Sweden’s Work Permit Salary Threshold Increase in 2025

Introduction to Sweden’s Work Permit Changes

Starting June 17, 2025, Sweden will implement a significant update to its work permit salary requirements, impacting foreign nationals seeking to work in the country. The minimum monthly salary threshold for work permit applicants will rise to SEK 29,680, aligning with 80% of Sweden’s updated median wage of SEK 37,100. This change, announced by the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket), aims to ensure fair compensation for foreign workers and maintain balance in the Swedish labor market. If you’re planning to apply for a Swedish work permit (arbetstillstånd), understanding these new rules is essential for compliance and a smooth application process.

What Is the New Salary Threshold?

As of June 17, 2025, all new work permit applications must meet a minimum monthly salary of SEK 29,680. This is an increase from the previous threshold of SEK 28,480, reflecting Sweden’s updated median wage published by Statistics Sweden (SCB). The new requirement applies to both full-time and part-time positions, ensuring that salaries align with Swedish standards and prevent wage dumping. Applications submitted before June 17, 2025, will be processed under the old threshold of SEK 28,480, providing a brief window for applicants to act under the current rules.

For more details on the salary requirement, visit the official Swedish Migration Agency website: Increased Maintenance Requirement for Work Permits.

Who Is Affected by the Salary Threshold Increase?

The new salary threshold affects most foreign nationals applying for a Swedish work permit, particularly those from outside the EU/EEA. However, certain groups are exempt from this requirement, including:

• EU/EEA citizens and their family members exercising freedom of movement.
• Seasonal workers and those under the EU Blue Card scheme.
• Researchers and certain highly skilled professionals.
• Applicants switching from asylum to work permits, who must now meet the higher salary threshold.

Employers hiring foreign talent (arbetskraftsinvandring) must ensure job offers meet or exceed the new salary threshold to avoid application delays or rejections. The Swedish Migration Agency is also exploring exemptions for occupations facing labor shortages, with proposals due by August 1, 2025.

Why Is Sweden Raising the Salary Threshold?

The increase in the work permit salary threshold is part of Sweden’s broader effort to regulate labor immigration (arbetskraftsinvandring) and ensure fair wages. By tying the threshold to 80% of the median wage, the government aims to:

• Protect foreign workers from exploitation through fair compensation.
• Align salaries with Swedish labor market standards.
• Reduce wage dumping, where employers offer below-market wages to foreign workers.

This adjustment reflects annual updates to the median salary by Statistics Sweden (SCB), ensuring the threshold remains relevant to current economic conditions. For official statistics, visit: Statistics Sweden – Median Salary.

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How to Comply with the New Work Permit Rules

To meet the new försörjningskrav (maintenance requirement), employers and applicants should take the following steps:

1. Review Salary Offers: Ensure the job offer provides a minimum monthly salary of SEK 29,680 for applications submitted on or after June 17, 2025.
2. Verify Industry Standards: Salaries must also comply with collective agreements or industry norms, as required by the Swedish Migration Agency.
3. Submit Documentation: Provide proof of salary, such as an employment contract, to avoid delays in processing.
4. Monitor Exemptions: Stay updated on potential exemptions for shortage occupations, expected to be announced by August 1, 2025.

For a step-by-step guide on applying for a work permit, check the Swedish Migration Agency’s official guide: Apply for a Work Permit.

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How Jobbatical Can Help with Sweden’s Work Permit Process

Navigating Sweden’s work permit process, especially with the new salary threshold of SEK 29,680 effective June 17, 2025, can be complex. Jobbatical, a leading visa and immigration services provider, simplifies global mobility for businesses hiring international talent. With over 15,000 successful relocations across Europe, Jobbatical offers tailored solutions to ensure compliance with Sweden’s arbetskraftsinvandring requirements. Here’s how Jobbatical can assist:

• Streamlined Visa Applications: Jobbatical combines smart automation with expert immigration support to handle work permit applications efficiently, ensuring salaries meet the new försörjningskrav of SEK 29,680.
• Real-Time Tracking: Their global mobility platform provides full visibility over every step, from visa applications to permit renewals, with clear timelines and real-time updates for employers and employees.
• Compliance Assurance: Jobbatical’s automated compliance checks and renewal tracking keep you ahead of deadlines and legal changes, such as the upcoming salary threshold increase or potential exemptions for shortage occupations.
• Time and Cost Savings: Tools like automated immigration assessments and secure document management reduce manual work, saving HR teams hours on repetitive tasks.
• Expert Support: Jobbatical’s immigration experts guide businesses through Migrationsverket’s requirements, ensuring a smooth, fully supported experience for international hires and their families.

Whether you’re an employer hiring foreign talent or an HR professional managing relocations, Jobbatical provides peace of mind, cost reductions, and guaranteed compliance with Sweden’s work permit regulations. Talk to us today to learn more about how we can assist.

Impact on Employers and Foreign Workers

The salary threshold increase may affect hiring strategies, particularly for roles near the minimum salary level. Employers in sectors like healthcare, IT, and agriculture should review compensation packages to ensure compliance. Foreign workers in low-wage roles, such as service or care positions, may face challenges meeting the new threshold, potentially leading to higher rejection rates for work permit applications. The Swedish Migration Agency reported an 8% increase in rejections after the previous threshold hike in November 2023, with cleaners and hospitality workers most affected.

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Future Proposals and Exemptions

The Swedish government is considering further changes to work permit policies, including a potential increase to 100% of the median salary (currently SEK 37,100) by June 1, 2025. A one-year grace period for renewals may apply until June 1, 2026, allowing existing permit holders to adjust to the new rules. Additionally, the Migration Agency is reviewing exemptions for occupations with labor shortages, such as in healthcare and IT, with announcements expected by August 1, 2025. Stay informed by checking updates on the Swedish Migration Agency’s website: Migrationsverket News.

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Conclusion

Sweden’s work permit salary threshold increase to SEK 29,680 starting June 17, 2025, reflects the country’s commitment to fair wages and a balanced labor market. Employers and foreign workers must prepare for this change by reviewing job offers and staying updated on potential exemptions. By aligning with the new försörjningskrav and following Migrationsverket’s guidelines, applicants can navigate the work permit process successfully. For the latest information, visit the Swedish Migration Agency’s official website or consult an immigration professional.