Thanks to Sweden’s diverse language skills and commitment to innovation, international organizations have long targeted the country for global expansion.
A recent report revealed that the country ranks as the fourth most competitive economy in the world.
In addition, Sweden boasts a highly educated workforce, with as many as 43% of the population aged between 25 and 64 having post-secondary education.
With so much to offer, international companies usually turn to Sweden to hire talented employees.
However, successful international hiring requires a thorough understanding of local labor laws, including the necessity of conducting compliant background checks.
So, Skuad does background checks in Sweden if you partner with our EOR platform.
On that note, here is a step-by-step guide to efficiently running an employee screening in Sweden and complying with legal requirements.
What is an Employee Background Check?
An employee background check is an extensive part of the hiring process that verifies the accuracy of information job applicants provide in their resumes.
It helps to assess whether an individual is who they claim to be.
Employers perform various types of employee screening, depending on the job's needs and requirements.
These include criminal record checks, employment background checks, and medical screening, among others.
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Talk to an expertWhat Are the Benefits of Background Checks in Sweden?
Some of the primary benefits of conducting an employee screening in Sweden include,
- Maintaining hiring quality
Employers must adhere to specific standards to keep the workplace safe for all.
When individuals have something to hide, they are far less likely to apply for a job that demands a comprehensive background check.
Therefore, by implementing this process, you get applications from eligible candidates, leading to a more efficient hiring decision.
- Promoting a culture of positivity at work
You must build trust, comfort, and personal bonds with your employees to foster a strong work culture.
An employment background check can help in this regard, as it demonstrates your commitment to selecting the most qualified individuals.
- Ensures compliance with legal regulations
Labor laws of Sweden are complicated, and more often than not, ensuring compliance with all governing regulations can be challenging for many business owners.
However, conducting an employee screening beforehand helps ensure your employees have completed all the legal paperwork and qualifications deemed essential to work abroad.
This, in turn, helps to avoid legal issues and penalties further down the lane.
- Reducing Turnover Rates
By thoroughly vetting candidates, you are more likely to hire individuals who fit the role and the company culture.
This reduces the likelihood of turnover, saving your company time and resources in the long run.
- Enhancing company reputation
A background check in Sweden shows that your company is serious about maintaining high standards.
This can enhance your reputation among clients, partners, and prospective employees, making your business attractive to top talent and stakeholders.
- Protecting company assets
Background checks help identify any past criminal activities or financial irresponsibilities that could pose a risk to your company.
This is crucial for positions that handle sensitive information or financial transactions, thereby protecting your company's assets and intellectual property.
What Are the Types of Background Checks in Sweden?
When handling international employee relocation, one of your primary tasks as an employer is to comply with country-specific labor laws and regulations.
For example, multiple statutory guidelines in Sweden ensure a fully secure employee screening process. Let’s examine a few examples.
Criminal record check
There are specific rules and regulations that you must follow, especially while conducting a criminal record check in Sweden. They include,
- You can only request a criminal background check in Sweden if the job involves handling functionally impaired children, employment in HVB homes or foster homes, or employment in insurance distribution.
- The original record extract must be returned to the employee if requested.
- Furthermore, under the Swedish laws, individuals can only apply for a self-request. This means a power of attorney for another person is not allowed to apply for a criminal record extract in Sweden.
Employment history check
- An employment history check in Sweden involves verification of an individual’s previous employment history to confirm their work experience.
- This usually includes the employer’s name, dates of employment, job position and responsibilities, and salary information.
Medical screening
- Medical screening is a standard process that individuals may be required to undergo before employment.
- They may include questionnaires, physical examinations, and interviews.
- One of the primary purposes of a medical screening process in Sweden is to verify whether individuals are physically and mentally capable of working under pressure, including diving work or any rescue operation.
Credit history check
- The primary aim of a credit history check is to assess an individual's creditworthiness based on their financial history.
- This is especially important for job positions in accounting, high-level executives, etc.
- A credit report usually contains personal information about the individual, such as loans, credit cards, mortgages, and overdrafts.
- Therefore, before proceeding with this type of employee screening in Sweden, it is of utmost importance that you, as an employer, obtain explicit consent from the job applicant.
Education history check
- An education history check verifies the academic status of individuals at various educational levels, such as high school, college, and post-grad.
- It usually includes details about the institution's name, dates of attendance, and degrees obtained, among other things.
- An education history check is usually conducted by employers getting directly in touch with the educational institutions.
Social media check
- A social media check in Sweden is usually conducted to identify potential issues with a candidate’s presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter platforms.
- For the same reason, employers may assess publicly available information to understand how individuals interact with others online and whether they are a right fit for the organization.
Requirements for Background Checks in Sweden
The documents required for conducting a background check in Sweden usually differ based on the type of employee screening. Nonetheless, the most common ones that must be addressed are listed below.
- Identification documents: copy of valid Swedish ID, driver’s license or passport
- Documents supporting permanent and temporary address
- Copy of scan of educational certificates, diplomas, and degrees.
- Previous employer’s name, offer letter, and salary slips
- Non-EU and EEA citizens need to present work permits
Steps in Conducting Background Checks in Sweden
A background check in Sweden is a crucial task that involves various steps. They include the following,
- Disclosure to the candidate
Before conducting a background check in Sweden, the first and foremost step is to inform the candidate clearly.
The individual must provide explicit consent to provide the necessary personal details to commence the process.
- Conducting the investigation
Following this, you can start with employee screening. Carefully evaluate the accuracy of the information received by contacting relevant authorities and sources.
Prepare a report for a better understanding.
- Review the report
Review the report for accuracy. Ensure that all the relevant checks have been conducted and that the information matches the details provided by the job candidate.
This will enable you to make a better and more informative hiring decision.
Are Employee Background Checks Legal in Sweden?
Yes, employee screening in Sweden is legal as long as it complies with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). This European Union regulation lays down specific guidelines for using, processing, and storing personal data.
Additionally, employers are required to conform to the Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection. This public agency is tasked with protecting personal data and ensuring it is handled correctly and does not fall into the wrong hands.
Planning to Hire in Sweden? Skuad Can Help
Conducting a background check in Sweden manually is complex and can often be overwhelming and tedious.
You need a robust solution that will enable you to run the required check while ensuring compliance with data privacy laws.
Skuad is an all-in-one platform that facilitates all crucial aspects of international hiring, including employee screening.
Skuad performs background checks If you partner with our EOR platform to hire employees.
Be it managing visas, onboarding, or payroll, Skuad has got you covered.
It offers many features that enable you to tap into a diverse pool of talented resources, providing the tools and knowledge to hire confidently and compliantly.
So, contact us today and experience the Skuad difference!
FAQs
Q1: Are background checks legal in Sweden?
Ans: Yes, background checks in Sweden are legal as long as they comply with the Swedish laws and regulations related to data protection and privacy. One of them includes the GDPR.
Q2: What happens during employment screening in Sweden?
Ans: During an employee screening in Sweden, employers conduct extensive research to verify the accuracy of information provided by job applicants. The goal is to select the most suitable candidates for the organization.
Q3: Do employers do international background checks in Sweden?
Ans: Yes, running an international background check on employees is common in Sweden. However, there are various rules and regulations related to this that all employers must adhere to.