Sweden 🇸🇪 has recently introduced important changes to its work permit policies, directly affecting both foreign workers and employers. The most significant update is the increase in the minimum salary threshold for a Swedish work permit, which now stands at SEK 29,680 per month. This update, along with ongoing discussions about possible exemptions for certain jobs, marks a shift in how Sweden 🇸🇪 manages labor immigration. Below, you’ll find a clear summary of what has changed, who is affected, what actions are required, and what these changes mean for both new and pending applications.
Summary of What Changed
Starting June 17, 2025, anyone applying for a Swedish work permit must be offered a monthly salary of at least SEK 29,680. This new threshold is based on 80% of Sweden’s updated median wage, which is SEK 37,100. The previous minimum salary was SEK 28,480 per month. This change aims to ensure that foreign workers are paid fairly and that their salaries match Swedish standards.
There are also ongoing discussions about exempting certain jobs from this minimum salary requirement. The Swedish Migration Agency has been asked to identify which occupations might be exempt, especially in sectors facing skills shortages. These proposals are expected to be submitted to the Ministry of Justice by August 1, 2025.
Who Is Affected by the New Rules
The new minimum salary threshold affects most people applying for a Swedish work permit. However, some groups are exempt from this requirement. The following are not required to meet the minimum salary threshold:
- EU/EEA citizens and their family members
- Seasonal workers
- EU Blue Card applicants
- ICT (Intra-Corporate Transfer) permit applicants
- Au pairs
- Interns through international exchange programs
- Interns in higher education
- Researchers
- Athletes and coaches
If you do not belong to one of these groups, you must meet the new salary requirement when applying for a Swedish work permit after June 17, 2025.
Effective Dates and Transition Rules
- Applications submitted before June 17, 2025: These will be assessed under the old minimum salary threshold of SEK 28,480 per month.
- Applications submitted on or after June 17, 2025: These must meet the new minimum salary threshold of SEK 29,680 per month.
Swedish government asked Migration Agency for exemption suggestions
New minimum salary threshold takes effect
Proposals for exemptions due
Old applications assessed under SEK 28,480
New applications must meet SEK 29,680 threshold
If you are planning to apply soon, it’s important to check the date you submit your application. Submitting before June 17, 2025, means your application will be reviewed under the old rules, while submitting on or after this date means the new, higher salary threshold applies.
Required Actions for Employers and Applicants
For Employers:
- Review and update job offers: Make sure all new job offers to foreign workers meet the new minimum salary threshold of SEK 29,680 per month.
- Monitor official updates: Stay informed about any new exemptions or changes by regularly checking the Swedish Migration Agency’s website.
- Prepare for possible changes: If you hire for jobs near the minimum salary, be ready to adjust your offers or hiring plans as new exemptions or rules are announced.
For Applicants:
- Check your salary offer: Confirm that your job offer meets the new minimum salary threshold if you are applying on or after June 17, 2025.
- See if you are exempt: Review the list of exempt groups. If you belong to one of them, you do not need to meet the minimum salary requirement.
- Submit your application on time: If your salary offer is below the new threshold, consider submitting your application before June 17, 2025, if possible.
- Gather all required documents: Make sure you have a valid job offer, proof of qualifications, and any other documents needed for your application.
Implications for Pending Applications
If you have already submitted your application before June 17, 2025, you do not need to worry about the new salary threshold. Your application will be processed under the old rules. However, if your application is still being prepared or you plan to submit after this date, you must meet the new requirement.
Employers with pending applications should double-check the submission date to ensure their offers comply with the correct salary threshold. If you are unsure, contact the Swedish Migration Agency for guidance.
Why the Minimum Salary Threshold Was Increased
The Swedish government raised the minimum salary threshold to:
- Ensure fair pay for foreign workers: By linking the threshold to 80% of the median wage, Sweden 🇸🇪 wants to make sure foreign workers are not paid less than local workers for similar jobs.
- Prevent wage dumping: This means stopping employers from offering very low salaries to foreign workers, which could hurt both foreign and local workers.
- Keep the labor market balanced: The policy aims to make sure that hiring foreign workers does not lower wages or working conditions in Sweden 🇸🇸.
Possible Exemptions for Certain Jobs
On February 13, 2025, the Swedish government asked the Swedish Migration Agency to suggest which jobs should be exempt from the new minimum salary threshold. This is especially important for sectors where there are not enough workers, such as healthcare, IT, or agriculture. The agency’s proposals are due by August 1, 2025.
If you work in a job that is hard to fill in Sweden 🇸🇪, you may benefit from these future exemptions. It’s important to follow updates from the Swedish Migration Agency to see if your occupation is included.
What About Future Changes?
