Information for those of you who have mainly lived in Sweden, worked abroad and want to apply for unemployment insurance. If you haven't already done so – submit an application for membership to us. Also register at the arbetsförmedlingen (employment agency). Every case is unique so call or email us if you have any questions. It is important that you receive the benefits you are entitled to.

In which country should I apply for benefits?

When you have worked within the EU / EEA and paid tax, that work can be the basis for benefits. However, if you have worked outside the EU / EEA, you can only apply for benefits from us in exceptional cases.

  • If you have lived in Sweden, commuted to work in a neighboring country and are now unemployed full-time, you must apply for benefits in Sweden.
  • If, on the other hand, you are unemployed part-time, you must apply for benefits in the country of employment.
  • If you have worked within the EU / EEA, have not been in Sweden less often, but still have strong ties to Sweden, you can choose which country you can apply for benefits in.
  • f you have worked in a country outside the EU / EEA and been seconded by a Swedish employer and received your salary from Sweden, you apply for benefits in Sweden.

How do I apply for benefits?

It is important that you apply directly if you are unemployed full-time, because you are directly transferred to the Swedish social security system when the employment ends. If you are unemployed part-time, you apply for benefits in the country of employment.

  • Apply directly for membership in Akademikernas a-kassa in order not to lose the right to income-related benefits and possible income insurance via the trade union.
  • Register at the arbetsförmedling. It is only days you are registered there that you can receive benefits.
  • Complete the forms Sök ersättning and Bosättningsstat in Mina sidor. We will help you search for a certificate. Read more here
  • We will contact you when we have received your application documents if we need more information.

I have worked in a country outside the EU / EEA

To be able to receive compensation, you need to have worked within the EU /  EEA. Only in exceptional cases can we base benefits on work in other countries, for example if you worked for a Swedish employer and received your salary from Sweden.

Join us

Filip has lived in Malmö and worked in Copenhagen

Filip has been working in Copenhagen for the past year, but went home to Malmö every day. Now that he has been dismissed, he will join Akademikernas a-kassa and apply for compensation in Sweden.

Anna has worked and lived in Berlin

Anna has had an employment in Berlin from which she has been dismissed. She has her family in Sweden, but only had the opportunity to go home once a month. She can choose whether she wants to apply for benefitsin Sweden or in Germany. If she wants to apply in Sweden, she must join the Akademikernas a-kassa immediately when the employment ends.

Kalle has lived in Argentina

Kalle moved from Sweden to Argentina where he has lived and worked for the past 10 years. When he moves back to Sweden, he needs to become a member of Akademikernas a-kassa. He also needs to have worked for 6 months, 60 hours per month to be entitled to benefits.

Matilda has worked at the embassy in Cairo

Matilda has been ambassador in Cairo. During her stay abroad, she has continued to be a member of Akademikernas a-kassa. When she moves home, she can apply for benefits from Akademikernas a-kassa.