Job interview abroad
If you are going to a job interview abroad, you may be entitled to benefits. This applies worldwide, not just within the EU/EEA. The date and time of the interview must be confirmed either by Arbetsförmedlingen or the company conducting the interview.
Benefits for the day of the interview
As a general rule, you can receive benefits for the day of the interview. We assess each case individually to determine whether time before or after the interview can also be covered.
If the interview is far away, benefits may be granted for an additional day before and/or after.
If the interview takes place at a time that requires travel the day before or after, benefits may also be granted for those days.
Travel support from Arbetsförmedlingen
Arbetsförmedlingen may provide financial support for travel to job interviews. Contact your employment officer for more information.
Upload documentation in advance
It is important that you contact us well in advance and provide proof of the interview trip, either through a certificate from Arbetsförmedlingen or a written invitation stating the date of the interview. Upload the document via Mina sidor.
Taking your unemployment benefits with you within the EU/EEA
If you are actively seeking work and fully unemployed, you may under certain conditions take your Swedish unemployment benefits with you when looking for work in the EU/EEA or Switzerland. To do this, you need a certificate called U2, which you apply for through the Swedish Unemployment Insurance Inspectorate (IAF). The certificate is valid for three months. During this period, you must continue submitting your time reports as usual.
Do you meet these conditions?
You have been fully unemployed for at least four weeks.
You have received a decision confirming your right to unemployment benefits.
You are entitled to benefits on the day you plan to travel.
How to apply for the U2 certificate from IAF
IAF (Inspektionen för arbetslöshetsförsäkringen) is responsible for issuing the U2 certificate.
Apply using the form “Application for certificate U2 or certificate E303” available at iaf.se/intyg.
Fill in your part of the form and send it to us at Akademikernas a-kassa about three weeks before your planned departure.
We complete our section and return the form to you.
You check the form and send it to IAF.
Continue submitting your time reports. IAF will contact us once a decision has been made.
You must apply before leaving Sweden
You must apply for the U2 certificate before you leave Sweden. You cannot apply once you are already abroad.
You must be entitled to unemployment benefits
If you have recently become unemployed and are applying for both benefits and the U2 certificate at the same time, your benefits application must be complete before we can process both cases. IAF cannot issue a U2 certificate until we have confirmed your entitlement to benefits.
Did you resign voluntarily?
If you resigned voluntarily, we will assess whether you had valid reasons to avoid a suspension. In most cases, people do not, and this results in a 45-day suspension from benefits. This period is followed by two mandatory waiting days. IAF may still approve your travel even if you are suspended. The job-seeking period abroad is always three months, meaning you will only receive benefits for the part of the period that follows the suspension.
We prioritize your application!
We prioritize U2 applications, so you can expect a short processing time. Applications for benefits submitted at the same time are also prioritized. Make sure to include all required documents. If you have questions, call 08-412 33 00 or email utland@akademikernasakassa.se.
When you receive the certificate
Once you receive the U2 certificate from IAF, your application has been approved. Read the certificate and the accompanying information carefully. Bring the certificate with you when you travel. We also recommend bringing a few paper copies.
The certificate includes:
The start date of the certificate period (your departure date),
The latest date by which you must register as a jobseeker in the country where you are looking for work to avoid interruptions in your benefits,
The length of time you may stay abroad while receiving Swedish benefits.
Check the information in the certificate and contact IAF if anything is incorrect.
If you decide not to travel, return the original certificate to IAF along with a letter stating that you wish to withdraw your application. IAF will then notify us.