEA nationals; must be secured before entering Sweden. |
|
EU/EEA Citizens |
No work permit needed; can live and work freely in Sweden. |
|
Job Offer Requirement |
A valid job offer from a Swedish employer is required for a work permit. |
|
Minimum Salary Requirement |
As of 2025, minimum monthly salary must be at least SEK 27,360 for permits. |
|
Passport Validity |
Must have a valid passport for the duration of employment. |
|
Education Qualification |
No formal education is required for most entry-level jobs (e.g. housekeeping, waitstaff), but relevant training is preferred. |
|
Work Experience |
Prior experience in hospitality or tourism is preferred for skilled roles. |
|
Language Skills |
English is widely accepted; basic Swedish is a plus, especially for customer-facing roles. |
|
Health and Background Checks |
Required as part of the visa/work permit process. |
|
Accommodation |
Some employers provide or assist with accommodation for seasonal workers. |
|
Contract Type |
Employment contract must be signed and submitted with the work permit application. |
|
Visa Application |
Apply through the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket). |
|
Employer Must Be Approved |
Employer must be registered and approved by Swedish authorities to hire foreign workers. |
Job Title |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Hotel Manager |
Oversee daily hotel operations, manage staff, ensure guest satisfaction, control budgets and logistics. |
|
Restaurant Manager |
Supervise restaurant operations, manage staff, monitor service quality, handle customer issues. |
|
Head Chef |
Plan menus, manage kitchen staff, oversee food preparation, ensure hygiene and safety standards. |
|
Sous Chef |
Support the head chef, supervise food stations, manage kitchen operations in their absence. |
|
Waiter / Waitress |
Take orders, serve food and drinks, ensure guest satisfaction, maintain cleanliness. |
|
Bartender |
Prepare and serve beverages, manage bar inventory, engage with guests, maintain bar hygiene. |
|
Receptionist |
Greet guests, manage check-ins/outs, answer inquiries, handle bookings and reservations. |
|
Housekeeping Staff |
Clean guest rooms and public areas, restock supplies, report maintenance issues. |
|
Concierge |
Assist guests with reservations, transportation, local activities, and general inquiries. |
|
Tour Guide |
Lead and inform groups on tours, provide historical/cultural context, ensure safety. |
|
Travel Agent |
Assist customers in planning travel, book transportation/accommodation, offer destination advice. |
|
Spa Therapist |
Provide massage and spa treatments, consult clients, maintain spa hygiene and equipment. |
|
Event Planner |
Organize and coordinate events, manage bookings, communicate with vendors and clients. |
|
Guest Relations Officer |
Handle guest complaints, provide personalized service, follow up on guest feedback. |
|
Kitchen Assistant |
Support chefs in food prep, clean kitchen tools, maintain hygiene and stock supplies. |
|
Front Desk Agent |
Handle check-in/out, manage room assignments, address guest inquiries and billing. |
|
Activity Leader |
Organize guest entertainment and leisure activities, ensure safety and engagement. |
|
Cruise Ship Staff |
Perform various hospitality duties onboard, including food service, housekeeping, or entertainment. |
|
Airport Ground Staff |
Assist with passenger check-in, baggage handling, boarding processes, and customer service. |
|
Driver / Shuttle Operator |
Transport guests between locations safely, maintain vehicle, assist with luggage and directions. |
Job Title |
Education Requirement |
Experience |
Language Skills |
Work Permit Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Hotel Manager |
Bachelor’s in Hospitality (preferred) |
3–5 years in hotel management |
English + Swedish (preferred) |
Yes (for non-EU/EEA) |
|
Restaurant Manager |
Diploma or Degree in Hospitality |
2–3 years in restaurant ops |
English + Basic Swedish |
Yes |
|
Head Chef |
Culinary diploma/certificate |
