Full member since 1952

Type:Full Country / Territory:Sweden President / Chair:Ida Kåhlin Secretary / CEO:Malin Curlo Address: Sveriges Arbetsterapeuter, P.O.Box 760
Nacka, 131 24
Sweden

WFOT Individual Membership: Included in the association’s subscription Email:[email protected] Website:Visit Website (External) ↗ Social: Facebook | X (Twitter)

Delegates

Delegate

Annika Lexén

Associate Professor

Alternate 1

Ida Kåhlin

Alternate 2

Maria Ranner

Working in Sweden

General Information

Number of occupational therapists in Sweden

16,821

Terminology

In Sweden , the term "occupational therapist" is also referred to as Arbetsterapeut

Main language(s) spoken in Sweden

Swedish

Other languages commonly spoken in Sweden

English

Registration

Occupational therapists are required to register with a federal/national organisation to practice

Required

https://www.arbetsterapeuterna.se/foerbundet/occupational-therapy-in-sweden/about-occupational-therapy-in-sweden/licence-to-practice/ (External) ↗

Occupational therapists are required to register with a state/regional organisation to practice

Not Required

It is compulsory to join the Swedish Association of Occupational Therapists in order to practice as an occupational therapist

Practicing Requirements

Graduation from a WFOT approved programme is required to register to practice

Yes

As member of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), the Swedish Association of Occupational Therapists recommends you to have your exam from a WFOT recognised programme.

https://www.arbetsterapeuterna.se/foerbundet/occupational-therapy-in-sweden/study-in-sweden/ (External) ↗

Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice

Swedish

In order to a obtain a Swedish license to practice you need to prove you have sufficient language skills in Swedish, Danish or Norwegian.

Additional requirements for occupational therapists to practice

In order to a obtain a Swedish license to practice you need to prove you have the correct professional qualifications and have a Swedish personal identity number or coordination number.

Employment Opportunities

Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation

Yes

https://www.socialstyrelsen.se/en/apply-and-register/apply/licence-to-practise/ (External) ↗
https://www.arbetsterapeuterna.se/foerbundet/occupational-therapy-in-sweden/ (External) ↗

Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities

EURES (EURopean Employment Services): https://eures.europa.eu/index_en (External) ↗

Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen): https://arbetsformedlingen.se/other-languages/english-engelska (External) ↗

Immigration

Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice

Swedish Migration Board (Migrationsverket) http://www.migrationsverket.se/info/start_en.html (External) ↗
Swedish Embassy or Consulate in different countries: https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/ (External) ↗

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Occupational therapy assistants exist in Sweden

Disclaimer: This information was provided by Swedish Association of Occupational Therapists and was last updated on 14th July 2025. WFOT is not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or changes in the information provided. This information is intended as a guide and should be independently verified before making any decisions.