Domestic workers in Sweden benefit from clear labor laws that ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and regulated working hours. The legal framework supports both employers and employees, offering formal contracts and access to benefits.
Salaries for household and domestic workers in Sweden are generally competitive compared to other countries, reflecting the high cost of living and the value placed on domestic services.
Sweden is known for promoting a healthy work-life balance. Domestic workers often have regulated working hours and rest days, contributing to overall well-being and job satisfaction.
Swedish society generally upholds values of equality and respect, which extend to domestic and household workers. Many workers report being treated with dignity and inclusion within households.
There is a consistent demand for skilled household workers, including cleaners, caregivers, and nannies. This creates opportunities for long-term employment and the potential for stable income over time.
Legal domestic workers may qualify for access to Sweden’s social welfare system, including healthcare and pension benefits, depending on their residency and employment status.
Many domestic workers in Sweden experience supportive and safe work environments, especially when employed by families or individuals who value professionalism and personal trust.
Domestic work in Sweden is no longer limited to cleaning and basic chores. Families increasingly seek individuals who can bring creativity into the home—such as organizing engaging activities for children, preparing international cuisine, or designing efficient home systems.
International candidates often bring language skills, cultural knowledge, and diverse perspectives that are highly valued in Swedish households. Bilingual nannies, culturally aware caregivers, and chefs with global culinary experience are particularly in demand.
Creative household workers may be given the freedom to introduce new ideas, such as setting up learning corners for children, incorporating eco-friendly cleaning techniques, or redecorating interior spaces within the home’s style.
Some employers in Sweden offer training or support for skill-building, such as child development courses, cooking certifications, or language classes—encouraging continuous professional and creative growth.
Swedish households often embrace individuality and innovation. Workers are encouraged to use their initiative, whether in scheduling routines, suggesting improvements, or managing special family events.
Creative and skilled workers who build strong relationships and trust with their employers often find opportunities for extended contracts, better compensation, and even assistance with residency applications.
Nannies are responsible for the care, supervision, and development of children. Duties may include preparing meals, organizing educational or recreational activities, and helping with homework. Bilingual or multilingual nannies are especially valued in international households.
Housekeepers manage the overall cleanliness and organization of the home. Tasks may include cleaning, laundry, ironing, and sometimes grocery shopping or managing household supplies. Some roles may also involve light cooking.
Caregivers provide support to elderly individuals, including personal care, meal preparation, medication reminders, and companionship. This role may also involve helping clients with mobility, attending medical appointments, or running errands.
Domestic couples typically work together to manage large homes or estates. One partner may serve as a housekeeper or cook, while the other handles maintenance, gardening, or driving. These roles are often live-in and suited for married or long-term partners.
Some families in Sweden employ cooks or private chefs to prepare meals tailored to specific dietary needs or preferences. These roles require culinary skills and sometimes include menu planning, shopping for ingredients, and kitchen management.
Cleaners are hired to maintain household cleanliness on a regular or part-time basis. This may include standard cleaning tasks such as vacuuming, dusting, bathroom sanitation, and window cleaning. Many work through cleaning agencies.
Au pairs are typically young adults from abroad who live with a host family to provide childcare in exchange for cultural exchange, housing, and a stipend. They usually have limited work hours and attend language or cultural courses as part of the program.
In larger homes or estates, gardeners maintain outdoor spaces, lawns, and gardens. Property maintenance workers may handle repairs, seasonal upkeep, and equipment management.