There have been talks about raising the minimum salary threshold even higher, possibly to 100% of the median wage. However, no official decision has been made yet. If this happens, the minimum salary for a Swedish work permit could rise again, affecting both employers and workers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Swedish Work Permit
- Check if you meet the requirements: Make sure your job offer meets the minimum salary threshold, unless you are exempt.
- Collect your documents: You will need a valid job offer, proof of your skills or education, and other supporting documents.
- Apply online: Submit your application through the Swedish Migration Agency’s portal.
- Wait for a decision: The agency will review your application based on the rules in place at the time you submit it.
- Respond to any requests: If the agency asks for more information, reply quickly to avoid delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I already submitted my application before June 17, 2025?
Your application will be reviewed under the old salary threshold of SEK 28,480 per month. You do not need to meet the new requirement.
How do I know if I am exempt from the minimum salary requirement?
Check the list of exempt groups on the Swedish Migration Agency’s website. If you are an EU/EEA citizen, a seasonal worker, an EU Blue Card applicant, or belong to another exempt group, you do not need to meet the minimum salary threshold.
What if my job is added to the exemption list later?
If your occupation is added to the exemption list after you apply, the Swedish Migration Agency will provide guidance on how this affects your application. Keep checking their website for updates.
What happens if my salary offer is just below the new threshold?
If you apply on or after June 17, 2025, and your salary offer is below SEK 29,680, your application may be rejected unless you are exempt. Make sure your offer meets the new requirement before applying.
How can I stay updated on future changes?
Regularly visit the Swedish Migration Agency’s website for the latest news and updates on work permit rules.
Multiple Perspectives on the Policy Change
Employers:
The higher minimum salary threshold may mean employers need to increase salaries for some positions, especially those near the old minimum. This could affect hiring plans, especially for small businesses or sectors with tight budgets. Employers should also be ready to adjust as new exemptions are announced, especially if they rely on foreign workers for hard-to-fill jobs.
Applicants:
For foreign workers, meeting the new salary requirement is now a key part of getting a Swedish work permit. Those who are not exempt must make sure their job offers meet the new threshold. For some, this may mean negotiating with employers or looking for higher-paying jobs.
Government:
The Swedish government’s goal is to protect both foreign and local workers by making sure everyone is paid fairly. At the same time, the government wants to make it easier to bring in workers for jobs where there are shortages, which is why exemptions are being considered.
Economic and Labor Market Impact
Raising the minimum salary threshold is expected to:
- Improve pay for foreign workers, making sure they are treated fairly.
- Help prevent unfair competition in the job market by stopping very low salaries.
- Encourage employers to hire foreign workers only when needed, especially for jobs that are hard to fill with local workers.
However, some employers may find it harder to fill certain jobs if they cannot meet the new salary requirement. This is why the government is looking at possible exemptions for jobs with shortages.
What Should You Do Next?
- Employers: Review all job offers to foreign workers and make sure they meet the new minimum salary threshold. Stay alert for updates on exemptions and be ready to adjust your hiring plans.
- Applicants: Double-check your job offer and make sure it meets the new requirement. If you are close to the threshold, talk to your employer about raising your salary offer if needed. If you are exempt, make sure you have proof of your status.
- Both employers and applicants: Keep checking the Swedish Migration Agency’s website for the latest information.
Where to Find Official Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date details on Swedish work permit requirements, always refer to the Swedish Migration Agency’s official website. This site provides clear guidance on salary thresholds, exemptions, and the application process.
Conclusion and Practical Guidance
The recent increase in the minimum salary threshold for a Swedish work permit to SEK 29,680 per month is a major change that affects most new applicants and employers. While some groups are exempt, most people will need to meet this new requirement starting June 17, 2025. Employers and applicants should act quickly to make sure they comply with the new rules, and both should watch for updates on possible exemptions for certain jobs.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are part of Sweden’s ongoing effort to balance the needs of its labor market with fair treatment for all workers. By staying informed and taking the right steps, you can make sure your application or hiring process goes smoothly under the new rules.
If you have questions or need help, consider reaching out to an immigration lawyer or contacting the Swedish Migration Agency directly. Taking action now will help you avoid delays or problems with your Swedish work permit application.
Learn Today
Minimum Salary Threshold → The lowest monthly salary a foreign worker must be offered to qualify for a work permit.
Swedish Migration Agency → The official government body managing immigration and work permit applications in Sweden.
EU Blue Card → A residence permit for high-skilled non-EU workers to live and work in EU countries.
Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) → A permit allowing employees to transfer within the same company across international branches.
Exemption → A condition where certain groups are not required to meet the new salary threshold for permits.
This Article in a Nutshell
Sweden raises its work permit minimum salary to SEK 29,680 starting June 17, 2025. Certain job exemptions are under review, affecting foreign workers and employers directly. Prepare job offers accordingly and monitor official updates to comply with the new rules and avoid application delays.
— By VisaVerge.com
