STOCKHOLM — Sweden has introduced stricter requirements for work permits, raising the minimum salary threshold to align with the country’s median wage.

Starting 1 June 2026, applicants must earn at least 90% of Sweden’s median monthly salary to qualify for a work permit. This marks an increase from the previous requirement of 80%, raising the threshold from SEK 29,680 to SEK 33,390.

Applicants must meet or exceed this level for their applications to be approved.

The change reflects a broader shift in Sweden’s migration policy, aimed at prioritising higher-skilled labour and reducing lower-wage labour immigration.

Authorities say the new threshold is intended to ensure that foreign workers can support themselves and are employed under conditions comparable to the domestic labour market.

exemptions and exceptions

Not all applicants will be affected in the same way.

Individuals with residence rights under EU free movement rules are not subject to Sweden’s work permit system and therefore fall outside the salary threshold entirely.

This includes EU/EEA citizens and eligible family members, who may live and work in Sweden provided the EU citizen is working, self-employed, studying with sufficient resources, or otherwise self-sufficient.

Within the work permit system itself, the government has released exemptions for certain occupations facing persistent labour shortages.

The list includes roles such as care assistants, assistant nurses, truck drivers, construction workers, electricians, university graduates, Ukrainians under TPD, and several healthcare and technical professions.

While these occupations may be exempt from the full salary threshold, they are still expected to meet a lower minimum salary requirement of around 75% of the median wage.

Officials say these exemptions are intended to ensure that essential sectors continue to function despite stricter overall immigration rules.

EU blue card changes

At the same time, updated EU Blue Card rules introduce more flexible pathways for highly qualified workers.

These include adjusted salary thresholds relative to the general work permit system, shorter qualification requirements, and increased flexibility to change employers or apply from within Sweden under certain conditions.

Further reforms expected in 2026 may extend permit durations and increase labour mobility for highly skilled migrants.

Employers and applicants are advised to carefully review salary levels before submitting applications, as failure to meet the updated threshold will result in rejection.