Job Title |
SEK/month |
USD/month |
INR/month |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Nanny (Full-Time) |
25,000 |
2,380 |
195,000 |
|
Housekeeper |
24,000 |
2,285 |
187,200 |
|
Elderly Caregiver |
26,000 |
2,475 |
202,800 |
|
Live-in Domestic Helper |
22,000 |
2,095 |
171,600 |
|
Private Chef |
35,000 |
3,330 |
273,000 |
|
Cleaner (Agency or Freelance) |
23,000 |
2,190 |
179,400 |
|
Au Pair |
12,000 |
1,140 |
93,600 |
|
Babysitter (Part-Time) |
10,000 |
950 |
78,000 |
|
Butler |
32,000 |
3,050 |
249,600 |
|
Gardener |
24,000 |
2,285 |
187,200 |
|
Property Maintenance Worker |
28,000 |
2,665 |
218,400 |
|
Chauffeur/Private Driver |
30,000 |
2,855 |
234,000 |
|
Household Manager |
36,000 |
3,430 |
280,800 |
|
Personal Assistant (Live-in) |
29,000 |
2,760 |
226,200 |
|
Domestic Couple (Combined) |
45,000 |
4,285 |
351,000 |
|
Pet Care Worker/Dog Walker |
20,000 |
1,900 |
156,000 |
|
Cook (Not full chef level) |
26,000 |
2,475 |
202,800 |
|
House Cleaner (Hourly Contract) |
18,000 |
1,710 |
140,400 |
|
Laundry Attendant/Ironing Staff |
20,000 |
1,900 |
156,000 |
|
Household Babysitter/Nanny (PT) |
15,000 |
1,425 |
117,000 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Work Permit |
Required for non-EU/EEA citizens. Must have a job offer before applying. |
|
EU/EEA Citizens |
Do not need a work permit. Can work freely in Sweden but must register residency. |
|
Minimum Age Requirement |
Usually 18 years or older, depending on job type and employer preference. |
|
Job Offer/Contract |
Must have a formal written job offer or employment contract from a Swedish employer. |
|
Valid Passport |
Must have a valid passport for the duration of the work permit or stay. |
|
Health Insurance |
Required for the duration of stay unless covered by employer or state (for long-term stays). |
|
Clean Criminal Record |
May be required, especially for roles involving children or the elderly. |
|
Relevant Experience |
Prior experience in household work, childcare, cleaning, or caregiving is often required. |
|
Language Requirements |
Basic English or Swedish is preferred; not mandatory for all jobs but highly beneficial. |
|
Educational Qualification |
Not mandatory for most roles, but formal training in childcare, cooking, or caregiving helps. |
|
Residence Permit |
Needed for stays longer than 90 days (for non-EU/EEA). |
|
Sponsorship by Employer |
Employer may need to sponsor the visa or prove need for a foreign worker. |
|
Salary Requirement |
Job must meet Sweden’s minimum wage guidelines, often around SEK 23,000–26,000/month. |
|
Accommodation Arrangement |
Some live-in roles provide free housing; must be declared in job contract. |
|
Application Through Migrationsverket |
All applications must go through Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket). |
|
Visa Type |
Typically a Work Visa for Domestic Workers or general Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd). |
Job Title |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
1. Nanny |
Childcare, feeding, bathing, playing, school drop-off/pick-up, homework help, organizing activities. |
|
2. Housekeeper |
Full home cleaning, laundry, ironing, grocery shopping, organizing, restocking supplies. |
|
3. Elderly Caregiver |
Assistance with personal hygiene, mobility support, meal preparation, companionship, medication help. |
|
4. Live-in Domestic Helper |
General cleaning, cooking, laundry, support with childcare or elderly care, available for emergencies. |
|
5. Private Chef |
Cooking meals as per dietary needs, menu planning, grocery shopping, kitchen hygiene. |
|
6. Cleaner (Agency/Freelance) |
Scheduled cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, bathroom/kitchen sanitation, sometimes laundry. |
|
7. Au Pair |
Light childcare, minor house chores, language/cultural exchange, usually part-time and live-in. |
|
8. Babysitter |
Watching children for short periods, feeding, playing, bedtime routines, occasional evening work. |
|
9. Butler |
Managing household staff, serving meals/drinks, coordinating events, handling guests. |
|
10. Gardener |
Lawn maintenance, planting, trimming, outdoor cleaning, tool/equipment handling. |
|
11. Property Maintenance Worker |
General repairs, painting, fixing appliances, seasonal maintenance (snow, leaves, etc.). |
|
12. Chauffeur/Private Driver |
Driving employer/family, car maintenance, route planning, occasional errands. |
|
13. Household Manager |
Overseeing staff, budgeting, organizing schedules, liaising with service providers, inventory control. |
