Sweden to Increase Work Permit Salary Threshold This Week

Key Takeaways

• Sweden raised the work permit salary threshold to SEK 27,360 monthly from November 1, 2023.
• The change applies to all new and renewal work permit applications except ICT and EU Blue Cards.
• The new threshold equals 80% of Sweden’s median salary to ensure fair pay for foreign workers.

Sweden Raises Work Permit Salary Threshold: What Foreign Workers and Employers Need to Know

Sweden 🇸🇪 made a major change to its work permit rules on November 1, 2023, raising the minimum monthly salary required for most foreign workers to SEK 27,360. This new rule affects both new and renewal applications for work permits, except for those applying under ICT Permits and EU Blue Cards. The Swedish Migration Agency announced this change to make sure foreign workers are paid fairly and to keep up with the country’s rising median salary.

This article explains what the new salary threshold means, who it affects, how to meet the requirements, and what changes might come in the future. It also looks at the impact on workers, employers, and Sweden’s immigration system as a whole.

What Changed on November 1, 2023?

On November 1, 2023, Sweden 🇸🇪 set a new work permit salary threshold of SEK 27,360 per month. This change applies to almost all work permit applications, including those that were still being processed on that date. The only exceptions are for ICT Permits (for employees transferred within a company) and EU Blue Cards (a special permit for highly skilled workers in the European Union).

The new threshold is based on 80% of the median salary in Sweden 🇸🇪, as reported by Statistics Sweden (SCB). This means the government looked at what most people in Sweden 🇸🇪 earn and set the minimum for foreign workers at a level that is close to what Swedish workers get.

Key facts:
– Effective date: November 1, 2023
– New salary threshold: SEK 27,360 per month
– Applies to: All new and renewal work permit applications (except ICT Permits and EU Blue Cards)
– Basis: 80% of Sweden’s median salary (from SCB data)

Why Did Sweden Raise the Work Permit Salary Threshold?

The Swedish government raised the salary threshold for several reasons:

• Fair pay for foreign workers: The new rule helps make sure that people coming to Sweden 🇸🇪 for work are paid fairly and not less than local workers.
• Protecting the labor market: By setting a higher minimum salary, Sweden 🇸🇪 wants to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at lower wages, which could hurt Swedish workers.
• Reflecting economic changes: The threshold is tied to the median salary, which changes over time as the economy grows and wages rise.
• Aligning with EU standards: Many European countries use similar systems to set salary requirements for foreign workers.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this move is part of a broader effort by Sweden 🇸🇪 to balance the needs of its labor market with the rights and welfare of foreign workers.

Who Is Affected by the New Salary Threshold?

The new work permit salary threshold affects several groups:

Foreign Workers

• New applicants: Anyone applying for a Swedish work permit after November 1, 2023, must show a job offer with a monthly salary of at least SEK 27,360.
• Pending applications: If you applied before November 1, 2023, and your application was still being processed on that date, you must also meet the new salary requirement.
• Renewals: If you are renewing your work permit, your new contract must meet the new threshold.

Employers in Sweden 🇸🇪

• Hiring foreign workers: Employers must offer at least SEK 27,360 per month to new foreign hires who need a work permit.
• Current foreign employees: If you have foreign workers whose permits are up for renewal, you may need to raise their salaries to keep them in Sweden 🇸🇪.
• Budget planning: The higher threshold may affect how many foreign workers you can afford to hire.

Exemptions

• ICT Permits: Employees transferred within a company (Intra-Corporate Transferees) are not affected by the new threshold.
• EU Blue Cards: Highly skilled workers applying for an EU Blue Card have different requirements and are not covered by this rule.

How to Meet the New Work Permit Salary Threshold

If you are applying for a work permit in Sweden 🇸🇪, here’s what you need to do:

1. Check Your Salary Offer

Make sure your job offer or employment contract shows a monthly salary of at least SEK 27,360. If your salary is lower, you will not meet the requirement and your application will likely be rejected.

2. Gather Proof

You need to provide documents that prove your salary. This usually means:
– A signed employment contract
– A letter from your employer stating your salary and job details

3. Submit Your Application

When you apply for a work permit, include your contract and any other required documents. The Swedish Migration Agency will check that your salary meets the new threshold.

You can find the official application forms and more information on the Swedish Migration Agency’s website.

4. Check for Exemptions

If you think you might qualify for an ICT Permit or an EU Blue Card, check the specific requirements for those permits. They have different rules and salary thresholds.

What Happens if You Don’t Meet the New Threshold?

If your salary is below SEK 27,360 per month, your work permit application will likely be denied. This applies even if you applied before November 1, 2023, but your application was still pending on that date.

For people already working in Sweden 🇸🇪, this means you may need to ask your employer for a raise before renewing your permit. Employers who do not adjust salaries risk losing valuable foreign staff.

Why Is the Threshold Based on the Median Salary?

Sweden 🇸🇪 uses the median salary to set the threshold because it reflects what most people in the country earn. The median is the middle value in a list of all salaries, so it is not affected by a few very high or very low wages.

By setting the threshold at 80% of the median salary, Sweden 🇸🇸 ensures that foreign workers are paid close to what Swedish workers earn. This helps prevent unfair competition and supports fair working conditions.

How Does This Compare to Previous Rules?

Before November 1, 2023, the salary threshold for work permits in Sweden 🇸🇪 was lower. The new rule is a significant increase, reflecting changes in the country’s economy and labor market.