5+ years in kitchen roles |
English (Swedish a plus) |
Yes |
|
Sous Chef |
Culinary diploma/certificate |
2–4 years in kitchen |
English |
Yes |
|
Waiter / Waitress |
High school (preferred) |
0–2 years (training offered) |
Basic English (Swedish helpful) |
Yes |
|
Bartender |
Bartending course (preferred) |
1–2 years |
English |
Yes |
|
Receptionist |
Diploma in Hotel Management |
1–2 years (preferred) |
English + Basic Swedish |
Yes |
|
Housekeeping Staff |
No formal education required |
0–1 year (on-the-job training) |
Basic English |
Yes |
|
Concierge |
High school / Hospitality course |
1–3 years in customer service |
English + Swedish (preferred) |
Yes |
|
Tour Guide |
Degree or certification in Tourism |
1–2 years |
English + Swedish (or multilingual) |
Yes |
|
Travel Agent |
Diploma in Travel & Tourism |
1–3 years in travel services |
English + Swedish (preferred) |
Yes |
|
Spa Therapist |
Spa/Wellness certification |
1–2 years |
English |
Yes |
|
Event Planner |
Degree in Event Management |
2–3 years |
English + Swedish |
Yes |
|
Guest Relations Officer |
Diploma in Hospitality |
1–2 years |
English + Basic Swedish |
Yes |
|
Kitchen Assistant |
No formal education required |
Entry-level |
Basic English |
Yes |
|
Front Desk Agent |
Hospitality diploma (preferred) |
1–2 years in front office |
English + Swedish |
Yes |
|
Activity Leader |
Sports/Arts/Leisure background |
0–2 years |
English + Basic Swedish |
Yes |
|
Cruise Ship Staff |
Varies by role |
1–3 years in hospitality |
English (Other languages a plus) |
Yes (if ship docks in Sweden) |
|
Airport Ground Staff |
High school / Airport training |
1–2 years (preferred) |
English + Swedish |
Yes |
|
Driver / Shuttle Operator |
Driving license (Class D/B) |
1–2 years + valid license |
English + Basic Swedish |
Yes |
Job Title |
Education Requirement |
Experience |
Language Skills |
Work Permit Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Hotel Manager |
Bachelor’s in Hospitality (preferred) |
3–5 years in hotel management |
English + Swedish (preferred) |
Yes (for non-EU/EEA) |
|
Restaurant Manager |
Diploma or Degree in Hospitality |
2–3 years in restaurant ops |
English + Basic Swedish |
Yes |
|
Head Chef |
Culinary diploma/certificate |
5+ years in kitchen roles |
English (Swedish a plus) |
Yes |
|
Sous Chef |
Culinary diploma/certificate |
2–4 years in kitchen |
English |
Yes |
|
Waiter / Waitress |
High school (preferred) |
0–2 years (training offered) |
Basic English (Swedish helpful) |
Yes |
|
Bartender |
Bartending course (preferred) |
1–2 years |
English |
Yes |
|
Receptionist |
Diploma in Hotel Management |
1–2 years (preferred) |
English + Basic Swedish |
Yes |
|
Housekeeping Staff |
No formal education required |
0–1 year (on-the-job training) |
Basic English |
Yes |
|
Concierge |
High school / Hospitality course |
1–3 years in customer service |
English + Swedish (preferred) |
Yes |
|
Tour Guide |
Degree or certification in Tourism |
1–2 years |
English + Swedish (or multilingual) |
Yes |
|
Travel Agent |
Diploma in Travel & Tourism |
1–3 years in travel services |
English + Swedish (preferred) |
Yes |
|
Spa Therapist |
Spa/Wellness certification |
1–2 years |
English |
Yes |
|
Event Planner |
Degree in Event Management |
2–3 years |
English + Swedish |
Yes |
|
Guest Relations Officer |
Diploma in Hospitality |
1–2 years |
English + Basic Swedish |
Yes |
|
Kitchen Assistant |
No formal education required |
Entry-level |
Basic English |
Yes |
|
Front Desk Agent |
Hospitality diploma (preferred) |
1–2 years in front office |
English + Swedish |
Yes |
|
Activity Leader |
Sports/Arts/Leisure background |
0–2 years |
English + Basic Swedish |
Yes |
|
Cruise Ship Staff |
Varies by role |
1–3 years in hospitality |
English (Other languages a plus) |
Yes (if ship docks in Sweden) |
|
Airport Ground Staff |
High school / Airport training |
1–2 years (preferred) |
English + Swedish |
Yes |
|
Driver / Shuttle Operator |
Driving license (Class D/B) |
1–2 years + valid license |
English + Basic Swedish |
Yes |
