Swedish Nursing Licence for Nurses Trained Outside the EU/EEA: Steps, Test, Swedish Level and Costs

Part of our Nursing Councils of the World series. Last checked: November 2026.

In Sweden, “nurse” is a protected title: you need a licence (legitimation) from the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) before you can work as one. If you trained outside the EU/EEA, the licence comes at the end of a step-by-step route that usually takes two to four years.

Imagine passing your written test, only to find the practical test, a law course and three months of clinical training still lie ahead, all in Swedish. Seeing the whole route before you start helps you plan your time, money and language study.

Two routes to a Swedish nursing licence

• The Socialstyrelsen route: assessment, proficiency test, law course and clinical training, then the licence application. Usually 2–4 years.
• A complementary programme at a Swedish university or college, then the licence application. Usually 1–3 years. Places are limited, and many universities ask for Socialstyrelsen’s decision that your education is comparable to Swedish training.

Step 1: Have your education assessed

You apply to Socialstyrelsen, which reviews your foreign education and tells you what to do next. You do not need Swedish for this step.

Step 2: The proficiency test

The test for nurses trained outside the EU/EEA is run by the University of Gothenburg, which has national responsibility for it on behalf of Socialstyrelsen. You need a positive decision from Socialstyrelsen before you can register. There are two parts, a written test and a practical test, and you must pass the written test before you can book the practical one.

Steps 3 and 4: Law course and clinical training

Next comes a course in Swedish laws and regulations for health care, then a period of clinical training. You need a special authorisation from Socialstyrelsen to do the clinical training. Region Skåne says clinical training lasts six months for doctors and three months for other licensed professions.

Step 5: Apply for your licence

Once everything is done, you apply for the licence. The application fee is SEK 990. Sweden’s business portal Verksamt says it is not possible to estimate the total processing time.

How good does your Swedish need to be?

You need Swedish to pass steps 2 to 5, and you must send proof with your licence application at the latest. Socialstyrelsen accepts, for example:

• Swedish 3 or Swedish as a Second Language 3, or the equivalent Komvux courses
• Swedish at CEFR level C1
• A course or exam that meets the Swedish language entry requirement for higher education
• Equivalent Norwegian or Danish, certified by a college or university
• An assessment by a health care provider on Socialstyrelsen’s form

Non-EU/EEA citizens also need a work permit or another right to work in Sweden. While you wait, Socialstyrelsen says you may work in a health care role that does not need a licence. Note that “assistant nurse” (undersköterska) is now a protected title in Sweden with its own application, so check what any job you take requires. If you have practised for at least three years in an EU/EEA country, Socialstyrelsen has a separate route for you.

But do I have to wait until the end to work in health care?

No. A licence is only needed for licensed roles such as registered nurse. You can work in an unlicensed care role while you study Swedish and move through the steps, which also builds the language and workplace experience the tests demand.

Sources: Socialstyrelsen, “Obtaining a licence if you are educated outside EU and EEA” and related licence pages; University of Gothenburg, “Test of nursing competency for non-EU graduates”; Verksamt.se, “Nurse responsible for general care”; Region Skåne, “Educated outside the EU/EEA in a profession requiring a license”. Checked November 2026.