|
14. Personal Assistant (Live-in) |
Managing schedules, booking appointments, light household or care tasks, travel assistance. |
|
15. Domestic Couple |
Combined roles: one partner may clean/cook, the other does maintenance/gardening/driving. |
|
16. Pet Care Worker/Dog Walker |
Walking dogs, feeding pets, cleaning cages/litter, grooming assistance, occasional vet visits. |
|
17. Cook (Basic) |
Preparing daily meals, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, storing food safely. |
|
18. House Cleaner (Hourly) |
Room-by-room cleaning, dusting, mopping, waste disposal, usually on a per-visit or hourly basis. |
|
19. Laundry Attendant |
Washing, drying, folding, ironing, organizing clothes and linens. |
|
20. Babysitter/Nanny (Part-Time) |
Child supervision for short hours, light chores, playtime, schoolwork help. |
Job Title |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
|
1. Nanny |
Experience in childcare, basic English or Swedish, clean criminal record, work permit (non-EU). |
|
2. Housekeeper |
Prior cleaning experience, physical fitness, basic communication skills, legal right to work. |
|
3. Elderly Caregiver |
Background in caregiving, patience, basic medical knowledge, clean record, valid work visa. |
|
4. Live-in Domestic Helper |
Flexible availability, multi-tasking ability, trustworthiness, live-in readiness, residence permit. |
|
5. Private Chef |
Culinary training or experience, ability to adapt to dietary needs, language skills, work authorization. |
|
6. Cleaner (Agency/Freelance) |
Basic cleaning knowledge, physical stamina, ability to follow instructions, legal residence. |
|
7. Au Pair |
Age 18–30, basic childcare experience, EU/EEA or au pair visa, interest in cultural exchange. |
|
8. Babysitter |
Experience with children, flexible schedule, local contacts preferred, permission to work part-time. |
|
9. Butler |
Experience in formal households, strong etiquette, Swedish or English skills, verified references. |
|
10. Gardener |
Knowledge of plants/tools, physical strength, outdoor work readiness, valid residence/work permit. |
|
11. Property Maintenance Worker |
General repair knowledge, safety awareness, driver’s license (optional), legal work documents. |
|
12. Chauffeur/Private Driver |
Valid driver’s license (Sweden/EU), clean driving record, basic language skills, legal residency. |
|
13. Household Manager |
Management experience, multitasking ability, communication skills, work authorization. |
|
14. Personal Assistant (Live-in) |
Discretion, organizational skills, basic IT skills, live-in willingness, valid visa. |
|
15. Domestic Couple |
Trustworthy couple with combined skills (cleaning/cooking + driving/gardening), joint contract, permits. |
|
16. Pet Care Worker/Dog Walker |
Love for animals, reliability, physical stamina, basic language skills, legal work status. |
|
17. Cook (Basic) |
Cooking experience, hygiene knowledge, ability to follow recipes, work permit. |
|
18. House Cleaner (Hourly) |
Basic cleaning experience, availability, ability to travel to clients, registered for tax (if freelance). |
|
19. Laundry Attendant |
Laundry skills, organization, attention to detail, legal right to work. |
|
20. Babysitter/Nanny (Part-Time) |
Childcare experience, references, flexible hours, residence permit (if non-EU). |
Job Title |
Experience Required |
Details |
|---|---|---|
|
1. Nanny |
Moderate |
1–3 years in childcare; references preferred. |
|
2. Housekeeper |
Basic |
6–12 months in cleaning, laundry, home management. |
|
3. Elderly Caregiver |
Moderate to Extensive |
1–3+ years; caregiving certification is a plus. |
|
4. Live-in Domestic Helper |
Basic to Moderate |
At least 1 year in multi-task household work. |
|
5. Private Chef |
Extensive |
3+ years professional kitchen experience or culinary training. |
|
6. Cleaner (Agency/Freelance) |
Basic |
6 months – 1 year in residential or office cleaning. |
|
7. Au Pair |
None to Basic |
Informal childcare experience helpful; no formal work required. |
|
8. Babysitter |
None to Basic |
Informal experience with children; references often requested. |
|
9. Butler |
Extensive |
3+ years in formal household service; etiquette training preferred. |
|
10. Gardener |
Basic to Moderate |
General gardening knowledge or 1+ year in landscaping. |
|
11. Property Maintenance Worker |
Moderate |
1–3 years in repairs, electrical/plumbing is ideal. |
|
12. Chauffeur/Private Driver |
Moderate |
2+ years of safe driving; experience in VIP or private service preferred. |
