Do you want to hire staff and cut wage costs at the same time? There are several types of employment subsidies that can cover a large share of the cost. Here we compare Nystartsjobb (new-start jobs), Etableringsjobb (establishment jobs), Introduktionsjobb (introduction jobs) and Lönebidrag (wage subsidy), from an employer's perspective.
Which employment subsidies are available?
Arbetsförmedlingen offers financial compensation when you hire people who have been outside the labour market. Which type of support applies depends on the job seeker's situation and your workplace.
The four most common forms:
- Nystartsjobb (new-start jobs) - for people who have been unemployed, on sick leave or newly arrived in Sweden.
- Etableringsjobb (establishment jobs) - for the long-term unemployed and newly arrived, requires a collective agreement.
- Introduktionsjobb (introduction jobs) - for people who have been unemployed for a long time or are newly arrived.
- Lönebidrag (wage subsidy) - for people with a disability that affects their capacity to work.
All support requires that the person is registered with Arbetsförmedlingen.
Nystartsjobb: the most common support
Nystartsjobb (new-start jobs) is the most widely used employment subsidy. You receive compensation based on the employer's social security contributions, credited directly to your tax account each month.
Compensation:
| Situation | Compensation | Max duration |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployed 6 months-2 years (aged 20-24) | 1x employer contributions | 12 months |
| Unemployed 1-2 years (aged 25+) | 1x employer contributions | 12 months |
| Unemployed 2-3 years | 2x employer contributions | 24 months |
| Unemployed over 3 years | 2.5x employer contributions | 24 months |
| Newly arrived (within 36 months) | 2.5x employer contributions | 24 months |
The compensation applies to wages up to SEK 20,000 per month for full-time work. As an employer, you apply at least three weeks before the employment starts. The employment may not begin before the decision has been made.
Rules since 2025:
- You cannot hire family members or close relatives.
- You must not have made staff redundant due to a shortage of work in the past 12 months at the same operating unit.
- The entire wage must be paid out electronically.
Etableringsjobb: a simpler wage model
Etableringsjobb (establishment jobs) has a fixed wage structure. You as the employer pay one part, Försäkringskassan the rest.
- You pay: SEK 8,277 per month (2026).
- Försäkringskassan pays: Up to SEK 17,019 per month.
- Total income for the employee: A maximum of SEK 25,296 per month.
The support always applies to full-time work and lasts two years. The idea is that the employment should convert into a permanent position afterwards.
Requirement: You must have a collective agreement that includes Etableringsjobb and an agreement with the local trade union organisation. The job seeker submits the application themselves.
Introduktionsjobb: 80% of the wage cost
Introduktionsjobb (introduction jobs) gives you compensation of 80% of the wage cost for up to 12 months. The support can be extended to a maximum of 24 months if the person is assessed to need more time.
The support suits people who have been unemployed for a long time or are newly arrived. No collective agreement is required.
Lönebidrag: long-term support for disability
Lönebidrag (wage subsidy) is aimed at employers who hire people with a disability that affects their capacity to work. The support can run for up to eight years.
The subsidy applies to wages up to SEK 20,000 per month for full-time work. Arbetsförmedlingen assesses how much of the wage is covered based on the person's capacity to work.
Comparison table: which support suits you?
| Nystartsjobb | Etableringsjobb | Introduktionsjobb | Lönebidrag | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compensation | 1-2.5x empl. contr. | FK pays up to SEK 17,019 | 80% of wage cost | Share of wage |
| Max duration | 1-2 years | 2 years | 1-2 years | 8 years |
| Wage cap | SEK 20,000 | SEK 25,296 | - | SEK 20,000 |
| Full-time/part-time | Both | Full-time only | Both | Both |
| Collective agreement | No | Yes | No | No |
| Who applies | The employer | The job seeker | The employer | The employer |
How to get started
Contact Arbetsförmedlingen
Describe which position you want to fill. They help you match the right candidate with the right form of support.
Apply in good time
Most support requires that the application is submitted and decided before the employment starts. Allow at least three weeks of processing time.
Check the conditions
Make sure you have not made staff redundant at the same unit in the past 12 months and that you do not have tax debts over SEK 10,000.
Pay wages electronically
Cash payment is not permitted for subsidised employment.
Report every month
Submit the employer declaration on time to have the compensation credited.
Summary
Employment subsidies can cover a large share of the wage cost when you recruit. Nystartsjobb is the easiest to apply for, Etableringsjobb has the clearest wage model, and Lönebidrag gives the longest support period. Start by contacting Arbetsförmedlingen, they assess which support suits your situation.
Not sure whether you qualify? Contact us, the analysis is free and you pay nothing until the money has been granted.