Company / Group |
Sector |
Locations in Sweden |
Key Roles Hired |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Scandic Hotels |
Hotel Chain |
Nationwide (Stockholm, Gothenburg, etc.) |
Receptionist, Housekeeping, Kitchen Staff |
|
Nordic Choice Hotels |
Hotel Chain |
Major cities and regional hubs |
Front Desk, Chefs, Guest Services |
|
Radisson Blu / Radisson Hotel Group |
International Hotel Group |
Stockholm, Malmö, Uppsala, Gothenburg |
Waitstaff, Reception, Concierge |
|
Elite Hotels of Sweden |
Luxury Hotel Group |
Stockholm, Malmö, Gothenburg |
Housekeeping, Spa Therapist, Event Staff |
|
Strawberry Hotels (formerly Nordic Choice) |
Hotel Group |
All major cities |
Chefs, Bartenders, Receptionists |
|
Clarion Hotels |
Upscale Hotel Brand |
Stockholm, Malmö, Örebro, Lund |
Front Office, Restaurant Staff |
|
Icehotel (Jukkasjärvi) |
Seasonal/Tourism Hotel |
Northern Sweden (Lapland) |
Tour Guides, Activity Leaders, Kitchen Staff |
|
Vasarestauranger AB |
Restaurant Group |
Stockholm and other cities |
Chefs, Kitchen Assistants, Waiters |
|
ISS Facility Services Sweden |
Hospitality & Cleaning |
Nationwide |
Housekeeping, Cleaning, Facility Staff |
|
Compass Group Sweden |
Food & Beverage / Catering |
Airports, offices, hotels |
Chefs, Food Service Assistants, Baristas |
|
Stena Line |
Ferry & Cruise Operations |
Gothenburg, Karlskrona, Malmö |
Cruise Crew, Hospitality Staff, Bartenders |
|
SJ AB (Swedish Railways) |
Travel & Transport |
Across Sweden |
Onboard Service Crew, Catering, Guides |
|
Ving / TUI Nordic |
Tour Operator / Travel Group |
Nationwide + Resorts |
Tour Guides, Hotel Reps, Activity Leaders |
|
Liseberg Amusement Park |
Tourism & Entertainment |
Gothenburg |
Guest Services, Ride Operators, Food Stalls |
|
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) |
Travel & Hospitality |
Airports (Stockholm Arlanda, Gothenburg) |
Ground Staff, Lounge Staff, F&B Assistants |
|
Arlanda Airport (Swedavia) |
Airport Operator |
Stockholm Arlanda |
Baggage Handlers, Cleaning, Food Services |
|
Grand Hôtel Stockholm |
Luxury Hotel |
Stockholm |
Concierge, Spa Therapist, Chef de Partie |
|
Hotel C Stockholm |
Tourism/Business Hotel |
Stockholm |
Front Desk, Bartenders, Night Staff |
|
RestaurangAssistans AB |
Staffing & Hospitality |
Stockholm, Gothenburg |
Temporary Staff – Kitchen, F&B, Cleaners |
|
Lapland Resorts AB |
Ski Resorts & Lodging |
Northern Sweden (Riksgränsen, Björkliden) |
Seasonal Hospitality Jobs, Housekeeping |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (SEK/Month) |
Job Requirements |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
Top Hiring Companies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Hotel Manager |
45,000 |
Degree in hospitality, 3–5 yrs experience, English + Swedish |
Manage hotel operations, supervise staff, ensure guest satisfaction |
Scandic, Radisson Blu, Elite Hotels |
|
Restaurant Manager |
40,000 |
Hospitality diploma, 2–4 yrs experience, English + Basic Swedish |
Oversee restaurant service, manage staff, ensure quality and compliance |
Compass Group, Vasarestauranger, Clarion Hotels |
|
Head Chef |
38,000 |
Culinary degree, 5+ yrs experience |
Design menus, supervise kitchen operations, enforce food safety standards |
Radisson Blu, Elite Hotels, Grand Hôtel Stockholm |
|
Sous Chef |
32,000 |
Culinary diploma, 2–4 yrs kitchen experience |
Support head chef, manage kitchen stations, prepare meals |
Scandic, Strawberry Hotels, Compass Group |
|
Waiter / Waitress |
26,000 |
Basic education, customer service skills, English |
Take orders, serve food/drinks, maintain cleanliness |
Scandic, Clarion Hotels, Liseberg Amusement Park |
|
Bartender |
25,000 |
Bartending course (preferred), 1–2 yrs experience |
Mix drinks, serve guests, maintain bar area |
Radisson Blu, Hotel C Stockholm, Cruise Lines (Stena Line) |
|
Receptionist |
28,000 |
Hotel diploma, 1–2 yrs front desk experience |
Greet guests, manage check-ins/outs, handle bookings |
Elite Hotels, Scandic, Hotel C Stockholm |
|
Housekeeping Staff |
