Sweden to raise work permit salary threshold to 33,390 SEK monthly

Sweden will raise the minimum salary required for a work permit to SEK 29,680 per month starting June 17, 2025, with a further planned hike to SEK 33,390 (90% of the median wage) in a later phase that has not yet been dated. The government says the move is meant to align labor migration with Swedish wage standards and prevent underpayment of foreign workers. The change affects most non-EU/EEA applicants and their employers, with limited exceptions and a transition period for some current permit holders.

The new floor marks the third sharp increase in less than two years. Sweden moved from SEK 13,000 in October 2023 to SEK 28,480 in June 2024. From June 17, 2025, new applications must meet SEK 29,680 a month, equal to 80% of the updated median salary of SEK 37,100. The government has also agreed to lift the work permit minimum salary to SEK 33,390—90% of that median—though the exact start date for the higher threshold remained unconfirmed as of October 6, 2025. Officials have signaled a tighter system but are also weighing exemptions for shortage jobs to keep critical services staffed.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the latest rise will be felt most in lower-paid sectors that have relied on international hires. Employers will have to review job offers and contracts to make sure they meet the new figures before filing applications. Workers who already hold permits will have some time to adjust under a grace period for renewals.

Policy changes overview

• Effective date for new applications: June 17, 2025
• New threshold: SEK 29,680 per month (80% of Sweden’s median wage of SEK 37,100)
• Planned higher threshold: SEK 33,390 per month (90% of the median); implementation date pending
• Previous thresholds: SEK 13,000 (October 2023) and SEK 28,480 (June 2024)
• Future proposal under review: a threshold equal to 100% of the median wage (SEK 37,100)

The Swedish government frames these steps as part of a broader tightening of labor migration rules. The stated purpose is to ensure foreign workers earn fair pay comparable to Swedish standards and to reduce wage dumping—when salaries are pushed below normal market levels. By tying the work permit minimum salary to a percentage of the median wage, the policy moves in step with changes in Sweden’s overall pay levels.

Officials also say they are considering exemptions for roles where employers cannot find enough workers locally. Occupations often flagged for shortage include parts of healthcare and IT. As of now, the government has said details on possible exemptions are expected by August 1, 2025, which means some applicants and employers may have to wait for final lists and rules before filing decisions. Until then, the higher threshold announced for June 17, 2025, remains the guiding rule for most new applications.

Renewals will be handled with some flexibility, but timelines matter. Applications filed before June 17, 2025, will be processed under the SEK 28,480 threshold. Current permit holders also benefit from a grace period for renewals until June 2026, allowing workers and employers to plan for salary adjustments or role changes. Those who miss the dates may face refusals if the pay falls short of the new minimum salary.

Impact on applicants and employers

For most non-EU/EEA nationals, the work permit now depends on meeting or exceeding the stated minimum salary, along with other standard requirements. The changes do not affect EU citizens.

Some groups may be exempt, such as:

• seasonal workers
• researchers
• certain highly skilled professionals

However, employers should still confirm the exact rules that apply to each role. The government’s ongoing review also opens the door to targeted exemptions for shortage occupations, which could ease pressure in areas with high demand for talent.

The shift from SEK 28,480 to SEK 29,680 may look modest on paper, but it comes after a year of rapid increases. For entry-level roles, hourly workers moving to full-time contracts, and small firms, the new floor can change hiring plans.

Employers who rely on global talent will likely:

• adjust job descriptions, pay bands, and budgets to meet the minimum salary
• possibly raise pay to the planned SEK 33,390 ahead of time to avoid re-filing or reissuing contracts later

Applicants should expect stricter checks on employment terms. Contract letters and offer documents need to:

• clearly state the monthly salary and show it meets the minimum
• reflect normal Swedish conditions for hours and benefits
• present consistent terms that pass administrative scrutiny

If an offer sits below the threshold, the application will fail. The median wage anchor—SEK 37,100—helps explain the numbers: SEK 29,680 is 80% of the median; SEK 33,390 is 90%; a full match to 100% (SEK 37,100) remains under review and would represent a major shift for many roles.

These changes also affect mobility within Sweden. Workers wishing to change employers or roles may need to show they still meet the threshold. Permit holders tied to a specific job should consult employers before switching roles to avoid jeopardizing their status. Families dependent on a principal applicant’s permit should monitor renewal dates closely, since the permit holder’s pay level affects the household’s right to stay.

Timeline and compliance steps

With multiple dates and thresholds in play, planning matters. Key points based on current government information:

• From June 17, 2025, new work permit applications must show a monthly salary of at least SEK 29,680.
• Applications filed before June 17, 2025, can proceed under the SEK 28,480 rule applicable at the time of filing.
• A grace period for renewals runs until June 2026, giving current permit holders time to adjust.
• The government has agreed to move to SEK 33,390 (90% of median), but the start date was still pending as of October 6, 2025.
• Possible exemptions for shortage occupations are expected to be clarified by August 1, 2025.
• A proposal to link the threshold to 100% of the median wage (SEK 37,100) is under review.

Practical steps for employers

1. Review current offers and contracts for foreign hires to ensure pay is at or above SEK 29,680 from June 17, 2025.
2. Budget for the planned move to SEK 33,390, even without a set date, to avoid disruption when it takes effect.
3. Track official announcements for the exemption list — especially if roles are in healthcare or IT.
4. For renewals before June 2026, plan increases early and keep payroll records ready. If pay rises are staged, time them so the worker’s salary is compliant on the renewal date.
5. Keep clear communication with staff and unions where applicable, particularly in sectors with collective agreements.

Checklist for applicants

• Confirm the monthly salary meets SEK 29,680 from mid-June 2025.
• Verify working hours and whether the salary assumes full-time employment.
• Check benefits, leave, and other terms align with Swedish norms.
• Monitor government announcements for any changes before submitting applications.

For authoritative updates and detailed rules, including salary requirements for a Swedish work permit, see the Swedish Migration Agency: https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Working-in-Sweden/Employed/Requirements-for-a-work-permit.html. This is the primary government source for current thresholds, eligibility categories, and any exceptions that may apply.

Broader context and near-term priorities

The government’s focus on the minimum salary fits a pattern across Europe, where countries adjust salary-based routes to shape the type of labor migration they receive. Sweden’s fast rise—from SEK 13,000 in 2023 to SEK 29,680 in 2025—signals policymakers want to lift wage floors quickly and tie them more closely to median pay.

• Supporters argue this protects both local and foreign workers by keeping pay fair.
• Critics warn that small businesses may struggle to hire and that the rules could limit entry-level opportunities.

In the near term, timing is the most pressing issue. The June 17, 2025 switch to SEK 29,680 is firm for new applications, while the move to SEK 33,390 will follow once the government sets a date. Employers who rely on foreign hires should avoid last-minute filings that might fall into a higher band without warning.

Workers considering offers just below the threshold should ask employers about salary adjustments, especially if the planned 90% rule could take effect soon after arrival.

Key takeaway: a Swedish work permit now hinges not only on role and skills but also on pay tied to the national median. Align offers with SEK 29,680 now and prepare for SEK 33,390 next, while watching for exemption lists and any further moves toward a full median-linked threshold.