The Swedish Migration Agency announced the change on September 18, 2023, giving employers and workers some time to prepare. The agency said the new rule would help make sure foreign workers are paid fairly and that Sweden 🇸🇪 remains an attractive place for skilled workers.

What Are the Implications for Employers?

Employers in Sweden 🇸🇪 now face higher costs when hiring foreign workers who need a work permit. Here’s what this means in practice:

• Salary adjustments: Employers must make sure all new foreign hires meet the SEK 27,360 threshold.
• Renewals: For current foreign employees, salaries may need to be raised before renewing their work permits.
• Hiring plans: Some employers may hire fewer foreign workers or focus on hiring people who already have the right to work in Sweden 🇸🇪.
• Budget impact: The higher salary requirement could affect company budgets, especially for small businesses.

Employers should review their hiring policies and talk to legal or HR experts to make sure they follow the new rules.

What Are the Implications for Foreign Workers?

For people hoping to work in Sweden 🇸🇪, the new rule means:

• Higher minimum salary: You need a job offer that pays at least SEK 27,360 per month.
• More competition: Some jobs that used to qualify for a work permit may no longer meet the salary requirement.
• Renewal concerns: If you are already in Sweden 🇸🇪 on a work permit, you may need to negotiate a higher salary before your permit expires.

It’s important to talk to your employer and make sure your contract meets the new rule before applying or renewing your permit.

What About ICT Permits and EU Blue Cards?

Not all foreign workers are affected by the new threshold. Two main groups are exempt:

ICT Permits

ICT Permits are for employees who are transferred within a company from another country to Sweden 🇸🇪. These permits have their own rules and salary requirements, which are different from the general work permit threshold.

EU Blue Cards

The EU Blue Card is a special permit for highly skilled workers from outside the European Union. It has its own salary threshold, which is usually higher than the general work permit threshold. The new SEK 27,360 rule does not apply to EU Blue Card applicants.

If you think you might qualify for one of these permits, check the specific requirements on the Swedish Migration Agency’s website.

What Are the Next Steps for Applicants?

If you are planning to apply for a work permit in Sweden 🇸🇪, here’s what you should do:

1. Check your job offer: Make sure your salary is at least SEK 27,360 per month.
2. Gather documents: Collect your employment contract and any other proof of salary.
3. Apply online: Use the official forms from the Swedish Migration Agency.
4. Check for exemptions: If you might qualify for an ICT Permit or EU Blue Card, review those requirements.
5. Talk to your employer: Make sure they understand the new rules and are ready to support your application.

What Might Change in the Future?

There are signs that Sweden 🇸🇪 may change its work permit rules again in the future. Some experts believe the salary threshold could be lowered, or that it may become easier to switch to an EU Blue Card. However, as of now, these changes have not been made.

Employers and workers should keep an eye on official announcements from the Swedish Migration Agency and check for updates regularly.

What Do Experts Say?

EY’s analysis points out that the new threshold helps make sure foreign workers are paid a fair wage, in line with what Swedish workers earn. This supports a healthy labor market and protects both foreign and local workers.

Envoy Global notes that people with pending applications as of November 1, 2023, must update their salary offers to meet the new requirement. This means even if you applied before the rule changed, you still need to meet the new threshold.

Where Can You Find More Information?

For the most up-to-date and official information on work permits, salary thresholds, and application forms, visit the Swedish Migration Agency’s official website.

You can also check salary data and other statistics on the Statistics Sweden (SCB) website.

Practical Tips for Applicants and Employers

• Double-check salary offers: Make sure all job offers for foreign workers meet the new threshold.
• Update contracts: If you have a pending application, ask your employer to update your contract if needed.
• Plan ahead: Employers should review their hiring plans and budgets to account for the higher salary requirement.
• Stay informed: Watch for updates from the Swedish Migration Agency about possible future changes.

Conclusion: What This Means for Sweden’s Immigration System

The new work permit salary threshold in Sweden 🇸🇪, effective from November 1, 2023, is a big change for both foreign workers and employers. By setting the minimum salary at SEK 27,360 per month, Sweden 🇸🇪 aims to make sure foreign workers are paid fairly and that the country’s labor market stays strong.

While some jobs may no longer qualify for work permits under the new rule, the change supports fair pay and helps Sweden 🇸🇪 attract skilled workers. Both employers and workers need to understand the new requirements and make sure they follow the rules to avoid problems with applications or renewals.

For more details, always check the Swedish Migration Agency’s official website and trusted sources like VisaVerge.com for updates and expert analysis.

By staying informed and prepared, foreign workers and employers can continue to benefit from Sweden’s open and dynamic labor market.

Learn Today

Work Permit → Official authorization allowing a foreign national to legally work in Sweden for a specified employer.
Salary Threshold → The minimum monthly salary required for work permit approval set by government regulation.
ICT Permit → Intra-Corporate Transfer permit for employees relocated within their company to Sweden, with separate salary rules.
EU Blue Card → A special residence permit for highly skilled non-EU workers with distinct salary and eligibility standards.
Median Salary → The middle wage value in Sweden’s salary distribution, used as a fair benchmark for thresholds.

This Article in a Nutshell

From November 1, 2023, Sweden requires a minimum monthly salary of SEK 27,360 for most work permits, reflecting fair wages and economic growth. Exceptions include ICT Permits and EU Blue Cards. This adjustment affects new, renewal, and pending applications, influencing both foreign workers and employers across Sweden.
— By VisaVerge.com