24,000 |
No formal education, on-the-job training |
Clean rooms, restock supplies, report issues |
ISS Facility Services, Clarion Hotels, Lapland Resorts |
|
Concierge |
30,000 |
Hospitality background, 1–3 yrs experience |
Assist guests with travel plans, restaurant bookings, and local guidance |
Grand Hôtel Stockholm, Elite Hotels |
|
Tour Guide |
29,000 |
Tourism degree/certification, English + other language |
Lead group tours, provide information, ensure guest safety |
TUI Nordic, Icehotel, SJ AB |
|
Travel Agent |
31,000 |
Travel & tourism diploma, 1–3 yrs experience |
Book trips, handle customer queries, create packages |
Ving, TUI Nordic, Travelstart.se |
|
Spa Therapist |
27,000 |
Certified in wellness/spa therapy, 1–2 yrs experience |
Provide massages and treatments, maintain hygiene, consult clients |
Grand Hôtel Stockholm, Nordic Choice Hotels |
|
Event Planner |
35,000 |
Degree in Event/Hospitality Management, 2–3 yrs experience |
Plan and execute events, coordinate with vendors, manage logistics |
Clarion Hotels, Elite Hotels, Liseberg |
|
Guest Relations Officer |
30,000 |
Hotel diploma, 1–2 yrs in customer service |
Handle guest complaints, personalize services, ensure satisfaction |
Radisson Blu, Scandic, Elite Hotels |
|
Kitchen Assistant |
23,000 |
No formal education, basic kitchen knowledge |
Prep ingredients, wash dishes, assist chefs |
Compass Group, Scandic, Cruise Ships |
|
Front Desk Agent |
28,000 |
Diploma in Hospitality, 1–2 yrs experience |
Check-in/out guests, manage bookings, answer queries |
Nordic Choice, Radisson Blu, Elite Hotels |
|
Activity Leader |
26,000 |
Background in leisure/sports, creative skills |
Organize games/events for guests, ensure safety and engagement |
Liseberg, TUI Nordic, Icehotel |
|
Cruise Ship Staff |
30,000 |
Depends on role, 1–3 yrs in hospitality |
Varies by role: food service, cleaning, guest entertainment |
Stena Line, Viking Line |
|
Airport Ground Staff |
32,000 |
High school diploma, airport/security training |
Assist with luggage, boarding, customer support |
SAS, Arlanda Airport (Swedavia), Menzies Aviation |
|
Driver / Shuttle Operator |
27,000 |
Valid driving license (B/D), 1–2 yrs driving experience |
Transport guests, maintain vehicle, provide local directions |
Airport Hotels, Lapland Resorts, Shuttle Services Companies |
Visa Type |
Who Can Apply |
Eligibility Requirements |
Validity |
Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Work Permit (General) |
Non-EU/EEA nationals |
Job offer from a Swedish employer, salary above SEK 27,360/month, valid passport |
Up to 2 years (renewable) |
Chefs, hotel staff, restaurant managers |
|
EU/EEA Citizen (No Visa Required) |
EU/EEA nationals |
Must register with Swedish Tax Agency if staying over 1 year |
Unlimited (with registration) |
All roles (waiters, bartenders, etc.) |
|
Seasonal Work Permit |
Non-EU/EEA for temporary/seasonal jobs |
Job offer for up to 6 months, primarily for tourism seasons (e.g., ski resorts) |
Max 6 months |
Tour guides, activity leaders, resort staff |
|
ICT Permit (Intra-Company Transfer) |
Employees of international companies |
Must be transferred within the same company to Sweden |
1–3 years |
Hotel chain managers, international chefs |
|
Job Seeker Visa |
Non-EU/EEA graduates from Swedish universities |
Must have completed higher education in Sweden |
12 months |
Finding hospitality roles post-study |
|
Working Holiday Visa |
Citizens of select countries (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, South Korea) |
Age 18–30, bilateral agreement, travel + work opportunity |
1 year |
Entry-level roles (waiters, hotel staff) |
|
Student Visa (Part-Time Work Allowed) |
Non-EU/EEA students in Sweden |
Enrolled in full-time university program |
Valid during study period |
Part-time hotel/restaurant jobs while studying |
|
Blue Card (EU) |
Highly skilled non-EU professionals |
University degree + high salary (SEK 60,000+/month), job offer required |
Up to 2 years |
Senior hospitality executives, F&B directors |
