Working as a veterinarian in Sweden if you already have a veterinary education and license from another EU country is entirely possible, but it requires that certain steps are followed according to Swedish regulations. Here is a summary of what is required and how you go about it.
1. Apply for Swedish identification at the Swedish Board of Agriculture – read more here (in English).
In Sweden, the Swedish Board of Agriculture is responsible for issuing licenses to veterinarians. If you have a veterinary license from an EU or EEA country, you can apply to have your license recognized according to EU rules on professional qualifications.
You need to submit:
• A valid certificate of your identity from the country you were educated in. This must be issued by a competent authority.
• Copy of passport or national ID card.
• Translation of documents if they are not in Swedish, Norwegian, Danish or English.
• In some cases, a so-called Certificate of Current Professional Status is also required, which shows that you have the right to work as a veterinarian and are not under investigation or suspension.
Forms and instructions can be found on the Swedish Board of Agriculture's website. Processing times vary but are usually a few weeks to a few months depending on the complexity of the case.
2. Good professional Swedish is often a requirement
Although a formal certificate of Swedish language skills is not always required to obtain a license, the language is crucial in practical work. Communication with animal owners, colleagues and authorities takes place in Swedish. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you have a good knowledge of Swedish, both spoken and written.
If you plan to work in public service (as a district veterinarian), a language test or certificate may sometimes be required by the employer.
3. Register and start looking for jobs
Once you have received your Swedish license, you will automatically be registered in the Swedish Board of Agriculture's register of licensed veterinarians. You can then work in Sweden on the same terms as Swedish-trained veterinarians.
Veterinarians are needed in animal health care, food control, research and agricultural advisory services. You can work privately, within government agencies such as the Swedish National Food Agency or the Swedish Board of Agriculture, or at animal clinics and hospitals.
4. Think about taxes and social security
If you move to Sweden to work, you need to register with the Swedish Tax Agency to get a personal identification number. This is required to be able to pay taxes, access healthcare, open a bank account and enter into an employment contract.
Summary: Step-by-step
1. Contact the Swedish Board of Agriculture – apply for Swedish identification.
2. Gather necessary documents – including identification, ID and any language certificate.
3. Learn Swedish – if you don't already know.
4. Get a personal identification number from the Swedish Tax Agency – to work and live in Sweden.
5. Search for a job - as a licensed veterinarian.
Working as a veterinarian in Sweden with an EU license is a clearly regulated but feasible process. Sweden has a great need for veterinarians, especially in certain areas, so there are good opportunities for those who want to establish themselves here.