Recruiting veterinarians from other EU countries can be an effective way to address skills shortages and broaden your clinic's experience base. As Sweden is a member of the EU, there are rules that facilitate the mobility of professionals between member states. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to go about hiring a licensed veterinarian from another EU country for your Swedish clinic.
1. Check eligibility and identification
To work as a veterinarian in Sweden, you need a Swedish license issued by the Swedish Board of Agriculture. A veterinarian who is trained and licensed in another EU country can apply to have their license recognized in Sweden.
• The veterinarian must submit an application to the Swedish Board of Agriculture with documentation of their education and any professional experience.
• If the training meets the EU requirements under the Professional Qualifications Directive (2005/36/EC), the credential can be accepted without additional training. The directive aims to facilitate the free movement of professionals within the EU by recognising professional qualifications that meet certain requirements in other Member States.
Link to the Swedish Board of Agriculture: Apply for Swedish identification (English text)
Link to the Swedish Board of Agriculture: Apply for Swedish identification (Swedish text)
2. Labor law and employment conditions
As an employer, it is important to offer fair and legal working conditions:
• Employment contracts must comply with Swedish legislation (e.g. LAS – Employment Protection Act).
• Veterinarians are entitled to the same conditions as Swedish citizens: salary, vacation, insurance and work environment.
• Make sure to put the agreement in writing and preferably translated into English if necessary.
3. Tax and social security number registration
The veterinarian needs:
• Swedish personal identification number or coordination number – applied for at the Swedish Tax Agency.
Link to personal identification number, Swedish Tax Agency
Link to coordination number, Swedish Tax Agency
• Register with the Swedish Tax Agency as an employee and possibly receive a Swedish tax card.
As an employer, you are responsible for deducting preliminary tax and paying social security contributions.
4. Language skills and communication
The veterinarian must have the necessary knowledge of the Swedish language. Danish and Norwegian are also considered equivalent to Swedish. This is because the records are currently kept in Swedish. There is a proposal for a decision to accept English as the record language in the future, but it is not yet clear. If the veterinarian does not have knowledge of the Swedish language, there are exceptions if you can show a plan for how the clinic can help the veterinarian with record writing while the veterinarian is learning the language at, for example, SFI.
• Many employers require basic knowledge of Swedish.
• Some clinics offer language training in connection with employment.
5. Right of residence and housing
As an EU citizen, you automatically have the right to live and work in Sweden. No work permit is required. However:
• The person needs to register with the Swedish National Registry if the stay lasts longer than 12 months.
• Providing assistance with housing or helping with the housing search can be an important part of the introduction process.
6. Introduction and work environment
A good introduction to the workplace is important, especially when it comes to Swedish routines, medical record systems and animal welfare regulations.
• Offer a mentor or supervisor for the first few months.
• Review procedures, customer contact, legislation and the clinic's working methods.
Summary – checklist for you as an employer:
• Check that the veterinarian has or can obtain Swedish identification through the Swedish Board of Agriculture.
• Establish a correct employment contract according to Swedish law.
• Help with registration with the Swedish Tax Agency.
• Ensure sufficient language skills.
• Facilitate accommodation and integration.
• Offer introduction and support in the workplace.
Recruiting a veterinarian from another EU country involves some administration, but is entirely feasible and often very valuable. With the right preparation, it can be a smooth process that strengthens your practice in the long term.
Vetmigo can help you through the process, read more about how Vetmigo works with recruitment and staffing