Nursing Assistant Jobs in Sweden

Why choose nursing assistant jobs in Sweden

Sweden has a strong public healthcare system and an aging population, which keeps demand high for nursing assistants across hospitals, elderly care, home care, and rehabilitation centers. As an undersköterska you’ll work in multidisciplinary teams with good workplace protections and access to professional development. Many employers in cities like Stockholm offer structured orientation programs, language support, and extra training — making it easier for newcomers to integrate. Benefits often include paid vacation, parental leave, and collective bargaining agreements (kollektivavtal) that secure salary floors and working conditions.

Requirements and steps to become a nursing assistant in Sweden

Basic requirements typically include a vocational secondary education or completion of a municipal adult education (komvux) program focused on health and social care. For internationals, bringing a relevant qualification helps, but you may need credential recognition through Swedish authorities and proof of Swedish language competence (usually B1–B2 depending on employer). Non-EU citizens will need a work permit and often a job offer first; EU/EEA citizens should register with the Swedish Tax Agency to obtain a personnummer. Many employers accept certified nursing assistant diplomas combined with short bridging courses; others offer internal training. Important steps: verify your credentials, learn conversational Swedish for patient care, register where required, and pursue any local short courses that employers list in job ads.

How to find jobs, typical pay, and practical tips

Search channels include Arbetsförmedlingen (the Swedish Public Employment Service), hospital and municipal websites, private care providers, staffing agencies, LinkedIn, and local Facebook groups. Typical starting salaries for nursing assistants vary by region and collective agreements—expect lower ranges in some rural areas and higher rates in Stockholm and other large cities. Salaries often include shift differentials for nights and weekends. Practical tips: tailor your CV to Swedish norms (concise, chronological, include personnummer if you have one), emphasize language training and certifications, be ready for shift work, and join a union (e.g., Kommunal) to access contractual information and support. Volunteering or short internships in care homes can speed up hiring by giving local references and practical experience.