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Job seeking abroad

In most cases, one is not entitled to unemployment compensation when abroad, but there are exceptions. One example is being called to a job interview, in which case it is also possible to apply for compensation for food and accommodation through Arbetsförmedlingen. Another example is having been fully unemployed for at least four weeks – then there is an opportunity to “transfer” the unemployment compensation within the EU/EEA.

Job interview abroad

If one is going to a job interview abroad, one may be entitled to compensation. This applies worldwide, not just within the EU/EEA. The timing of the job interview must be confirmed by either Arbetsförmedlingen or the company conducting the interview.

Compensation for the interview day

The starting point is that one receives compensation for the day of the job interview. An assessment is then made on a case-by-case basis regarding whether time abroad before or after the interview can be compensated.

If one has a long travel time to the interview, compensation may be granted for one or more additional days in connection with the interview. If the interview takes place at a time of day that requires arrival or departure on a different day than the interview itself, compensation may also be granted.

Compensation from Arbetsförmedlingen for interview travel

Arbetsförmedlingen may grant compensation for interview travel and expenses. Contact your employment officer for more information.

Upload certificate in advance

It is important to contact us well before departure to verify the interview trip with either a certificate from Arbetsförmedlingen or a written invitation to the interview stating the date of the interview. Upload the certificate in Mina sidor.

Take compensation with you within the EU/EEA

If you are a job seeker and fully unemployed, you may under certain conditions take your unemployment compensation with you when looking for work in the EU/EEA/Switzerland. For this, you need a certificate called U2. You apply for the certificate through the Swedish Unemployment Insurance Inspectorate (IAF), and it is valid for three months. During the period covered by the certificate, you continue to submit monthly applications to us as usual.

Do you meet these conditions?

  • You have been fully unemployed for four weeks.

  • You have received a decision confirming your right to unemployment compensation.

  • You are entitled to compensation on the day you wish to travel.

How to apply for certificate U2

  1. Apply using the form “Application for certificate U2 or certificate E303”, available at iaf.se/intyg.

  2. Fill in your part of the form and send it to us at Akademikernas a-kassa about three weeks before your planned departure.

  3. We will complete our part of the certificate and send it back to you.

  4. Check and send the certificate to IAF.

  5. Continue submitting monthly applications to us. Once IAF has made a decision, they will contact us.

Apply before you travel

You must apply for certificate U2 before leaving Sweden. It is not possible to apply if you are already abroad.

You must be entitled to compensation

If you have recently become unemployed and are applying for compensation and certificate U2 at the same time, your compensation application must be complete for us to process both matters immediately. IAF cannot decide on certificate U2 until we have determined your entitlement to compensation.

If you have resigned

If you have resigned, we always assess whether you had valid reasons to avoid suspension. Most people do not, and are suspended for 45 compensation days. The period then begins with a qualifying deduction equivalent to the value of two compensation days. IAF may grant you permission to travel even if you are suspended from compensation. A job-seeking trip always lasts three months, which means compensation is only paid for the part of the period that follows the suspension.

We prioritize your application

We prioritize the processing of U2 applications, so you can expect a short processing time. A compensation application submitted at the same time is also prioritized. Make sure all required documents are included. Feel free to call 08-412 33 00 or email utland@akademikernasakassa.se if you have questions regarding your application.

When you receive the certificate

When you have received certificate U2 from IAF, it means your application has been approved. Read the certificate and the information from IAF carefully. Bring the certificate with you when you travel. We also recommend that you bring a few paper copies.

The certificate includes, among other things:

  1. the date the certificate period begins, that is, your departure date,

  2. the latest date by which you must register as a job seeker in the country where you are seeking work in order to receive compensation without interruption,

  3. and how long you may stay abroad with compensation from Sweden.

Check the information and contact IAF if anything is incorrect. If you decide not to travel, you must return the original certificate to IAF along with a letter stating that you wish to withdraw your certificate. We will then be notified of this by IAF.