💼The labour market and personal finances

How the Swedish labour market works, what rights you have as an employee, and the basics of personal finances.

The most important things to know

• Sweden has no statutory minimum wage. Wages are set through collective agreements (kollektivavtal) between unions and employers.
• Collective agreements regulate pay, working hours, holiday and other terms.
• Under the Annual Leave Act, employees are entitled to at least 25 days of paid holiday per year.
• The Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen) helps jobseekers and pays out certain support.
• Unemployment insurance (a-kassa) is a voluntary insurance that can provide compensation if you become unemployed.
• Tax is deducted directly from your salary. You file a tax return once a year.
• The Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden) handles unpaid debts. A payment default record (betalningsanmärkning) can make it difficult to rent housing or take a loan.

Key terms

Collective agreement (kollektivavtal)

An agreement between a trade union and an employer on pay and terms.

Trade union

An organisation that represents employees vis-à-vis the employer.

Unemployment insurance fund (a-kassa)

A fund that can provide compensation if you become unemployed.

Tax return (deklaration)

The annual report of your income to the Swedish Tax Agency.

Payment default record (betalningsanmärkning)

A note that you have not paid a debt on time.