|
13. Household Manager |
Extensive |
3+ years in staff supervision, budgeting, and property management. |
|
14. Personal Assistant (Live-in) |
Moderate to Extensive |
2–3+ years in personal or executive assistance. |
|
15. Domestic Couple |
Moderate |
Combined 2–5 years in complementary household roles. |
|
16. Pet Care Worker/Dog Walker |
None to Basic |
Love for animals; prior pet care experience helpful. |
|
17. Cook (Basic) |
Basic to Moderate |
1+ year of home or institutional cooking experience. |
|
18. House Cleaner (Hourly) |
None to Basic |
On-the-job training common; prior cleaning helps. |
|
19. Laundry Attendant |
None to Basic |
Understanding of fabric care; prior laundry/ironing preferred. |
|
20. Babysitter/Nanny (Part-Time) |
Basic |
6 months – 1 year; references usually needed. |
Company/Agency Name |
Type |
Roles Commonly Hired |
Location (Head Office) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hemfrid |
Domestic Services Company |
Cleaners, housekeepers, part-time domestic staff |
Stockholm |
|
Veterankraft |
Staffing Agency (Seniors) |
Housekeepers, caregivers, home assistants |
Nationwide (Multiple Cities) |
|
HomeMaid AB |
Cleaning & Home Services |
Cleaners, domestic helpers, part-time housekeepers |
Halmstad |
|
Aleja AB |
Staffing Agency |
Cleaners, housekeepers, elderly care assistants |
Stockholm |
|
LinnStäd AB |
Cleaning & Maid Services |
Cleaners, laundry workers, domestic helpers |
Stockholm |
|
Care Allomsorg |
Home Care Provider |
Elderly caregivers, personal assistants, live-in aides |
Gothenburg |
|
God Assistans |
Personal Assistance Provider |
Live-in assistants, caregivers for disabled persons |
Malmö |
|
NannyPoppins Sverige |
Nanny Agency |
Nannies, babysitters, au pairs |
Stockholm |
|
Trygga Barnen |
Childcare Service |
Nannies, part-time babysitters, childminders |
Stockholm |
|
Seniorbolaget |
Elderly Care Services |
Home helpers, cleaners, gardeners (focus on seniors as clients) |
Nationwide |
|
Städpulsen AB |
Cleaning Services |
House cleaners, laundry helpers, domestic staff |
Borås |
|
Assistansteam1 AB |
Personal Assistant Provider |
Caregivers, personal care assistants for families with special needs |
Örebro |
|
BonZi Personlig Assistans |
Disability Assistance Provider |
Personal assistants, domestic support for disabled individuals |
Gothenburg |
|
Clean Sky Sweden AB |
Home & Office Cleaning |
Domestic cleaners, housekeepers |
Stockholm |
|
Dedicare |
Healthcare Staffing |
Caregivers, home nurses (with certifications), elderly care workers |
Stockholm |
|
Städarna Sverige AB |
Cleaning & Domestic Services |
Cleaners, part-time helpers, housekeepers |
Norrköping |
|
Nannyakuten |
Nanny and Babysitting Agency |
Babysitters, part-time nannies, live-in au pairs |
Stockholm, Gothenburg |
|
Fruängens Hemtjänst |
Home Care Services |
Elderly care workers, home assistants, meal support staff |
Stockholm |
|
Assistansbolaget i Sverige AB |
Personal Assistance Agency |
Live-in caregivers, personal assistants |
Malmö |
|
Omtanken Assistans AB |
Healthcare/Home Assistance |
Home caregivers, assistants for elderly and disabled individuals |
Gothenburg |
Job Title |
Avg. Salary (SEK/month) |
Job Requirements |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
Top Hiring Companies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nanny |
25,000 |
1–3 yrs childcare exp, clean record, basic English/Swedish, references |
Childcare, feeding, playing, school pick-up/drop-off, activity planning |
Nannyakuten, NannyPoppins Sverige |
|
Housekeeper |
24,000 |
6–12 months cleaning exp, attention to detail, legal work permit |
Cleaning, laundry, organizing, restocking, some meal prep |
Hemfrid, HomeMaid AB, Städarna Sverige |
|
Elderly Caregiver |
26,000 |
1–3 yrs caregiving, patience, medical awareness, clean record, basic language |
Personal care, meal prep, companionship, meds assistance |
Care Allomsorg, Dedicare, God Assistans |
|
Live-in Domestic Helper |
22,000 |
Flexibility, multi-tasking, trustworthiness, willingness to live in |
Cleaning, cooking, laundry, childcare/elder support, 24/7 availability (on-call) |
Aleja AB, Clean Sky Sweden AB |
|
Private Chef |
35,000 |
Culinary training or 3+ yrs exp, dietary knowledge, menu planning |
Preparing meals, shopping for ingredients, kitchen hygiene, meal customization |
Private Families, Staffing Agencies |
|
Cleaner (Agency) |
23,000 |
6–12 months cleaning experience, physical stamina |
Cleaning homes/offices, dusting, mopping, sanitation |
Hemfrid, LinnStäd AB, Städarna Sverige |
|
Au Pair |
12,000 |
Age 18–30, informal childcare experience, EU/EEA or au pair visa |
Child supervision, playtime, cultural exchange, basic chores |
Trygga Barnen, NannyPoppins Sverige |
|
Babysitter |
10,000 (part-time) |
Informal exp with children, flexible hours, clean record |
Short-term childcare, feeding, bedtime routines, supervision |
Nannyakuten, Private Households |
|
Butler |
32,000 |
3+ yrs in formal household, etiquette training, service background |
Staff coordination, guest service, event planning, inventory management |
Private Estates, Butler Agencies |
|
Gardener |
24,000 |
Knowledge of tools/plants, physical fitness, outdoor readiness |
Lawn care, trimming, planting, seasonal gardening tasks |
Seniorbolaget, Property Services Firms |
|
Maintenance Worker |
28,000 |
Repair knowledge, electrical/plumbing exp, Swedish license (if required) |
Home repairs, painting, plumbing, seasonal upkeep |
Aleja AB, Dedicare |
|
Chauffeur/Private Driver |
30,000 |
2+ yrs driving exp, clean license, route familiarity, flexibility |
Driving employers, car maintenance, occasional errands |
Private Families, Transport Services |
|
Household Manager |
36,000 |
3+ yrs management exp, organizational skills, staff coordination |
Overseeing staff, budgeting, vendor liaison, managing schedules |
High-Net-Worth Households |
|
Personal Assistant |
29,000 |
Admin skills, discretion, scheduling exp, sometimes live-in |
Calendar management, errands, basic support duties |
Assistansbolaget, God Assistans |
|
Domestic Couple |
45,000 (combined) |
Joint experience in house roles (cleaning + gardening or cooking + driving) |
Household maintenance, cleaning, cooking, errands, garden, or driving duties |
Private Estates, Staffing Agencies |
|
Pet Care/Dog Walker |
20,000 |
Love for animals, reliability, basic pet knowledge |
Walking, feeding, cleaning up after pets, vet visits |
Private Homes, Freelance |
|
Cook (Basic) |
26,000 |
1–2 yrs home or institutional cooking exp |
Daily meal preparation, hygiene, following menus or dietary plans |
Domestic Staffing Agencies |
|
House Cleaner (Hourly) |
18,000 |
Basic experience, ability to travel between homes, self-motivated |
Dusting, mopping, sanitation, garbage removal |
Hemfrid, LinnStäd AB, Städarna Sverige |
|
Laundry Attendant |
20,000 |
Knowledge of fabric care, experience with washers/irons |
Washing, folding, ironing, sorting, stain removal |
HomeMaid AB, LinnStäd AB |
|
Part-Time Nanny/Babysitter |
15,000 |
6–12 months childcare experience, flexible timing |
Short-term supervision, help with homework, feeding, play |
Nannyakuten, Trygga Barnen |
Visa Type |
Eligibility |
Key Features |
Applicable Job Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Work Permit (General) |
Non-EU/EEA citizens with a valid job offer and contract from a Swedish employer |
Valid for up to 2 years (renewable), requires employer sponsorship, must meet minimum salary levels |
Nanny, Housekeeper, Caregiver, Cook, Gardener, Cleaner |
|
EU/EEA Right of Residence |
Citizens of EU/EEA countries |
No visa required, free movement and work rights, must register with Swedish Tax Agency |
All roles |
|
Au Pair Visa |
Age 18–30, non-EU, informal childcare experience, cultural exchange intention |
Maximum 1-year stay, part-time work (max 25 hrs/week), includes language course requirement |
Au Pair, Junior Babysitter |
|
ICT (Intra-Company Transfer) Permit |
Employee of a multinational company transferred to a Swedish branch |
Not typical for domestic work, applies to household managers working in employer-owned homes |
Household Manager (rare cases only) |
|
Residence Permit for Family Ties |
Married to/partner of a Swedish resident or citizen |
Can apply for a residence permit with work rights after arrival |
All roles (after gaining legal work right via family status) |
|
Job Seeker Visa (Highly Skilled) |
Recent graduate from Swedish university or skilled worker looking for jobs |
Not ideal for domestic roles; typically not applicable unless transitioning from another status |
Not commonly applicable |
|
Student Visa (Part-Time Work) |
Enrolled in full-time studies in Sweden |
Can work up to 20 hours/week, not ideal for full-time domestic positions |
Babysitter, Cleaner (part-time only) |
|
Work Permit for Seasonal Workers |
For short-term, low-skilled roles during specific times of the year |
Limited to seasonal industries (not household work), not applicable for domestic sector |
Not applicable |
